5 Beauty Tips For Surviving The Haze

Malaysians know what it’s like to be engulfed in haze as it continues to be an annual problem, causing much disruption to our daily lives, besides having to live through the pollution which definitely affects our health. Our body takes a terrible beating surviving this hazy period, coping with environmental stress which declines our well-being. So we desperately need to find ways to beat the haze – especially when the API (Air Pollution Index) shoots up to an unhealthy level. Here are 5 tips on how to keep healthy and remain looking fabulous!

1. Do you know that UV exposure is stronger during the haze?

That’s because the haze traps UV rays in the atmosphere. It redistributes UV rays, scattering UV radiation over the sky. So if you’re standing out in a hazy day, you’ll be exposed to a lot more of harmful UV emission than those living in less smoggier locations. Therefore, you should use sunscreen lotion and makeup with SPF for overall protection. Why not try our Sunblock Spray SPF29? It contains Micronized Titanium Dioxide that protects you from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

2. Do you know that smoke particles carry free radicals that cause premature aging?

The smog increases production of free radicals in the skin and prolonged exposure damages cells in the body as pollutants rob your skin of its oxygen supply causing premature aging and wrinkle formation. To prevent this from happening, your best solution is to use powerful serums with antioxidants. It can help your skin strengthen and heal the damage inflicted by the toxins from the haze and the longer you use it in your skincare regime, the greater benefits you’ll reap.

3. Do you know that dust in the haze dries out the skin which leads to irritation?

Our skin, which is the most important barrier between environmental contamination and the body, would be overwhelmed in the haze – that those with no history of skin problems are also susceptible to skin disorders. To improve skin barrier function, you need to keep your skin moisturised at all times at least twice a day to prevent skin drying out and to reduce irritation. Get yourself a powerful skin moisturiser or better yet, our 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturiser will instantly hydrate your skin, holding up to 1000 times its weight in water and is proven to increase new cell development. It’s also advisable to frequently mask your face 3-4 times a week to achieve fresh, soft, supple skin. Beverly Wilshire’s latest Overnight Skin Balancing Hydrating Mask infuses tired skin with intense hydration that calms and soothes even the most sensitive skin.

4. Do you know that low immunity during haze causes you to fall ill frequently?

Practicing a healthy diet during hazy days is very essential to boost your immunity system, enabling your body to protect itself and battle free radicals. If you don’t want to suffer watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat, then you must consume healthy food. Try eating more foods packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. The best way to get sufficient antioxidant nutrients is by eating 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Less sugar intake is advisable during this period as it can cause you to be more tired than usual.

5. Do you know physical irritants in the haze causes discomfort to your scalp and lips?

Get rid of those particles that causes itchy scalp by washing your hair every day with mild shampoo and moisturise it with a mild conditioner to avoid split/dry ends. Air irritants can also cause your lips to chap and discolour so avoid strong-coloured lipsticks. The best is to use lip balm with Vitamin E or natural oils for optimum moisture. Although the 5 tips above are some ways to ensure healthy skin and hair when exposed to unhealthy air outdoors, you should practice other habits to reduce the effects of haze exposure such as:

• Stay indoors and keep your windows closed whenever possible
• Switch on air conditioning and air purifier to filter out pollutants
• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins absorbed through skin and lungs
• If you need to be outdoors, wear a good quality N95 mask that filters out finer pollutants in the air

Meanwhile as the haze situation hovers over the country indefinitely, you can apply the tips above to remain protected as best as you can and get visual updates on real-time air quality here.