Spring brings with it a world full of color and vitality. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and the air is charged with new energy. For all its beauty, spring also brings with it a less welcome guest: seasonal allergies. For allergy sufferers, spring brings with it symptoms, as the very things that symbolize the beauty of the season become sources of discomfort. Frequent sneezing and watery eyes can take their toll on skin, making it more reactive, irritated, red, or even swollen.
Why allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions occur when our immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or a specific ingredient in skin care products, as a threat. The body then goes into defense mode against what it perceives as an enemy, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and skin irritation. While the immune system’s goal is to protect us, in the case of allergies, it overreacts to substances that are not supposed to be dangerous.
This defense mechanism involves inflammation, a natural part of the immune response designed to help the body fight off invaders. Histamines, which are chemicals released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, play a key role in making blood vessels more permeable to allow other immune cells to enter the affected area. This results in the well-known symptoms of allergy, such as swelling and redness. Other substances such as cytokines and leukotrienes (pro-inflammatory) are also released, intensifying the reaction and leading to more severe symptoms.
The difference between an allergy and a sensitivity to cosmetic products.
Skin allergies triggered by cosmetics or personal care products are known as contact dermatitis. This type of allergic reaction occurs when the skin becomes irritated by a specific allergen present in these products. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from redness and itching to more severe reactions such as blistering and swelling. The specific allergen responsible for the reaction can differ greatly from person to person.
An allergic skin reaction is different from a skin sensitivity to cosmetic products. An allergic reaction is a response of the immune system and usually occurs quickly after contact with the allergen. In contrast, skin sensitivity is a condition in which the skin may react to certain ingredients, causing irritation, but does not involve the immune system. Sensitivity reactions can be gradual and result in dryness, itching, or burning, without the immediate and intense symptoms seen in allergies.
All Skin Diligent skincare products are dermatologist tested for skin sensitivity and are hypoallergenic, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. As individuals, we can potentially be allergic to anything and everything. That’s why it’s impossible to test skincare products to ensure they don’t cause allergies.
Manifestation of seasonal allergies on the skin
Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, impact the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. However, these allergies can also manifest themselves on the skin, causing a range of visible effects beyond respiratory issues. The skin can become more sensitive during allergy season, due to the body’s heightened sensitivity and overall allergic response. The link between skin reactions and the body’s overall allergic state lies in the immune system’s response to allergens. This systemic response can make the skin more prone to irritation and exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Frequent wiping or rubbing affected areas to relieve itching can also aggravate the skin, creating a vicious cycle of irritation and potential skin damage.
5 TIPS to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
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Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high and use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens.
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Take a shower before bed to remove pollen and other allergens from your skin and hair.
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Remove your shoes when you enter your home, taking care not to take them into your bedroom.
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Some people enjoy taking quercetin in supplement form. But check with a healthcare professional first to see if there are any contraindications if you are taking medications or have a medical condition.
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Practice meditation or breathing exercises as stress can make your allergic reaction worse.
What products should I use and avoid in skin care?
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Use hypoallergenic products.
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Use hyaluronic acid serums like Skin Diligent Cellular Hydration Serum.
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Use light moisturizers
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Use mineral sunscreens which are less irritating and less reactive with the skin.
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Avoid harsh exfoliants, such as strong acids and abrasives.
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Avoid Retinol
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Avoid alcohol-based products and strong astringents that dry out the skin.
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Avoid essential oils and products that contain known allergens such as linalool, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, coumarin, etc. (there are currently 26 reportable allergens, but this number will increase to 82 reportable allergens by 2025).
How to use Skin Diligent products:
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Use Triple Action Cleanser, a truly gentle cleanser with probiotics for all skin types.
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On slightly damp skin, apply the very soothing Cellular Hydration Serum for hydration, cellular health and regulation of the skin microbiome for better skin defense, with hyaluronic acid, magnesium, a vitamin D agonist and probiotics, for all skin types.
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Seal in moisture with our Vitamin C Serum in Oil, a super antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and premature skin aging at the cellular level, while restoring the health and quality of the skin barrier. This serum contains rare vitamin C in lipid form, which is more stable and more easily absorbed than ascorbic acid or other water-based vitamin C derivatives. It helps stimulate collagen and even out skin tone. Non-photosensitive.
If you have very reactive skin, you can mix 1 drop of Vitamin C Serum in Oil with a light moisturizer of your choice to apply to your face. You can then increase to 2 drops then 3 and even apply it directly to your skin eventually, as soon as the serum has started to improve the quality of the skin barrier. By mixing it with the cream, you slow down the diffusion of the active ingredients on the skin and reduce the reactivity of the skin.
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Take Skin & Biotics dietary supplement. Many studies link probiotics to a better immune system, less inflammation, and a healthier gut, which translates into fewer or less severe hay fever symptoms.
To purchase your hypoallergenic routine, here are the links:
- The Essential TRIO