By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
This spring will be a time to take extra care of your skin as the worst case of the yellow dust syndrome is to hit Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration says the dust will be thicker and will occur more regularly.
The yellow dust does not affect only your respiratory organs an eyes, but also your skin. The minute particles can get into the pores of the skin and cause skin trouble, dermatologist Kim Ji-suk said.
Considering that one cannot avoid going outside, one has to find the most effective way to minimize the dust's damaging effects. Kim and another dermatologist Lee Sang-hun gave the following advice.
After being outdoors, be sure to wash your hands and feet. Use cleanser and warm water to wash away the small particles.
Also, brush your teeth more often. Brushing helps take away the dust on your teeth.
Rinse the inside of your nose with saline solution. Do the same with the eyes.
Those who have respiratory problems make sure you wear a mask. Many types of masks are available at pharmacies. These masks are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which recently said they would only approve of such masks with yellow dust prevention filters.
Also available are small filters that can be used in your nose when going outdoors.
Use more sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun. Also, do not use hair products as the dust can stick to the product.
Refrain from using contact lenses. They can dry out your eyes and dust particles may get trapped in the lenses.
Drink more water. Chamomile or green tea helps to sooth the body. Use generous amounts of moisturizing lotion on the face and body.