With the onset of spring, the season of pollen has also begun at the same time. For allergy sufferers, the spring air is therefore often associated with a real challenge. A sniffling nose, constant sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and discomfort when breathing are then first part of everyday life. Whereas it was previously assumed that pollen was absorbed primarily through inhalation, more recent studies show that pollen can also gain access to the body through the skin. With effective skin care, the penetration of pollen through the skin can potentially be greatly reduced and one’s own skin barrier strengthened.
Protective function of the skin
Our skin is our largest organ, has mainly the function of protection and is in permanent interaction with our environment. Normally, the skin fends off external aggressors, such as viruses and bacteria, and prevents them from entering our body.
But sometimes it is too much of a good thing for the skin. If it is overburdened, or if the skin barrier is weakened by inconsistent care and as a result of our own lifestyle, invaders can migrate into the body. Consequences can be skin rashes, severe itching of the skin, formation of eczema and drying of the skin.
The better the skin is cared for, the stronger it can be in defending against unwanted bacteria and viruses. Because although our skin is quite thick-skinned with a total of three layers, it is at the same time delicately graced. Aggressive ingredients in cosmetics and detergents and a lack of care or care that is not appropriate for the type of skin can attack the body’s own skin barrier and thus increase its permeability. Then external substances such as allergens have an easy time gaining access.
Skin care for allergy
For allergy and pollen sufferers, in addition to medical treatment for pollen allergy, skin care should be as consistent and routine as brushing your teeth every day. This can keep the skin barrier in balance, thereby strengthening the skin’s natural protection tremendously.
Hair follicles as an entrance door for pollen
Pollen can penetrate through the natural protection of our skin and enter the body through the bloodstream via the hair follicles. It is therefore important to prevent pollen from entering the body as much as possible and to reduce the allergen load in the body of an allergy sufferer as much as possible. To do this, the skin must be strengthened.
Experts advise building up the skin and the skin barrier through care and keeping it in the necessary balance. Only with a well-functioning skin barrier can the penetration of pollen into the body through the skin be reduced or completely prevented.
Special products for the care of the skin of allergy sufferers are intended to provide the skin with additional protection against pollen. With a certain complex of active ingredients in the lotion or cream, the skin’s own enzymes and thus the preservation of the skin barrier are to be protected and the risk of pollen penetrating our skin is to be significantly reduced.
Skin care for hay fever
While conventional cosmetics can often attack the skin due to aggressive ingredients, the creams and lotions specially produced for pollen allergy sufferers are extremely mild and therefore very compatible for the skin. This is particularly important during the pollen season, as allergy sufferers are repeatedly advised by doctors and experts to wash their hair and skin in the evening before going to bed in order to remove pollen.
However, since frequent contact with water in particular can also stress the skin and attack the skin barrier, it is important to use mild and compatible shampoos and washing products. Otherwise, allergy sufferers will quickly get into a vicious circle and stress their skin more than it can tolerate.
So if you want to enjoy the spring air and the sun despite your pollen allergy, you should apply a suitable skin care product, a special cream or lotion, immediately before going out into nature. Not only can the penetration of unwanted pollen into the skin be reduced, an additional side effect of care is soft and supple skin.
