Every other season in Houston, Texas has many beautiful changes in nature yet this might also mean having to deal with allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen. In fact, Texas is ranked as having one of the worst seasonal allergies around. And, it’s definitely not fun having to keep sneezing, getting those watery eyes or a congested nose. At least, the best you can do is to try and protect your skin and body to help get through that allergy season.
Here are some of the most effective self-care strategies you should inculcate to protect yourself:
Cleanse Away Pollen and Irritants Daily
It is worth noting that pollen and other irritants can cling to your hair, skin, and clothing throughout the day. This can obviously trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation. One way to cleanse away these allergens is using a hydrating facial cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face, especially at night before going to bed.
Additionally, consider showering before bed to prevent pollen from transferring to your pillowcase. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider changing your clothes and rinsing exposed skin immediately after returning home.
Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Staying hydrated might sound cliche but it is one of those wildcard solutions to protect yourself. Here is the catch; dry skin combined with environmental changes like wind or dry air can make your skin flaky and dull. Tiny allergens can also penetrate your skin and amplify irritation. Therefore, making your skin and general body hydrated can prove helpful.
This is the time to start drinking more water plus you can also use a hydration moisturizer that locks in moisture with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane. If your eyes feel dry or irritated, use preservative-free lubricating eye drops to soothe them. Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain moisture in the air and ease nasal and skin dryness.
Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen and Barrier Creams
Again, depending on the season your skin can become more sensitive to environmental stressors like pollen, sun, and wind. These conditions can trigger flare-ups, dryness, and irritation on your skin thus exacerbating inflammation. However, sunscreen and barrier creams can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and moisture loss respectively.
It’s best to use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they are gentle on sensitive skin and help reduce allergic reactions. Also, barrier creams, rich in ceramides or occlusive agents, help reinforce your skin’s protective layer, keeping irritants out and hydration in.
Together, sunscreen and barrier creams keep your skin calm, resilient, and protected throughout the allergy-prone months.
Seek Allergy Treatment From an ENT Specialist!
You don’t have to survive with the symptoms! You can get allergy treatment to keep your skin and body calm during allergy season. It is worth noting that allergies manifest in various ways and intensities.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for allergies based on your condition. For example, antihistamines can help reduce inflammation, itching, and hives on your body while nasal sprays relieve congestion and eye irritation.
Others like corticosteroid creams and oral medications can help soothe allergic skin flare-ups like eczema or rashes on your skin. You can speak to an ENT specialist specializing in allergy treatment in Houston or near you to help get you the relief you deserve. A specialist will first dig deep to find out what you’re allergic to.
The specialist will often do some digging like ordering blood or skin tests to determine your allergic sensitivities. Once your allergens are identified, the specialist will then create a custom treatment plan to help you get your relief.
Support Your Immune System with the Right Food
What you eat plays a key role in managing your allergy symptoms and keeping your skin and body calm during allergy season. While food is the chief source of energy in your body, it also helps support your immune system. Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C reduce inflammation while leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, fatty fish, and turmeric help to strengthen your immune defenses.
Additionally, add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kimchi to promote gut health to improve your immunity and skin balance. However, avoid alcohol, processed sugars, and dairy if they tend to worsen your symptoms or skin conditions like rosacea or acne.
Manage Stress Better
The allergy season can drain your energy and leave you feeling foggy or irritable. The last thing you would want to subject your body to is stress. Since stress exacerbates skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, you should make it a priority to manage stress and foster body relaxation.
Some of the most effective ways to manage stress include taking breaks. Yes, even short, restorative breaks during the day, like a 10-minute walk or screen-free time, can reduce stress hormones and soothe sensitive skin. You can also add some yoga or meditation into your routine plus you should also sleep better to give your body a chance to repair and manage inflammation.
Wrapping up
All said and done, the allergy season doesn’t have to give you months of discomfort and dull skin. You ought to simply listen to your body, give your skin the care it needs. Don’t hesitate to seek allergy treatment from a good ENT specialist near you. You don’t have to live with the constant sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or sinus pressure that just won’t go away!
