When we think of the spring season, tons of pleasant things come to mind: warmer weather, blooming flowers and longer days, to name a few. On the flip side, though, the spring also brings one of the most dreaded times of the year for so many: allergy season. If you’re used to the sniffling, sneezing and itching associated with the pollen-filled spring season, you likely have a regimen of antihistamines and eye drops to keep you feeling good. But have you ever considered adjusting your skin-care routine to account for allergy season?
If you suffer from sensitive skin, seasonal allergies or both, the spring can be troublesome for your complexion. Whether adjusting to the stronger UV rays or avoiding potential irritants, allergy-friendly skin care is essential for keeping your skin as healthy and radiant as possible during the congested, tickly, sneezy months. Ahead, skin-care experts dish the deets on all things allergy-friendly skin care.
Featured Experts
How do seasonal allergies affect the skin?
Though we usually associate seasonal allergies with symptoms more related to a bad cold, our experts affirm that the changing seasons can impact the skin, too. “Seasonal allergies may lead to dry skin, itchiness or in some cases, rash,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “Ultimately, you should follow the same path you would if your skin barrier is damaged—if you’re experiencing a flare-up, cut everything out of your regimen except the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.” Dr. Joel Schlessinger agrees, noting that spring is a great time to go back to a simplistic routine to spare your skin any additional allergy-related suffering.
“For those with seasonal allergies, it is important to keep the skin barrier intact and the skin well-moisturized to minimize the potential for skin irritation and sensitivity,” adds Dr. Garshick. “In general, opting for products that are gentle on the skin, boost moisture, support the skin barrier and minimize common irritants such as parabens and fragrance.” In addition to heavily fragranced products, Peterson recommends avoiding alcohol-based products, retinoids and strong acids if your skin is sensitive during the spring allergy months.
The Best Allergy-Friendly Skin-Care Products for Spring
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“Glycerin is a humectant that draws water to skin from the environment around you,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “It’s a very hydrating ingredient and great for all skin types. The Toleriane collection from La-Roche Posay utilizes glycerin with other soothing ingredients to keep sensitive skin hydrated while maintaining skin barrier health.”
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Pocket-sized and easy to take on the go, FixMySkin’s healing balm is a must-have purse essential for spring. “I formulated this balm to improve dryness, itchiness and flakiness while relieving allergic reactions,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “It can be used anywhere on the face, hands and body, making it convenient for any number of concerns from allergies to bug bites.”
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“Hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient for maintaining moisture balance without being harsh,” says Peterson, which is what makes ALASTIN’s HA Immerse Serum a go-to for the spring season. “It naturally increases its own high-molecular hyaluronic acid production for long-term skin plumping, anti-aging and hydration benefits and is great for sensitivity.”
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Speaking of returning to your skin-care roots for the spring, Dr. Garshick highlights Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream as a go-to for allergy-prone skin as it helps minimize potential irritants and keep skin calm.
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If your skin is already in peril, Dr. Garshick recommends Pharmaceris’ CAPINON night cream to help minimize the redness associated with heightened skin sensitivity.
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From post-procedure redness to diaper rash, sunburn and more, there’s pretty much nothing Avène’s Cicalfate+ can’t do (it has a whopping 45 clinical indications), so it’s no surprise it also made Dr. Garshick’s list of allergy-friendly skin-care products.
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“Avene’s Thermal Spring Water comes from an aquifer in France that has water that is subterranean and has not been contaminated ever by pollution, chemicals or radiation,” begins Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “It’s rich in minerals, amino acids and lipopolysaccharides that provide balancing and restorative benefits to the skin barrier. This water is found in all their products, but the XeraCalm collection specifically benefits itchy, dry, irritation-prone skin. This cleanser is gentle and nourishes while restoring the skin barrier, and can be used on the entire body, including the scalp, face and body.”
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Collodial oatmeal is the superstar ingredient in Epionce’s Renewal Calming Cream, and as Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Colloidal oatmeal helps tame irritation while fortifying the skin barrier, calming and hydrating skin. This clinically proven formula helps relieve itchiness, redness, dryness and scaling skin, and can be used on the face and body, so multiple products aren’t needed to address similar symptoms.”
