Vog Alert: How Volcanic Smog Affects Your Skin and How to Combat It
I woke up today to news that's, quite literally, in the air. PHILVOCS announced that since 12:30 PM, volcanic smog or 'vog' has been blanketing Taal Lake, making it the talk of the town – and not in a good way. This vog has been a constant presence since the first week of September, with an astounding average of 3,402 tonnes/day of SO2 being degassed from the Taal Volcano. Today, PHILVOCS measured 4,569 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission. It rose to 2,400 meters before drifting to the west-southwest. That's a lot of sulfur in our atmosphere! Even in Manila, if you look outside right now, you can see some of it.
As of 12:18 PM: Outside my window as I write this story
What Is Vog?
Vog is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and other gases emitted from a volcano interact with oxygen, atmospheric moisture, and sunlight. This interaction results in the formation of fine sulfate aerosol particles, which can contribute to the hazy appearance of vog.
It’s different from garden variety smog which we experience daily. Smog, which stands for "smoke" and "fog," typically arises from urban pollution, resulting from the combination of industrial emissions, car exhaust, and other pollutants with atmospheric conditions, leading to a hazy, often yellowish or brownish, cloud over cities.
Vog’s Effects On Skin
Our skin, being our body's first line of defense against environmental factors, is highly susceptible to the changes vog brings:
Irritation: Vog contains particles and gases that can lead to skin irritation, causing redness and itching. Those already dealing with sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, might find their symptoms aggravated.
Dryness: The sulfur compounds in vog are notorious for sapping our skin's natural oils, leading to heightened dryness.
Breakouts: Acne-prone individuals, take note. Vog can potentially heighten breakouts as its pollutants may clog pores and foster an environment for acne-causing bacteria.
Accelerated Aging: Prolonged exposure to pollutants, like those in vog, can expedite the skin's aging process due to oxidative stress. This can manifest as wrinkles, fine lines, and even hyperpigmentation.
How To Protect Our Skin From Vog
Enough of the gloom; let's talk solutions. Here are some ways to help your skin be more resilient against the vog.
Thorough Cleansing: Prioritize removing pollutants by cleansing your face and exposed skin daily. Always go for gentle yet effective cleansers, something that’s low pH ideally. You may also use physical exfoliants like gommage scrubs or cellulose scrubs, or just use a damp towel while cleansing to remove pollutants from the top layer of skin.
Moisturize Diligently: Restoring moisture to skin is paramount. Regularly apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, on your face and body.
Prioritize Sunscreen: UV radiation combined with vog? A daunting duo. Always ensure you're protected with broad-spectrum sunscreen, regardless of the weather. Just because it looks dark and cloudy outside it means we can skip sun protection! Sunscreen also helps to deal with oxidative stress caused by sulfur dioxide.
Limit Outdoor Activities: On particularly vog-heavy days, it might be best to stay indoors and reduce direct exposure. This is especially relevant for those who have sensitive skin. If you don’t need to go out, don’t go out.
Antioxidant-rich Skincare: Oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage, expedite signs of aging, and compromise the skin's overall health. Products rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, are essential in this defense. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, not only combats free radicals but also aids in brightening the complexion and promoting collagen production. Vitamin on the other hand provides deep hydration while synergistically working with vitamin C to strengthen the skin's barrier and reduce inflammation. Regularly incorporating these antioxidants into your skincare routine can bolster resilience against environmental damage, keeping the skin youthful, radiant, and healthy.
While the vog phenomenon is concerning, being informed and proactive can make all the difference for our skin's health. As always, if you notice persistent or worsening skin issues, consulting with a dermatologist is advised.
Stay informed and take care!
