About the author:
Dr Coni Liu
Consultant Dermatologist, DermAlly
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Coni Liu is a Ministry of Health accredited specialist in dermatology. She practises general dermatology, dermatological surgery and aesthetic dermatology, with a special interest in women’s dermatology.
Source: This article expands on advice Dr Coni Liu gave in “Haze beauty survival guide: Do I have to change my skincare routine when air quality is bad?“, The Straits Times, 24 September 2026.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Individual skin needs vary.
Haze can dry out and irritate the skin, and may worsen eczema, rosacea and skin sensitivity. For most people, the answer is not a new routine but a simpler one that protects the skin barrier: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser with barrier-supporting ingredients, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Dr Coni Liu, dermatologist at DermAlly, shared this advice with The Straits Times on 24 September 2026, as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia pushed Singapore’s air quality into the unhealthy range on some days.
- Common effects of haze on skin: dryness, itching, redness and sensitivity
- People with sensitive or dry skin, eczema or rosacea tend to notice symptoms first
- Keep your routine simple: gentle cleanser, barrier-supporting moisturiser, sunscreen
- Helpful ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Avoid very hot showers and harsh scrubs
- Reducing exposure to haze is a key step for your skin
How does haze affect your skin?
Haze contains fine particulate matter, measured as PM2.5 and PM10, along with other pollutants. These disrupt the skin’s water barrier and allow moisture to escape, which commonly shows up as dryness, itching, redness, flaking or increased sensitivity.
The scalp receives the same exposure as the face, so it can also become dry, itchy or flaky during haze.
Some people notice breakouts or clogged pores. The link between pollution and acne is less clear than it is for some other inflammatory skin conditions, but particulate matter has been associated with increased oil production and inflammation in the skin, which can contribute to acne flares.
Over the longer term, exposure to particulate pollution has been linked in research to pigment spots and visible skin ageing.
Whose skin is most at risk during haze?
People with sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin, or an already compromised skin barrier, are likely to notice symptoms because their skin is less resilient to environmental irritants.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): the skin barrier is already disrupted, so pollutants and irritants can aggravate inflammation, leading to dryness, itching, and redness.
- Rosacea: prolonged exposure to poor air quality may worsen redness and irritation.
If you have eczema or rosacea, continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed, and see a doctor if a flare does not settle with your usual care.
What should your haze skincare routine look like?
The priority is to protect and support the skin barrier. A simple, gentle routine is enough:
- Cleanse gently. Use a mild cleanser that does not strip the skin, with lukewarm rather than very hot water.
- Moisturise with barrier-supporting ingredients. Look for ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. Ceramides are commonly used in the medical management of atopic dermatitis and dry skin.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose one with both UVA and UVB protection, every morning, even on hazy days.
Which ingredients help during haze?
Antioxidants can help counter the oxidative stress that pollution places on the skin.
“Ozone measurably depletes vitamin E from the skin surface, so replenishing it makes biochemical sense.” Dr Coni Liu, quoted in The Straits Times, 24 September 2026
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Vitamin E | Replenishes an antioxidant that ozone depletes from the skin surface |
| Vitamin C | Has a strong evidence base for preventing inflammation and reducing pigmentation |
| Niacinamide | Supports cellular energy production; shown to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and pigmentation |
| Ceramides | Help restore the skin’s lipid barrier |
| Glycerin | Draws water into the skin |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Helps the skin hold moisture |
Do you still need sunscreen on hazy days?
Yes. Hazy skies should not be mistaken for sun protection. Ultraviolet rays and pollution can compound their effects on the skin, so continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
What should you avoid?
- Very hot showers, which can worsen dryness and irritation
- Harsh scrubs and aggressive exfoliation, which can disrupt an already stressed barrier
- Relying on drinking water to clear your skin. Hydrating the body is good for health, but it will not flush pollution out of the skin.
How can you reduce your skin's exposure to haze?
Reducing exposure is a key step in protecting your skin during haze:
- Cut back on outdoor exercise when air quality is poor
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use air-conditioning or air filtration to improve indoor air quality
Check current air quality readings on the NEA haze website before heading out.
How should you care for your skin after the haze clears?
- If your skin feels normal: return to your usual skincare routine.
- If your skin still feels dry or irritated: stay with a gentle cleanser and a repairing moisturiser, and keep using sunscreen.
- Avoid “detox” treatments such as harsh scrubs or exfoliation. Overtreating the skin can cause further barrier disruption and irritation.
Return to your normal routine gradually, according to how your skin tolerates it.
When should you see a dermatologist?
Consider seeing a doctor if:
- A rash or acne persists after air quality improves, as there may be another trigger or an underlying skin condition
- An eczema flare does not respond to your usual treatment
- Your skin is broken, weeping, painful, or shows signs of infection
Book a consultation with Dr Coni Liu and DermAlly if you are seeing the effects from the haze.
Frequently asked questions
Does haze cause acne?
Haze may make breakouts or clogged pores more noticeable, but the link between pollution and acne is less clear than it is for some other inflammatory skin conditions. Keep your routine gentle and see a doctor if acne persists after the haze clears.
Can haze make eczema worse?
Yes. People with eczema already have a disrupted skin barrier, so pollutants and irritants in haze can aggravate inflammation and cause dryness, itching, and redness.
Do I need sunscreen when it is hazy?
Yes. Hazy skies do not protect you from ultraviolet rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection every day.
Will drinking more water flush haze pollution out of my skin?
No. Hydrating the body is good for health, but it will not flush pollution out of the skin. Focus on gentle cleansing, moisturising, and reducing exposure.
Should I go back to my usual skincare after the haze?
If your skin feels normal, yes. If it still feels dry or irritated, continue with a gentle cleanser, a repairing moisturiser and sunscreen, and return to your usual routine gradually.
Our articles are written and reviewed by Dr. Coni Liu (MRCS, FAMS), Dr. Heng Jun Khee (MRCP, FAMS), and Dr. Cheng Hui Mei (FAMS), Ministry of Health-accredited Consultant Dermatologists at DermAlly.
All three are Fellows of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology) and previously served as Consultants at the National Skin Centre (NSC), bringing extensive experience in medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. They are committed to making expert-led skin education accessible, practical, and clear, helping patients look and feel their best through evidence-based care rooted in science and compassion.
