How to Care for Your Skin Against Fine Dust, as Told by Imiseok Thema Dermatology

How to Care for Your Skin Against Fine Dust

Fine dust is generated during the combustion of fossil fuels such as factory smoke and vehicle exhaust, and it is made up of harmful substances such as sulfate, ammonia, heavy metals, and nitrate. Inside fine dust, there is also ultrafine dust with even smaller particles, and heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead gather into tiny particles that accumulate in pores and sweat glands, causing skin conditions such as acne.

The particles in fine dust are extremely small, about 1/5 the size of a pore. The main component of fine dust is a carbon compound called “polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,” which is a carcinogen. This substance sticks to the skin and penetrates into blood vessels, lymph vessels, and more, and the harmful substances in fine dust become tangled with sebum, blocking pores and causing inflammation or enlarged pores. Once pores have enlarged, it is very difficult to restore them, and it can also stretch the skin around the pores and accelerate skin aging. In addition, the heavy metals contained in fine dust are present in small amounts, but they can make the skin more sensitive and cause allergies, leading to dermatitis.

As such, fine dust can cause a variety of skin problems, so today let’s talk about how to protect your skin from it.

◆ How to care for your skin after going outside

Fine dust that sticks to the skin during daytime outings can clog pores and cause skin trouble, so when you come home after going out, it is best to wash your face right away. Before washing your face, first wash your hands thoroughly to remove any fine dust that may remain on them, and then begin cleansing.

Some people wash their face two or three times to remove fine dust, but this can actually damage the skin, so it is better to cleanse properly in one wash. Put a suitable amount of cleanser in your hands and create enough lather, then gently rub in circular motions starting from the nose, where sebum production is high. It is also better to use a slightly acidic cleanser or a product containing low-irritation, antibacterial ingredients. When washing your face, using cold water may cause pores to contract and make it difficult to cleanse thoroughly, so it is better to wash with lukewarm water at around 21°C.

What kind of cosmetics should you use on days with fine dust?

◆ The importance of sunscreen

You may think that there is less sunlight because fine dust pollutes the air, but ultraviolet rays can reduce the effect of suppressing reactive oxygen species and accelerate skin aging. Therefore, sunscreen is essential even on days with heavy fine dust, and recently products that block fine dust and products containing skin-soothing ingredients have been released, so using them can be helpful.

◆ Avoid using moisturizers and base products that are very sticky

If you use products that are sticky or oily, fine dust can adhere to the skin more easily. Therefore, when fine dust levels are high, it is better to use products that are not sticky and have low oil content, as well as products that create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent harmful substances in fine dust from touching the skin.

If you apply powder or foundation again after going out to touch up your makeup, it may drive harmful substances stuck to the skin deeper into the skin, so it is best to avoid doing so.

How should you do night care?

Skin that has been exposed to fine dust through going outside is in a sensitive and tired state, so rather than high-function products, it is better to use products that are less irritating even for sensitive skin and that help with moisturizing. Fine dust reduces squalene, a factor that helps moisturize the skin, causing damage to the skin barrier and making the skin dry. Therefore, to prevent skin damage, it is important to choose a low-irritation moisturizer suited to your skin type and balance the skin’s oil and moisture levels.

Using products that strengthen the skin barrier and enhance antioxidant functions can be helpful, and especially products containing antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide help protect the skin from reactive oxygen species generated by fine dust and are beneficial for skin health.

How can you protect your skin health in daily life?

The best way to protect your skin from fine dust is to avoid going out on days when fine dust levels are high. However, since it is not always possible to stay indoors, if you do go out, it is better to apply products that help block fine dust before leaving.

On the other hand, if you keep the windows closed and do not ventilate the room to block fine dust from entering, indoor air can become polluted and the concentration of fine dust may rise, so it is better to use an air purifier. Also, for smooth blood circulation, you should drink water often in daily life, and if the indoor air is dry, you should use a humidifier to prevent your skin from drying out. In addition, it is good to make a habit of washing your hands often and, as much as possible, avoiding touching your face with your hands.

Today, we looked at how to protect your skin from increasingly severe fine dust. Fine dust and ultraviolet rays are among the biggest enemies that accelerate skin aging, so we hope you will maintain your beauty through active care in everyday life. If you would like professional care such as treatment for skin conditions or skin management, please contact Imiseok Thema Dermatology.