By Dr Isabelle Yeoh | IYAC Aesthetic Clinic

When the haze returns to Singapore, most of us already know the basics. But there are a few things that are useful to know — especially when deciding whether to exercise outdoors, whether you need an N95, how to keep the air at home cleaner, and what to do when your skin starts feeling more dry, tight or sensitive.

Here are six things worth knowing.

 
1. Which air-quality reading should you look at?

This can be confusing because we have both the 1-hour PM2.5 reading and the 24-hour PSI.

An easy way to look at it:

• Heading out or exercising now?
  Check the 1-hour PM2.5 for a better indication of the current air quality.
• Planning for later today or tomorrow?
  Look at the 24-hour PSI and forecast.

This also explains why the air can sometimes look or smell hazy even when the 24-hour PSI doesn’t seem especially high. Air quality can change quite quickly, while the PSI reflects conditions over a longer period.

2. Can you still exercise?

Usually, yes — but it depends on the air quality, your health, how long you’ll be outside and how strenuous your exercise is.

The harder we exercise, the more air we breathe in, which also increases our exposure to airborne pollutants.

If the air quality isn’t good, you don’t necessarily have to skip your workout. Moving it indoors, shortening it or reducing the intensity are simple ways to reduce your exposure.

If you develop coughing, wheezing or unusual breathlessness, stop.

 

3. Is the air indoors actually cleaner?

It can be, especially if the windows and doors are closed when the outdoor air quality is poor.

Air-conditioning helps keep an enclosed room comfortable, but it is not the same as air purification.

If you use an air purifier, choose one with a HEPA or other high-efficiency filter that is suitable for the size of your room. Use it where you spend the most time, often the bedroom.

It’s also advisable to minimise other sources of indoor air pollution such as cigarette smoke, incense and scented candles while the windows are closed.

4. When do you actually need an N95?

For most healthy people, Singapore’s health guidelines do not recommend an N95 for short periods outdoors, such as travelling between home and work or school.

For healthy individuals who need to remain outdoors for several hours when the PSI is in the Hazardous range (above 300), a well-fitting N95 helps reduce exposure to fine particles.

Fit matters. The mask needs to fit snugly around the face to work properly.

Older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung conditions may need to take additional precautions, depending on the air quality and their individual health.

5. Feeling the haze in your eyes, nose or throat?

A few simple things can help to make you more comfortable:

For a dry or irritated nose, use a saline nasal spray.

For dry, gritty eyes, use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, switch to glasses for a while.

For a dry or scratchy throat, a warm salt-water gargle can be soothing. Dissolve about ½ teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of warm water, gargle then spit it out.

If haze tends to trigger your usual allergies, keep your usual antihistamines and, if you have asthma, your regular inhaler on hand.

If you’ve been exercising or perspiring heavily in Singapore’s heat, a sugar-free electrolyte drink is useful for replacing fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat. Otherwise, water is usually sufficient.

 

6. What about your skin?

Air pollution doesn’t only affect our respiratory system. Research suggests that particulate pollution can increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin and affect normal skin-barrier function.

This may be why some of us notice that our skin feels more dry, tight or sensitive or looks more dull and tired, when the haze is around.

One thing to watch is the temptation to exfoliate more because your skin looks dull.

If your skin is already feeling dry, tight or sensitive, do exfoliate less, not more.

Strong acids, scrubs and intensive exfoliation will further irritate an already stressed skin barrier.

Instead, keep your skincare gentle for a while. Cleanse gently, moisturise well and continue using sunscreen even when the sky is grey.

If your skin is becoming dry, tight or sensitive, temporarily stop stronger skincare actives such as retinol/retinoids, AHAs and BHAs (salicylic acid), exfoliating acids and scrubs until your skin feels comfortable again. Focus instead on hydration, soothing the skin and strengthening the skin barrier.

For more on how to strengthen the skin barrier — including skincare and treatment options — read our guide: Skin Rescue: How To Heal and Protect Your Skin Barrier.

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A Few Useful Things to Have at Home

Depending on what tends to bother you during the haze, it can be useful to have:

• Saline nasal spray
• Lubricating eye drops
• Your usual antihistamines
• Regular asthma medication/inhalers
• Sugar-free electrolytes
• A good moisturiser
• A suitable air purifier
• A few N95 masks
   
  

Most of these are readily available from pharmacies, supermarkets and major electrical retailers.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Haze affects people differently, depending on the air quality, your health and how much time you spend outdoors.

See a doctor if you develop significant breathlessness, wheezing or worsening asthma, chest pain, a persistent or worsening cough, significant eye irritation or symptoms that don’t improve after reducing your exposure.

For the skin, seek medical advice if you develop significant redness, swelling, persistent itching or a rash, or if your skin symptoms continue to worsen despite simplifying your skincare and avoiding potential irritants.

If you have an existing heart or lung condition, seek medical advice earlier if your usual symptoms worsen.

Check Before You Head Out:

For what the air is like now, check the 1-hour PM2.5 reading.

For planning later today or tomorrow, check the 24-hour PSI and forecast.

The latest readings and health advisories are available from NEA and the myENV app.

The haze may be something we have learnt to live with in Singapore, but a few simple adjustments can make it easier on our eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin. Keep an eye on the air quality, and pay attention to how your body and skin are responding.

Hopefully, these tips will help you stay more comfortable and well until the skies clear again.

References

• Ministry of Health Singapore. Haze — Health Advisory for the General Public.
• National Environment Agency Singapore. Haze Situation Updates and Health Advisory.
• Parrado C, Mercado-Saenz S, Perez-Davo A, Gilaberte Y, Gonzalez S, Juarranz A. Environmental Air Pollutants Affecting Skin Functions with Systemic Implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(13):10502.