Hay fever… anyone who suffers with it knows its symptoms go way beyond a runny nose and itchy eyes; it typically takes a toll on skin too. And, as one of the most common allergies which effects up to 49% of the UK’s population (according to Mintel), you and your sensitive skin are not alone.
This year, here at Cult Beauty we’ve decided to flip the script on hay fever season and get ahead of allergy-prone skin. With that in mind, we caught up with Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, to understand everything from what allergy-prone skin actually is to the best skin care routine for hay fever season (and beyond)…
WHAT IS ALLERGY-PRONE SKIN
“A skin allergy occurs when an allergen causes an immune response in the skin – also known as an allergic skin condition. The most common skin allergies are atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling of the skin). These allergies are increasingly common, with the British Association of Dermatologists estimating that one in five of the UK population have a skin reaction to environmental allergens” explains Dr Deborah Lee. But how do you know if you have allergy-prone skin? “Skin that reddens easily, stings, swells or can get very dry can be symptoms of sensitive skin and in turn sensitive skin can be regarded as allergy-prone skin” Dr Deborah Lee adds.
HOW DOES HAY FEVER AFFECT OUR SKIN
Hay fever is an airborne allergen – meaning it can be inhaled or make direct contact with our skin causing a variety of complexion concerns. While hay fever typically arises from March to September when tree, grass and weed pollen is at its highest, other allergens such as dust come from inside the home, meaning there’s little respite periods. “When the skin comes into contact with an allergen – any specific substance the person is allergic to – the immune system recognises this as an invader. It reacts by releasing cytokines – cell messengers – which stimulate the production of IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach to special cells called mast cells causing them to release histamine, which stimulates inflammation” says Dr Deborah Lee. “This causes swelling of the skin.”
WHAT SKIN CONCERNS OCCUR WITH ALLERGY-PRONE SKIN DURING HAY FEVER SEASON
“Exposure to pollen can cause skin sensitivity – even in those who have not previously had typical hay fever symptoms in the past. When the skin comes into contact with the allergen, this can spark a reaction even if pollen has not been inhaled and other hay fever symptoms are absent. This exposure tends to cause redness, dryness, itchiness and dark puffy circles under the eyes” describes Dr Deborah Lee.
But that’s not all, “prolonged exposure to pollen also disrupts the protective skin barrier allowing allergens to enter the deeper layers of the skin more easily. This can also impair collagen production. As collagen is the most important connective tissue in the skin (which acts as scaffolding to all the other skin cells), when collagen production is reduced, this tends to make the skin lose volume and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.”
HOW TO ADAPT YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR ALLEGY-PRONE SKIN
So now we know the effects of hay fever has on our skin, what can we do about it? Being hyperaware of what we’re using on our complexion and how we’re using it is key. With that in mind Dr Deborah Lee shares her tips and tricks on how to switch up your skin care routine during allergy season.
HERO HYDRATION
Typically, your complexion becomes dry and irritated during hay fever season, which could cause it to become dehydrated and feel rough to touch. Therefore “staying hydrated is key. Use skin products that contain hyaluronic acid as this helps the skin retain water.”
AMP UP YOUR VITAMIN C INTAKE
“Vitamin C is needed for skin health as it is a co-factor for collagen production. Helping with water retention, it has powerful antioxidant effects. To ensure the vitamin C reaches your dermis more effectively, it’s best practice incorporate it into your routine in the form of a supplement.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER
As we know, those with allergies such as hay fever tend to suffer from sensitive skin. “This means the skin barrier function is weakened and it's all too easy for allergens and harsh chemical products to enter the deeper layers of the skin. Avoid using skin care or make up products that contain artificial colourings or fragrances, essential oils, or exfoliants such as retinol. Instead opt for products with gentle ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides or panthenol (provitamin B5). It’s best to always patch test a small area of skin the night before, before using any new product too.”
THE BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR ALLERGY-PRONE SKIN
- Start by removing any make up you may on. Take care when you remove eye make up as the eyes are often extra sensitive with allergic rhinitis. Using micellar water is helpful as it contains tiny oil particles which cling to dirt and debris and is gentle around the eyes.
- Wash your face with warm water and pat it dry gently.
- Cleanse your face gently morning and night to remove any traces of pollen, using a gentle hypoallergenic cleanser.
- Apply toner – this should also be hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Moisturise generously using products containing ceramides. Your moisturiser should be applied within a few minutes of washing, as the pores will still be open.
- Lastly, apply an SPF sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Avoid sunscreen that contains oxybenzone if you have sensitive skin, instead opt for sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
Now you’re all clued up on how to treat your skin during allergy-season, Dr Deborah Lee leaves us with a parting advice – to not forget about your hair care too. “Dandruff can also be worse in the hay fever season, so the same advice applies to shampoos, in terms of using hypoallergenic scalp treatments. For example, those containing the same ingredients – aloe vera, green tea, chamomile or oatmeal will be your best friend.”
All that’s left to do now is to get outside and enjoy the summer climes… Alexa, play ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by The Beatles.
SHOP ALL SENSITIVE SKIN CARE >>>
