With the arrival of good weather, everything seems to bloom... including our skin's reactivity. If you notice your face is more sensitive than usual, it's no coincidence. Spring is a time when it's advisable to adapt your routine to protect your skin barrier against factors that might go unnoticed in other months.
Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, are usually associated with sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes. However, they can also manifest on the skin. Skin allergy is a condition with its own symptoms, especially common in sensitive, reactive skin or skin with an altered skin barrier.
Harvard Medical School explains that an allergy is an immune system reaction to something that would normally be harmless. When the body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine and other chemicals that trigger the inflammatory response responsible for the symptoms.
What is a skin allergy?
When an allergen, be it pollen, certain foods, medications, or a substance present in the environment, comes into contact with the skin, the immune system can identify it as a threat. This triggers a reaction that leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Histamine is a molecule present in cells whose function is regulatory. When a skin allergy manifests, it acts as part of the body's defense mechanism. To defend itself, the body releases histamine. The result? Blood vessels dilate and become more permeable, causing that uncomfortable inflammation, redness, and itching that we know as allergic symptoms.
Not all skin allergies manifest in the same way. Identifying what is happening is the first step to restoring skin balance.
Some of the most common types of skin allergies are:
- Hives (Urticaria). Characterized by the sudden appearance of reddish, raised, intensely itchy welts.
- Eczema. This is a condition that occurs when the skin barrier is impaired. The skin feels dry, tight, and easily reddened.
- Contact dermatitis. Occurs when the skin reacts after coming into contact with an irritating substance or an allergen (often associated with fragrances and metals present in cosmetics).
Symptoms of skin allergy
Skin reactions vary depending on the person, the allergen, and the degree of exposure. Even so, there are certain symptoms of skin allergy that recur quite frequently.
Redness
Redness appears when the skin takes on a reddish tone in the form of spots or diffuse areas. It can be localized, if it affects a specific area that has come into contact with the allergen, or more widespread, when the reaction manifests in different areas.
This symptom is directly related to vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels caused by histamine.
Itching
Itching, also known as pruritus, is one of the most bothersome sensations associated with skin allergy. Although scratching may offer momentary relief, it is not recommended, as it can further weaken the skin barrier and aggravate inflammation.
Furthermore, when the skin is already sensitized, itching is often accompanied by tightness, irritation, and a general feeling of discomfort.
Hives or wheals
Hives, clinically known as wheals, are inflamed bumps that usually appear along with itching or redness. They are generally not serious, but they can be very bothersome and sensitizing for the skin.
Their appearance can vary in size, shape or extent, and they are not always solely due to a skin allergy: they can also be related to stress, sudden changes in temperature or certain inflammatory processes.
Dryness or flaking
Dryness and flaking are not exactly the same, although they often appear together. Both are related to transepidermal water loss and a decrease in essential lipids of the skin barrier.
When this happens, the skin feels tight, rough, and less comfortable. If the imbalance persists, visible flaking may appear, i.e., the shedding of the outermost layer of the skin.
A Twelve tip
During periods of reactivity, less is more. When the skin is irritated, it is usually not the best time to introduce new active ingredients or try overly intense formulas. It makes more sense to use what actually works for your skin and prioritize products focused on calming, regenerating, and supporting the barrier.
How to soothe a skin allergy?
When a skin allergy manifests, it is advisable to support the body's response with actions that help reduce discomfort and protect the skin barrier. These cares do not replace medical treatment if necessary, but they can provide important support.
- Hygiene is one of the key factors in a skin allergy flare-up. Showering with lukewarm or slightly cool water can help relieve the sensation of heat, reduce discomfort, and prevent further skin sensitization.
- Clothing also plays a role. Opting for loose, light clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen can help prevent chafing and minimize stimuli that aggravate the reaction.
- It is also essential to use soothing products. In this context, formulas designed to reduce itching, support skin regeneration, and restore skin comfort are especially relevant.
- When there is irritation, flaking, or itching, the hydrolipidic barrier weakens. Therefore, it is advisable to look for moisturizing and nourishing products that not only soothe but also help restore skin balance and replenish some of the lost lipids.
- Finally, avoiding intense perfumes and potentially irritating substances is essential to avoid prolonging the reaction or increasing its intensity.
Ingredients that help soothe skin allergies
If the skin is going through a small "spring crisis," there are certain ingredients worth looking for in formulas. These are the life-saving active ingredients to calm reactivity:
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- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). Helps promote skin barrier regeneration and reduce water loss, making it especially useful when there is itching or discomfort.
- Mallow extract. Rich in mucilages, it creates an invisible protective film on the skin that moisturizes and soothes the most irritated areas. It is a good ally when the skin is irritated or tight.
- Allantoin. Helps calm irritation and accelerate healing, helping to reduce the sensation of reactivity.
- Vegetable Squalane. Compatible with the skin and very well tolerated, it helps strengthen the skin barrier and maintain hydration without leaving a heavy feeling, which is very effective against eczema.
- Oils rich in phytosterols and unsaponifiable fraction, such as sunflower. They are especially interesting for supporting barrier regeneration and helping to replenish essential lipids, which is key when the skin is dry, fragile, or prone to eczema.
- Spent grain wax (Barley): An exceptional ingredient for skin prone to eczema or itching. Also known as a "natural antihistamine," it drastically reduces reactivity.
How to prevent skin allergies?
Depending on the case, recommendations may vary, so it is always advisable to have a professional assessment when reactions are frequent or intense. Even so, there are actions that can help prevent the appearance of skin allergies or, at least, minimize their impact.
- Reducing exposure to environmental allergens, especially during periods of high pollen concentration, is one of the most obvious measures. If you already know you are prone to skin allergies in spring, it is advisable to take extra care during these periods.
- Protecting the skin from solar radiation and extreme environmental conditions also contributes to maintaining its balance. Less altered skin tends to tolerate external changes better.
- Choosing skin-friendly cosmetics is another important preventive measure. Well-tolerated formulas, without intense perfumes and designed for sensitive or reactive skin, are usually a safer choice at this time of year.
- Similarly, strengthening the skin barrier helps improve the skin's resilience. Products that provide hydration and essential lipids can act as support to keep the skin stronger against external aggressors.
- Finally, factors such as stress or sudden temperature changes can also increase skin sensitivity. Maintaining a simple, stable, and consistent routine with the skin's real needs is usually one of the best preventive strategies.
Wellbeing note from the Twelve Beauty team
During allergy season, cleansing takes on a particularly important role. Cream or milk textures help to respect the skin's hydrolipidic film and are more pleasant when the skin is reactive.
In this context, formulas such as Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream allow gentle cleansing of the skin without compromising its balance or increasing sensitivity. For their part, repairing emulsions such as Nutritive Repair Emulsion help to improve the skin's tolerance and reduce the sensation of discomfort.
For skin prone to redness, B12 Calm Serum may be a suitable option, as it helps to soothe the skin and improve its tolerance during periods of reactivity.
It is important to apply products with gentle movements, using light pressure and without dragging. At such times, the skin appreciates anything that reduces friction and promotes comfort.