Combatting Seasonal Allergies In Aesthetics Maintaining Radiant Skin and a Fresh Look
- Thaysia Bradburn
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
Ah, spring! The season of flowers, sunshine, and let’s not forget: pollen. Lots and lots of pollen! While you may be enjoying the extra daylight and the scent of blooming flowers, seasonal allergies can feel like an unwelcome guest at the party—one that insists on sneezing, rubbing your eyes, and leaving you with puffy bags.
But don’t worry, just because your nose is dripping like a leaky faucet doesn’t mean your beauty routine has to go down the drain! With a little extra care, you can keep your aesthetic intact while battling the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Here’s how to look your best while your immune system wages war.
1. Hydrate and Soothe with the Right Moisturizer
Allergies often leave skin feeling like the Sahara Desert. If you’re sneezing, constantly wiping your nose, and rubbing your eyes more than usual, your skin is probably irritated, inflamed & possibly even red.
Hydration is key: Opt for a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer that helps lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to keep your skin plump and hydrated. If your skin feels like it’s going to crack under the pressure, an aloe-based product can provide that calming relief you’re craving.
Avoid harsh ingredients: This is not the time for exfoliants that could make your skin feel like you just went through a sandblasting session. Stick to gentle, hydrating products that love your skin back.
Try a hydrating mist: If your skin is prone to drying out throughout the day, opt for a hydrating mist to carry with you for a midday refresher! The mist is typically light enough that you can apply it multiple times throughout the day. It just may be the “pick-me-up” your skin needs to avoid any irritation/redness that may accumulate throughout the day.
2. Combat Puffiness with Cold Compresses
When allergies attack, your eyes often look like you’ve just completed an all-night Netflix binge. Red, swollen, and as tired as you feel. But don’t let those bags define you!
Cold compresses: No, it’s not just an excuse to nap with ice packs on your face (though we can’t blame you for trying). A cold compress, whether it’s a chilled washcloth or an eye mask you keep in the fridge, will help reduce puffiness in just 10-15 minutes.
Caffeine-infused eye creams: Yes, your morning cup of coffee isn’t the only thing that can wake you up. Eye creams with caffeine can help constrict those blood vessels and make your eyes look a little less "I’ve been crying over my to-do list all day." An extra tip is to keep your eye cream refrigerated as a two-on-one! My current favorite eye cream is the Growth Factor Eye Serum from ZO Skin Health! It comes w/ a silver tip that already provides a cooling sensation. Coupling that with keeping it in my fridge is a match made in Heaven! I’ll link it below just in case you’re on the market for a new favorite product!
3. Stay on Top of Your Allergy Medication
Sure, you love your skincare products, but let’s be honest: without your allergy meds, none of your beauty efforts stand a chance. If you want to avoid turning into a walking tissue box, it’s time to get serious about your allergy medication.
Start early: If you know allergy season is coming (and you’re not the type who enjoys surprise sneeze attacks), start your medication regimen early. Like, a week or two before the first tree in bloom thinks it’s a good time to release its pollen. Consistent use helps keep the symptoms at bay, meaning fewer embarrassing moments where you’re wiping your nose on your sleeve mid-conversation.
Switch it up: if you’ve had the same allergy meds/routine for years, you may want to think about switching it up! Maybe instead of just tablets, you add in a nasal spray. Maybe you don’t like daily supplements, so maybe it’s time to ask your physician about allergy injections.
4. Opt for Non-Comedogenic Makeup (So You Don’t Look Like You’re Wearing a Mask of Allergies)
When allergies hit, it’s tempting to pile on makeup to cover up the redness and puffiness. But layering on heavy foundation is like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe. It’s not going to help, and your skin will probably hate you for it.
Go non-comedogenic: Choose makeup that’s labeled "non-comedogenic," meaning it won’t clog pores. You’re already fighting allergens in the air, so the last thing you need is makeup causing breakouts and making you feel like a pizza face.
Light coverage: You don’t need a thick mask of foundation. Go for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer that offers hydration and light coverage. Your skin will look natural, and you’ll still have time to sneeze without worrying about your makeup flying off in the process. Tinted sunscreens are also an amazing option for the Spring weather! No one can beat coverage plus protection! Here are a few options for tinted SPFs that I love!
5. Keep Your Skin Clean and Clear
Seasonal allergies often come with the urge to touch your face more than usual, and every time you do, you’re transferring allergens and bacteria. This can lead to breakouts, which is the last thing you want when you’re already dealing with a sneezing fit.
Double cleanse: Take the time to properly clean your skin at the end of each day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, pollen, and other allergens, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to wash away any lingering dirt.
Gentle exfoliation: If your skin feels rough or bumpy from seasonal irritants, a mild exfoliant will do the trick. But avoid scrubbing your face like you're trying to remove permanent marker. Gentle is the name of the game.
6. Chose the Right Treatments
Winter just ended and you may be looking to spruce your skin up a bit! It’s really important that you choose the most suitable treatments that will nourish your skin.
Hydrate and protect: Opt for more hydrating services that’ll soothe the skin. Now may be the time to pause on any corrective treatments that may disrupt the skin barrier. Save the lasers and MicroNeedling for the next fall/winter season! A HydraFacial would be an amazing option! It’ll help gently exfoliate any dead skin leftover from the dry winter but will also infuse some hydrating products to leave the skin soft & supple! If you’ve never received or even heard of a HydraFacial, here’s a clip of what to expect!
Skip the injectables (for now): I know, I know! Everyone is looking to get “summer ready” during the spring months. However! Now may not be the time to start your injectable journey, at least for fillers. Since your immune system is on hyper alert because of allergens, it’s in extreme attack mode! Any foreign objects entering your body are subject to that attack! Extreme swelling is a huge risk when thinking of adding any filler to your facial structure. Let’s maybe rethink this in a few months when we have that coughing, sneezing, runny nose under control!
7. Mind Your Diet
Eating well can be a lifesaver for both your allergies and your skin. Certain foods may worsen inflammation, while others can help ease it.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. salmon and chia seeds) and antioxidant-rich foods (i.e. berries and leafy greens). These can help reduce overall inflammation in your body, including that annoying inflammation in your skin.
Stay away from potential allergens: Some foods, like apples and peaches, might cause a reaction if you’re already allergic to pollen. So if you start feeling like your skin has suddenly decided to break out in hives, you might want to reconsider that fruit salad.
8. Keep Your Environment Allergen-Free (No, You Can’t Hide From Pollen, But You Can Try)
Your home can be like a haven for allergens if you’re not careful. From pet dander to mold, it’s easy to accumulate pollen without realizing it.
Air purifiers: Investing in a good air purifier is like giving your home a first-class ticket out of Allergyville. A HEPA filter can help capture those pesky allergens, making your space much more breathable (and your skin much more grateful).
Regular cleaning: It’s time to break out the vacuum and give your home a little TLC. Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner, wash your bedding regularly, and give your curtains a good shake to make sure allergens aren’t throwing a party in your home.
Conclusion
While seasonal allergies may try to sabotage your aesthetic, don’t let them win. With the right skincare routine, a solid allergy medication plan, and a few simple adjustments to your environment, you can keep looking your best without letting pollen and sneezes get the best of you. Because if you can survive allergy season, you can survive anything—especially when your skin’s looking fabulous!
Remember, you’re not in this alone!
For additional help, do not hesitate to reach out to your local professionals! Your guiding physician, dermatologist or skincare specialist at your favorite medspa (like Rêvée) are always here to help. Let’s tackle this spring together & look great doing it!
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