by Melissa Federico, LE and Beauty Writer
California is having the worst fire season yet. Even if the flames are not blazing directly near you, the impact on the environment can be felt from hundreds of miles away. With the persistent pollution in the air, it is likely we’ll all start feel it too: flat hair, dry skin and it’s a little harder to breathe.
Besides doing the things we should all be doing to stay healthy on a daily basis, washing our hands, drinking water and taking extra vitamin C, here are 5 things that you can do to seek a little solace and breathe a little easier.
1. Personal Humidifier. A humidifier should be a wellness staple on every nightstand, and probably every room in the house with the current air quality and seasonal change. Hey Dewy Portable Humidifier is a simple and inexpensive way to moisten the air and help alleviate the issues associated with dry seasonal air. It will not only be your skin that feels the wonderful effects of this little device, it’s also great for dry nasal passages that can lead to random bloody noses and it helps the way you feel by making the air easier to breathe, “Using one can help make your skin, lips, nose, and throat not feel as dry.” says Dr. Emily Pennington, a Pulmonologist. Plug it into your laptop or carport, there’s literally no excuse to ever be without it.
2. Air Purifier. The air quality has been unhealthy for sensitive groups, making it best to stay inside. But what if that air inside isn’t any better? After a few days of recirculating the same air, it can become less than fresh and that’s when it’s time to consider bringing in some help. Trapping fine particles such as dust, mold spores and pet dander can help reduce the allergens and added ash in the air. The recirculated air gets purified and along with that portable humidifier, the whole family breathes better. We liked the sleek design and medical grade filtration of the Medify Air Purifier for bedrooms, offices and nurseries.
3. Antioxidant Serum. Dust particles are a burden for our complexion any day of the week, but the last couple of weeks it has been unavoidable. Anti-Pollution Drops By Dr. Barbara Sturm is the first thing that we turn to when it comes to effectively boosting radiance. As a serum it instantly absorbs into skin to deliver nourishing antioxidants that aid in the defense against free radical damage.
4. Detox Hair. As we mentioned above, pollution can kill a good complexion. However, the same oxidative stress that can dull your skin can also dull your hair. A great way to perk up limp locks is to remove build up at the scalp with a detoxifying scrub. We like the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub because its made with sugar, probiotics and coconut oil to cleanse your scalp and soften your strands. Ouai recently released a CBD oil infused scalp scrub and we are here for it!
5. Boost Collagen. Once you hit your 20s, collagen production begins to decline at a steady rate every year. Add in the unhealthy air quality and your skin and joints are pleading for a boost from the inside out. Collagen peptides are a great way to support skin hair, nails and bones. When sourcing a collagen supplement we recommend looking for biodiversity and Non-GMO varieties. Vital Proteins Marine Collagen is particularly great because it dissolves easily with no discernible taste. This is impressive for a powder and particularly so from one sourced from fish scales. But by opting for a fresh wild-caught Alaskan white fish, you avoid the antibiotics and hormones from farmed-raised animals.
We do not have much control over the horrible wildfires running rampant throughout the golden state or the amount of pollution that now plagues the air as a result. All we can do is reach out to family and friends, bypass any and ALL pyrotechnic gender reveals and add a few things into the mix to counteract the stress and environmental effects on our body.
Special thanks to Cal Fire Family, The Preader’s, for providing the image above. You can support the men and women risking their lives to combat these fires by donating to California Fire Foundation.