As the temperatures warm up, 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 visit 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 a swollen eye 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 is too irritating for your skin, 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 purpose of the skin barrier is to protect against environmental influences like pollen, but it can’t do that job very well if it’s not cared for properly. Get good sleep and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer—in the warmer months, we recommend the Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream—as allergies can also cause dryness. And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen! Our SPF Guards Up protects against UV rays, pollution, and blue light damage.
