How Do Springtime Allergies Affect Your Skin?

Spring is wonderful. Between the warmer weather, flowers blooming, and daylight savings, there are so many reasons to love this season — but we definitely don’t love the pollen that comes with it. It leaves your eyes watering and your nose running no matter how much you try to prevent it. But beyond those sneezes, pollen and allergies can also have an impact on your skin.

Allergens in the air lead to inflammation of your eyes, nose, and even on your skin. This leads to red and dry, itchy skin that isn’t so ready for makeup free days. And if you’re constantly blowing your nose and rubbing your eyes? Be prepared for raw, tired skin. Even if you’re not prone to seasonal allergies, you may see some of those effects on your arms, legs, and even your face.

So what can you do?

No matter how much your eyes itch, try to avoid rubbing them. The skin around your eyes is incredibly delicate, so rough movement can lead to skin stretching — that means dreaded bags, crows feet, and saggy skin. Using a wrinkle-preventing eye cream at night can help keep that delicate skin hydrated and resilient.

Make sure to apply a fragrance free, hydrating lotion both morning and night. By moisturizing your skin, you can counteract the flaking and redness that comes from springtime inflammation. Plus, avoiding fragrances eliminates additional irritation to your skin. eb5 Intense Moisture Skin Cream is the perfect barrier against outdoor irritants. 

Wear SPF daily. This one is a no brainer. We don’t need to tell you the adverse effects of sunburnt skin, but you may not know that burnt skin is especially susceptible to further irritation.

Take your allergy meds. Antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl reduce inflammation throughout your entire body, including your sinuses and skin. While these will only help in the short term, they can eliminate some of the potential side effects of allergies like dry or itchy skin.