GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

7 Ways to Save Your Skin During Allergy Season

You're sneezing, sniffling and scratching your way through spring -- but you don't have to look like it
Photo 4/8
Take a Double Dip
Plant pollen floating in the air causes your body to release itch-inducing chemicals called histamines. Scratching throughout the day just makes inflammation worse, and your skin redder. To look less like a tomato, try switching up your showering routine. Pour one cup of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and soak for 30 to 60 minutes to sooth itchy skin. Switch it up with shorter 15-minute soaks with one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal and you should be back to your natural skin tone momentarily.

Photo 5/8
Waterproof Your Makeup Bag
When your eyes are constantly watering throughout the day, the last thing you want is a sea of black tears to blow your cover. This is the time to stock up on waterproof products: mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. If waterproof mascaras make your lashes dry, Greenberg suggests this tip: "Use one coat of regular mascara, let it dry, then apply waterproof mascara as a coating over that first layer." And voila, your makeup will stay intact.

Photo 6/8
Contour Your Chipmunk Cheeks
Unfortunately, those leaky capillaries don't reside strictly under your eyes. If the size of your cheeks look reminiscent of someone who just got their wisdom teeth pulled, Greenberg suggests brushing up on your contouring skills to balance out a puffy face. "Use a light shimmery shade to help things like the apples of your cheeks and bridge of your nose pop out," she says. "Use a darker shade to help make things like your cheekbones appear more defined."

For double-duty puffiness control, up your ginger intake on your lunch break -- it's a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties.

Photo 7/8
Throw a Curve Ball
If all else fails, one of the best ways to combat allergy face is to draw attention away from problem areas. Create a diversion with a bold, statement lip (these on-trend shades are a good place to start) or an inventive hairstyle.

Photo 8/8
Stay One Step Ahead
Your favorite products can help mask your allergy symptoms, but some of those products may actually be making your symptoms worse. Try to steer clear of perfumes and heavily fragranced lotions and check your labels for irritating preservatives like propylene glycol and parabens. Shelve hair products like gels, pomades and creams, which tend to attract pollen in the air, and try changing clothes and washing your hair before getting into bed or sitting on the couch. "It sounds extreme," says Greenberg, "but at least you won't be spreading the allergens everywhere!"

BY ERICA SMITH | APR 17, 2014 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.