If this description hits close to home, you’re not alone. Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or nasal allergies. And women spend thousands of dollars on beauty products to hide blemishes that are aggravated by their allergies.
It’s also challenging to try to look your best. Irritating allergy symptoms can affect the skin around the eyes and nose. Constantly blowing the nose and wiping eyes can lead to sore, chapped or dehydrated skin. Other allergies such as eczema can also flare up when hay fever starts.
Allergies and Dry Skin
If you are prone to having dry skin, allergies can exacerbate the problem. So it’s important to remember that a good daily moisturizer will help to keep your skin hydrated, especially in problem areas around the eyes, nose, and lips.
Stick to hypoallergenic moisturizers that have no fragrance and no color because you could be allergic to the scents and dyes.
Before you take a shower, use a moisture mask on your face. You can even use plain yogurt. Let the steam open up your pores to absorb the hydration, wash it off five minutes later and you’ll look like a brand new person.
The Tools of the Trade
Look for hypoallergenic makeup and read the labels closely. Just because it says natural doesn’t mean it is. If you’re already having any issues, you don’t want to increase it.
Sometimes women think they’re allergic to cosmetics, but it’s their makeup brushes that are triggering a reaction. Wash them before using and be sure to keep them clean. Also, clean or replace old powder puffs and sponges every two to three weeks.
Go Out With Confidence
Don’t forget to drink water to stay hydrated all day. Even though you’re trying to cover up the outside, don’t forget to work on the inside.
If you’re running late and don’t have time to cover up your allergy symptoms, lipstick and a pair of sunglasses are your best accessories.
Take five seconds, look in the mirror right before you go out the door and give yourself props. There’s nothing more beautiful than a confident woman, especially if she’s smiling. That’s your best accessory. That’s your best weapon.
Here are some beauty tips for allergy season:
- If skin is sensitive or prone to other allergies then be careful about which brands are used. Try new products before buying and seek expert advice about which brands are safe to use with allergies in mind.
- Chapped and dehydrated skin will sting when product is applied. This is because the surface of the skin is sore, rather than being the result of an allergic reaction. Balms can help to minimize this and repair skin, especially those with naturally soothing ingredients.
- Minimize make-up if eyes are itchy and puffy. Anything which might irritate further such as a kohl pencil or glitter eye shadow is to be avoided. Consider permanent make-up as your perfect year round solution and you’ll always look good, even when your allergies are acting up.