Skin Deep: Dr. Chris Tomassian On Protecting Your Skin During Wildfire Season

Wildfire season brings more than just smoky skies—it can wreak havoc on your skin. In this exclusive Q&A, Board-Certified Dermatologist and viral social media star Dr. Chris Tomassian (with over 2.7 million followers) shares expert tips on how to safeguard your skin from ash, smoke, and pollutants. Plus, learn about his inspiring pledge to support burn victims of the California wildfires. Let’s dive into how you can keep your skin healthy and resilient during one of the toughest times of the year. —Noa Nichol

Wildfire season has become a recurring concern for many regions. What are the key ways that ash, smoke, and pollutants from wildfires impact skin health?

Wildfire ash, smoke, and pollutants can be harsh on the skin due to their inflammatory and oxidative properties. These particles can clog pores, exacerbate skin sensitivities, and increase the risk of dryness, redness, and irritation. The airborne pollutants may also weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to harmful environmental factors.

Are there specific skin conditions or concerns that tend to worsen during wildfire season?

For individuals with existing conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, wildfire season can worsen symptoms due to increased inflammation and exposure to irritants. Smoke particles can exacerbate dryness and lead to flare-ups.

What steps can people take to protect their skin from harmful pollutants in the air during wildfire season?

To protect skin during wildfire season, it’s essential to limit exposure by staying indoors when air quality is poor. Start with protective clothing to prevent ash, smoke, and pollutants from getting on your skin. Next I recommend cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove all the dirt and pollutants that are blocking your pores and damaging your skin barrier. You can use a vitamin C serum in the morning to help collect free radicals from the pollutants and protect your skin as well. Invest in air purifiers to ensure that air quality in your home is clean and wont further any damage.

How do ash and smoke affect the efficacy of sunscreen and other protective skincare products?

Ash and smoke can irritate the skin and reduce the efficacy of sunscreen and other protective products by interfering with their ability to adhere to the skin. Pollutants may also contribute to the breakdown of sunscreen’s active ingredients, so it’s important to reapply sunscreen more frequently during wildfire season. It’s also wise to consider using physical sunscreen (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) as it may offer more reliable protection against pollutants and UV rays. Another option is to use internal sun protection products that contain polypodium and nicotinamide like SunPowder.

Are there any particular ingredients or types of skincare products you recommend incorporating into a routine to combat wildfire-related skin damage?

I recommend incorporating an antioxidant serum like vitamin C as well as hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lightweight moisturizer. Of course incorporate sunscreen daily as you’re not only getting UV damage through the day but also all the damage from the environmental pollutants.

Can you tell us more about your pledge to help burn victims of the California wildfires? What inspired you to take this initiative?

Living near the Eaton Canyon fire has been both humbling and emotionally challenging. While my family and I were fortunate to evacuate safely, we are deeply saddened by the devastation that many others have faced, particularly those who lost their homes and livelihoods. In the wake of this tragedy, we are incredibly grateful to the first responders, brave civilians, and all those who fought tirelessly to contain the fires. Their courage has truly inspired us to take action and support the community in any way we can.

As part of our commitment to giving back, I am offering free post-wound care therapies to first responders and civilians who have been affected by the fires. These individuals have shown exceptional bravery, and it is an honor to offer care during their healing process. We are dedicated to rebuilding this community and empowering those who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of such adversity. If you or someone you know could benefit from this care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tdcfirstresponder@gmail.com.

For individuals who experience skin irritation from wildfire smoke, what are the best ways to soothe and repair the skin?

For individuals experiencing skin irritation from wildfire smoke, the first step is cleanse your skin thoroughly then hydrate and calm the skin. Products with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or ceramides can help restore the skin barrier. For added relief, a soothing mask with ingredients like aloe vera may provide immediate comfort. For any acute burns, keep the area clean and apply petroleum based products like aquaphor or vaseline.

How do indoor pollutants caused by wildfires, such as smoke trapped in homes, impact skin health, and what can people do to mitigate these effects?

Indoor pollutants from trapped smoke can worsen skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions. To minimize these effects, it’s crucial to maintain good indoor air quality by using air purifiers with HEPA filters, keeping windows closed, and limiting the use of indoor pollutants such as candles or chemical cleaners. Additionally, maintaining proper hydration and using a barrier-boosting skincare routine will help protect the skin.

What role does hydration—both internally and externally—play in protecting skin during wildfire season?

Hydration plays a critical role in skin protection during wildfire season. From internal hydration to avoid dehydration especially if you’re enjoying the outdoors. Moreover, during wildfire season the humidity of the air is low leading to dry skin and a broken skin barrier. You should use a daily moisturizer no matter your skin type during this season.