Allergy season can be a challenging time for individuals with sensitive skin, as environmental allergens can exacerbate skin sensitivity, rendering you downright irritable. Sensitivity can occur on any part of the body, but it can be especially irritating around the eyes at this time of year. Our skin is thinner around the eye area and is more vulnerable to common skincare issues including dryness, redness and irritation during spring. Hayfever symptoms are burden enough, your complexion shouldn’t suffer too.
Here are some tips on how to relieve skin sensitivity during allergy season:
Avoid irritants
During allergy season, it’s best to avoid harsh skincare products that contain fragrances, alcohol, or other potential irritants. Stick to products specifically designed for sensitive skin or have serums or sprays on standby to provide a veil of comfort and protection on the skin to keep flare-ups at bay. Dermalogica’s entire ultracalming range has long been a favourite in the industry, while newcomers like Medik8’s Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil are specifically designed to take on modern ailments like harsh pollutants and irritants in our environment. But, like many with sensitive skin, less can be more, finding comfort is simple mists like Avene’s Eau Thermal Spring Water.
Sensitive swaps
Most of your much-loved beauty products have sensitive counterparts formulated to relieve symptoms of irritation, redness, and signs of sensitivity. These products are typically developed using naturally-derived ingredients and designed to hydrate and soften. If you wear contact lenses or stare at a screen all day, you may be more likely to feel irritable in your eye area. Brands like RevitaLash and Clinique have alternatives of their high-performers for this exact reason. Do your research, read through reviews, and – where you can – consult with brand representatives to find a solution that will work best for you.
Barrier protection
As a bare minimum, you can apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser to your skin after cleansing. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s barrier. or, you can take it one step further and introduce barrier-strengthening serum. Rich in omega 3 and 6 to help prevent water loss, Ren’s Evercalm™ Barrier Support Elixir leaves your complexion comfortable and healthy looking. By simply warming a few drops into your palms and gently pressing into your skin before moisturing, you can combat dryness and signs of sensitivity fast.
Careful cleansing
Opt for a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser to remove allergens from your skin without stripping it of essential oils. Avoid using hot water, as it can further dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for cleansing. We love Josh Rosbrook’s Complete Moisture Cleanse because it’s pH-balanced and rich in potent herbal actives, plant oils, and ethically sourced honey to clear dirt, impurities, make-up, and imbalanced oil for a moisturising, effective cleanse. It also has unique antioxidant and antibacterial botanical synergies help calm and renew sensitive skin while helping to preserve the skin’s protective acid mantle barrier.
Images: Supplied.
