As for the recent west coast forest fires, skin care isn’t (and shouldn’t) be high on the list. While it makes sense to think about skin health after exposure to such elements – air pollution affects your skin over time, and smoke can be a big part of that equation. Not to mention that air quality across the country was affected by the disasters – and not just a western state problem.

Smoke contains particulate matter, a type of air pollution small enough to get into your pores and cause free radical damage – which, as we know, ultimately leads to dull skin, uneven tone, and wrinkles. The soot and ash can also clog your pores and cause breakouts, says certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, founder of Sobel Skin. “If you have sensitive skin, are prone to acne or have a skin condition like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, smoke exposure can also cause these conditions to flare up,” he told mbg.

This will protect your skin from the increased exposure and will calm down any irritation caused by smoke afterwards. It’s not the only way you can focus on recovering mentally and physically from these disasters (nowhere near), but it’s something you can take into your own hands: