It’s always nice to transition from winter into the warmer, lighter days of spring, but the change in climate can be problematic if you suffer with allergies. Trees and plants start producing pollen from as early as February while grass and crops can release allergy-creating pollen until late August. The result? A range of unpleasant symptoms including itching eyes, a scratchy throat and runny nose.
The good news is that antihistamines, nose sprays and eye drops can usually help to ease the major symptoms in your sinuses, but you can also take extra precautions such as washing your clothes regularly and keeping your windows shut when you sleep at night. This will minimise the amount of pollen that can become physically attached to you and make your symptoms last longer.
You may also find that during allergy season you experience extra sensitivity in your skin – from itchiness, eczema, redness and a feeling of tightness. This is because allergens weaken the skin’s barrier function and stop it from holding onto moisture as effectively. But what can you do to relieve skin sensitivity and prevent it from occurring in the first place?
Use products with minimalist formulas and gentle ingredients
When it feels like everything in your environment is irritating you, you don’t want to add any additional stress with your skincare. That’s why it’s really important that you stick to a simple routine with hypoallergenic products formulated with minimal yet soothing and calming ingredients.
What ingredients are suitable? Neurosensine, a dipeptide found naturally in the skin, is clinically proven to reduce any feelings of discomfort and is used in many allergy-friendly formulas. Additionally, the humectant glycerine will help to trap much-needed moisture back into the skin and deliver it to the deep layers of the dermis. Shea butter is also great for treating sensitivity as it’s both natural and nourishing – ideal when your skin is crying out for comfort.
You can also look for accreditation stamps such as The British Allergy Foundation’s UK seal of approval and ECARF’S allergy friendly quality testing. This proves that the product has gone through rigorous dermatological testing and is suitable for the needs of allergy-prone and sensitive skin.
Our recommended allergy-season skincare routine
The Cleanser
The Toleriane Derm Cleanser is a wipe-off milk that gently removes dirt and impurities without adding any further allergens to the skin. Its minimalist formula is simply enriched with glycerine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, so it makes a great option during allergy season. Use it to prevent a reaction or to help calm down a flare-up.
The Moisturiser
Toleriane Ultra Crème moisturiser is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity day after day with a minimalist, hypoallergenic formula that’s enriched with neurosensine, glycerine and shea butter. It's also enriched with our signature Thermal Spring Water that has softening, anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical properties. This gentle combination won’t add any further irritation to your skin but will provide instant comfort and moisture to areas of irritation.
The Eye Cream
If you experience itchy eyes during allergy season, you may touch them more than normal and make the skin around them dry and red. Toleriane’s Ultra Eye Contour cream is specifically formulated to relieve the irritation caused by allergies, eczema and hay fever and will reduce sensitivity day after day. Pat a small amount of the cream around the eye contour using your ring finger, after your usual serum and moisturiser.
The Moisturising Mist
When sensitivity and allergies strike, your skin may start to feel tight and dehydrated throughout the day. This is where a moisturising mist like Toleriane’s Ultra 8 Spray can help as it can be carried in your handbag and used whenever you need a top up of moisture and comfort. It can also help to keep the skin calm during long flights or heat waves.
