As temperatures rise, it’s natural to worry about allergy season. Allergy sufferers know that spring brings puffy eyes, dry, itchy skin, and constant redness from blowing your nose frequently.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s best to consult an allergist to find out what solution is best for you. Over-the-counter medications called antihistamines may be recommended to relieve your symptoms.
However, since allergies are often damaging to your skin (FYI: your skin care routine may be making these symptoms worse), there are steps you can take at home to relieve symptoms. Here are five tips to prevent spring allergies.
Soothe Yourself with a Hydrating Mask. Allergies can cause inflammation in the skin because excess histamine causes tissue to swell. We know that applying a cold compress to puffy eyes can reduce inflammation.
Reduce redness and puffiness (aka “face irritation”) with the Look Alive Hydrating Plumping Mask. Formulated with rosehip seed oil and aloe vera leaf juice, it naturally cools and refreshes the skin for immediate relief.
For enhanced soothing effects, you can store the mask in the skincare fridge until use. Bonus points if you apply with a jade roller, paying special attention to the affected area.
Lightens dark circles and eye bags. Dark circles and eye bags are caused by a variety of factors, not just lack of sleep but seasonal allergies as well.
Also known as “allergic dark circles,” dark circles occur when you have a stuffy nose (not just in the nose) and that causes blood to pool in the under-eye area. Lightens dark circles by improving circulation
Draining trapped fluid.
Coffee seed extract — included in the Holiday Eye Brightening Gel — boosts circulation and brightens the eye area. Tip: Enjoy an eye massage by tapping quickly with your fingertips from the inner corner of your eye to your temple. Or use a
Facial acupressure device. This makes it easier for fluid to drain.
Remove pollen with a gentle cleanser. Whether your skin is traditionally sensitive or not, allergies can cause your skin to be more easily irritated.
If you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, you may experience more breakouts than usual during the warmer months. If a peel or scrub irritates your skin too much, use it sparingly.
However, don’t forget to cleanse your skin thoroughly, especially after outdoor activities, and especially around the eyes, as pollen can cling to the skin.
Buy clean skincare products Because allergies can cause your skin to become more sensitive than usual, it’s more important than ever to avoid potential triggers. According to the FDA, fragrances and preservatives like parabens are the most common allergens found in cosmetics. Switch to clean, paraben-free skincare whenever possible, and look for fragrance-free products suitable for sensitive skin. This also applies to the ingredients you eat and drink—studies show that sugar and alcohol can weaken your immune system and make allergy symptoms worse. Strengthen your moisture barrier The best way to combat seasonal skincare allergies is to take defensive measures. The skin barrier is meant to protect against environmental influences like pollen, but it can’t do its job well if it’s not cared for properly. Get good sleep and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizer—in the warmer months, we recommend Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream—as allergies can also cause dryness. And of course, don’t forget sunscreen! Our SPF Guards Up protects against UV rays, pollution, and blue light damage.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
