Survive Wildfire Smoke Season in B.C.: Protect Your Health and Skin from the Inside Out
Moondust Cosmetics® has tips on a different kind of summer burn in this post on how to stay safe when the air turns against you.
Wildfire season is the shadow that now comes with each summer’s stretch of long golden days and endless outdoor beauty. Smoke from this year’s wildfires in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba has not only cloaked our skies—it has travelled across the country reaching as far as Europe. Here at home, many of us expect air quality advisories and thick, hazy skies. And the impact on our health—especially for women, children, elders, and anyone with chronic illness—is real.
At Moondust Cosmetics®, health begins with awareness and protection. So, let’s look at essential information on how wildfire smoke affects your body (and your skin) and what you can do to reduce the harm.
What’s in Wildfire Smoke, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Wildfire smoke is a toxic cocktail of gases, water vapour, and ultra-fine particles—the kind you can’t see but your body can definitely feel. These particles travel deep into your lungs and bloodstream, sparking inflammation that can worsen asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. These particles can include carcinogenic substances known as polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH), especially, benzo[a]pyrene, (BaP) that are also found in cigarette smoke and the indoor burning of biomass fuels and cause various cancers. BaP can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once inside, it can bind to DNA, potentially causing mutations that lead to cancer. It’s been linked to cancers of the lung, skin, and bladder, among others.
Even if you’re healthy, wildfire smoke can cause:
- Runny nose
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or shortness of breath
Prolonged or heavy exposure may also trigger dizziness, heart palpitations, and in some cases, serious respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Recent studies in British Columbia even link wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy to an increased risk of ear infections and lower respiratory illness in infants, along with lower birth weights.
Your Skin: The First Line of Defense
We often forget that our skin is our body’s largest organ—and the first to come into contact with environmental stressors. Wildfire smoke accelerates oxidative stress, breaking down collagen and worsening existing conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne.
- Increased airborne toxins can lead to:
- Premature aging
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dryness and irritation
- Impaired skin barrier function
Moondust’s formulations are designed with this in mind. They are developed by a cancer biologist to help support your skin’s natural recovery process—not only from UV rays but also from environmental pollutants like smoke.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Whether you’re staying indoors or cautiously stepping out, here are practical, science-backed steps to protect your health and your skin:
1. Breathe Easier Indoors
- Use a HEPA air purifier or DIY a box fan filter with furnace filters.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke intrusion.
- Run your HVAC system if equipped with a high-efficiency filter (check for MERV 13 or higher).
- Avoid burning candles or incense, which add to indoor air pollution.
2. Check Your Local Air Quality
- Use apps or websites like Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or IQAir to plan your day.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are high.
- Wear a KN95 mask when venturing outside.
3. Hydrate—Inside and Out
- Drink plenty of filtered water to support your body’s detox pathways.
- Use moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help your skin retain moisture.
- Look for skincare rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E to combat free radical damage.
4. Don’t Forget Your Face
Even if you choose to skip sun protection on smoky days (since you’re not getting direct UV exposure), it’s still essential to cleanse your face regularly. Smoke residue can cling to the skin and clog pores. A gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating serum or balm can go a long way.
5. Plan for Clean Air Breaks
If your home gets too smoky or hot, consider spending time in public spaces with clean air, like shopping malls, libraries, or community centres.
Schedule outdoor activities for early mornings when pollution levels are often lower.
A Gentle Reminder: This Too Shall Pass
Fire season is a reality of climate change, and its effects can feel overwhelming, especially for women juggling families, caregiving, and their health. At Moondust, we know that caring for your skin is part of caring for your whole self. And while we can’t control the fires, we can control how we prepare, respond, and recover.
Let your skincare be part of your wellness routine, not just a beauty ritual. When the air outside feels hostile, you deserve to feel safe, nourished, and protected—inside and out. LINK to appropriate videos
Stay safe. Stay aware. And remember: resilience is beautiful.
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