Despite the stay-at-home order, nature is still running its course and spring is finally here. While it’s nice to be outside again and enjoying the warm weather, we still need to be mindful of our health and wellness. Here’s how to manage seasonal allergies and your skin this season.
Seasonal Allergies and Your Skin: The Do’s
- If you want to keep your skin clear and your body healthy throughout the spring season, consider incorporating these foods and lifestyle habits into your daily routine.
- Apple cider vinegar is an immune system boosting drink that also works as a decongestant by thinning out mucus build up. Similarly, if you want to eat your way to health, hot and spicy foods work great for loosening mucus as well. Generally speaking, adding any probiotic-rich foods to your diet is a good idea because it will strengthen your immune system.
- The best way to go is clean and simple. Since spring is allergen high time for many people, a simple skincare routine free of fragrances is perfect. That does not mean you should be neglectful, though. You still need to moisturize your skin and face despite the warm weather.
- If you’re able to go outside without being uncomfortable, give your body and mental well being some much-deserved vitamin D, but be smart about it and don’t stay out in the sun unprotected. If you feel your allergies flare up when you walk outside, do your best to stay inside for the time being.
The Don’ts
- Try and avoid heavy makeup or anything that’ll clog your pores. Since our immune system is already weakened when allergies attack, the last thing we need is more dirt, bacteria, and grime clogged into our bodies. It’s okay to wear makeup, but try and make it light. Always remember to completely remove your makeup after the day is done, and never return to bed without washing your face.
- Steer clear of unwanted perfumes and fragrances. This includes washes, lotions, and other beauty products that contain fragrances harmful to the skin. Always opt for the “non-fragrance” or “unscented” option when it’s available to you. Household products like cleaners, laundry detergents, and dryer sheets may also contain allergy-inducing scents.
- If you’re thinking about dying your hair for the season change, be mindful of the products you are using. You may find you are sensitive to PPD (para-phenylenediamine), an ingredient typically mixed with peroxide in certain hair dyes.
- Always read the label before applying sunscreen and lotions. While most sunscreen products are safe to use, some lotions contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. This includes benzophenones, oxybenzone, salicylates, and PABA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple cider vinegar acts as an immune system booster and works as a natural decongestant by thinning mucus buildup, which can alleviate allergy symptoms. Incorporating it into your diet may help improve both your respiratory health and skin condition during allergy season.
A simple, fragrance-free skincare routine is best during spring when allergens are high. It’s important to moisturize your skin regularly, avoid heavy makeup that can clog pores, and always remove makeup thoroughly before bed to prevent irritation and breakouts.
Heavy makeup can clog pores and trap dirt and bacteria, which may worsen skin irritation when your immune system is already compromised by allergies. Light makeup is preferable, and it’s crucial to remove it completely at the end of the day to maintain healthy skin.
Avoid products containing fragrances, including perfumes, scented lotions, washes, and household items like cleaners and laundry detergents. These scents can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation, so opting for non-fragrance or unscented products is safer during allergy season.
Yes, be cautious of hair dyes containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. Always read product labels carefully and consider doing a patch test before applying hair dye to avoid adverse skin reactions.
When selecting sunscreens and lotions, avoid products containing benzophenones, oxybenzone, salicylates, and PABA, as these ingredients can cause allergic reactions. Opt for formulations labeled as safe for sensitive skin or allergy-prone individuals.
Yes, moderate sunlight exposure can provide your body with vitamin D, which supports mental well-being and overall health. However, it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure if your allergies worsen outdoors.
