While many of us relish the end of winter and look forward to the warmer months, spring time also equals hayfever and allergy season! With the increase in pollen, humidity and sun exposure, many people experience common skin irritations, including allergies, dryness, and flare-ups of existing conditions like eczema. Below, we’ll explore common spring skin irritations and how to prevent them with the right skincare habits and products.
1. Managing Allergies
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, contact with allergens like pollen can result in allergic skin reactions, leading to irritation and inflammation. Washing your face after spending time outdoors and using a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser can remove irritants and, if your skin is sensitive, avoid using heavily fragranced products that can further irritate sensitive skin. Try to not touch your face throughout the day and make sure to change out pillowcases and towels regularly to minimise bacteria buildup.
2. Change Your Skincare Products
The air is colder and drier in winter, which means our skin often needs more hydrating skincare products. With warmer temperatures and increased humidity, the skin produces more oil and breakouts could happen if skincare products are too heavy. We suggest using a lighter moisturiser and to incorporate some gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate in winter. Speak to your dermatologist or skin-care professional for more tailor-made advice.
3. Don’t Forget Your SPF!
It’s recommended to wear SPF on your face every day – even in winter in South Africa. But when daylight hours get longer and the sun is hotter, we’re inclined to spend more time outside, and it’s especially important to adequately protect our skin from the sun’s harsh rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 90% of skin ageing is caused by the sun’s UV rays, which are more intense in spring and summer. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can damage your skin, leading to premature ageing, sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer.
4. Watch Out For Windy Days
Spring often brings windy days – especially in cities like Cape Town and windburn can be a problem for those with sensitive skin. Wind can strip moisture from the skin and cause redness, irritation or dryness. Even if it’s not particularly cold, the wind can be harsh on exposed skin. You may also find your skin more irritated by pollens, dust and grasses on windy days.
Dress appropriately to cover your skin with a windbreaker, buff, scarf or hat to shield your face on windy days.
5. Exercise Inside
Exercise increases blood circulation, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which promotes collagen production and can result in a healthy glow. Sweating can also help to flush toxins from the skin. However, spring allergies or unpredictable weather might make outdoor workouts challenging. Indoor exercises, such as yoga, pilates or a home cardio routine, are great alternatives. These exercises can help reduce stress, which is also a major trigger for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Looking for ways to help you spring back into your exercise routine? Read this: https://medshieldmovement.co.za/spring-back-into-exercise-with-these-motivating-10-tips/