Glo - March 2022

GLAM + STYLE | Self Care + Beauty

Seasonal Allergies & Your Skin By Holli Hattery

It’s no secret that with spring on the horizon, flowers are going to start blossoming, trees will start blooming, grass will start growing, and allergy season will be here. Seasonal allergies can be extremely annoying and inconvenient. A runny nose, sneezing, itching and watering eyes, and head congestion can interrupt sleep, causing daytime drowsiness and low productivity, and of course, just a general feeling of misery.

healthy and maintaining the protective barrier in place minimizes irritation,” he explains. Amy Ramos, a licensed esthetician at Belle Sante Med Spa, says that if you’re suffering from dry and itchy skin due to allergies, it’s best to use mild cleansers free from fragrances, dyes, and parabens. “Those will be very hard on your skin and make the redness worse,” she shares. She also advises to avoid exfoliating scrubs, retinol or retinoid products, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, until that dry, itchy, inflamed skin starts to heal.

There are other symptoms that can be caused by seasonal allergies, too, and occasionally these can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you have a skin condition, such as eczema. According to local dermatologist, Jeffrey Sassmannshausen with Three Rivers Dermatology, “The most common combination of symptoms seems to be itchy eyes and eczema of the face.” Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are also tell-tale signs of allergy sufferers. To help combat seasonal allergies and to protect your skin, Dr. Sassmannshausen recommends an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Claritin, Zyrtec, or Xyzal. “Each one works a bit differently,” he says, “so if one doesn’t seem to be working for you, try a different one.” Moisturizing is also incredibly important, especially if you are already prone to dry skin. “During dry seasons or sensitive times, keeping the skin 10

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If it’s been a few weeks and you aren’t seeing any improvement with over-the-counter remedies, it’s time to see your dermatologist. “If you tend to have regular seasonal itchy skin, see a dermatologist so that you can learn about proper skin protection, skin care and, if need be, prescription medications,” says Dr. Sassmannshausen. There are many things you can do to help avoid seasonal allergies and their effects on your skin. According to Ramos, something as simple as taking off your shoes at the front door can help prevent allergens spreading through your home. Also, make sure to wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water weekly and don’t go to bed with allergens in your hair or on your skin. “Showering after being outside can help keep those allergens off of your sheets and pillowcases in between washes,” she says. Also, as with anything else in life, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. a

Another suggestion is to try not to itch and rub your eyes or your dry skin. “As people scratch their eyes because they itch, they can drive an eczema around the eyes which can continue onto the face,” shares Dr. Sassmannshausen. “Once the skin gets itchy, it just likes to itch.”

Resources: Belle Sante Med Spa, Fort Wayne, 260.436.6900, bellesantemedspa.com Three Rivers Dermatology, 260.436.9696, threeriversdermatology.com