Springtime heralds the blooming of flowers, the arrival of warmer weather, and the potential of a new season… but to some, it’s the start of the miserable allergy season. Hay fever and hives are extremely common allergies that people struggle with during the spring, and these allergies tend to lead to itchiness, inflammation or skin irritation. So, how do you go about tackling these concerns? Below is a guide to mitigating the most common symptoms of allergies, from heated skin to extreme dryness, where we give you the rundown on how to treat these skin concerns and what products you need in your arsenal. Let’s leave the irritated skin in the past and look towards keeping your skin healthy, hydrated and calm - keep scrolling to learn more.

Relieve itchiness

There’s nothing more satisfying than curbing a skin itch by scratching it, but that moment of relief can do more harm than good. Scratching the skin places stress on the skin barrier and therefore damages it, making it prone to further skin concerns like redness, irritation or infection. Itchiness is a sign of dryness and dehydration so instead of giving in to the itch, seek out skincare products that calm the itching sensation and replenish hydration back into the skin.

PURITO - Oat-In Calming Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

Oat is a derm-approved ingredient for relieving itching, and is a key ingredient in many itch-alleviating skincare products. It’s the highlight of the PURITO Oat-In Calming Gel Cream, a nourishing gel cream formulated with Oat Seed Water, Squalane and Beta-Glucan. Suitable for all skin types, the lightweight texture melts into the skin to improve moisture levels and soothe hypersensitivity, kicking your itchiness to the curb.

ILLIYOON - Ceramide Ato Lotion

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ILLIYOON

Gentle enough for even babies to use, the ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion focuses on restoring the skin barrier, reducing redness, and providing up to an impressive 100 hours of hydration. It contains Ceramide capsules that absorb into the skin and deliver intensive moisture care, the vegan formula free of mineral oil, silicone, fragrance or other harmful ingredients. It’s an everyday staple for many skin types and after your first try, you’re guaranteed to want to stock up on several bottles.

Cool skin temperature

When you’re experiencing a flare-up, a common symptom is inflamed and heated skin. Not only does the skin appear red, but it also feels warm or hot to the touch. The simple solution is to cool the skin, and there are many ways to do so: with a cold compress, cold water, or cooling skincare ingredients.

Isntree - Aloe Soothing Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

Remember when you were sunburnt and you slathered on that Aloe gel to relieve the skin? Aloe is an effective skin cooler and anti-inflammatory ingredient that also draws moisture to the skin. You’ll find it in the Isntree Aloe Soothing Toner that incorporates Hyaluronic Acid and Betaine into its splashy formula to instantly hydrate the complexion and impart a refreshing sensation. Not only does it work as a toner, but it can be spritzed on as a face mist or soaked up with cotton pads for a DIY cooling face pack.

TONYMOLY - Houttuynia Cordata Cica Cooling Watery Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TONYMOLY

The TONYMOLY Houttuynia Cordata Cica Cooling Watery Cream touts Heartleaf and Centella Asiatica as its hero ingredients, their synergistic effects cooling and calming the complexion throughout the day. It employs a Mint Complex to reduce skin heat and lower skin temperature, in addition to a Water-Fit Network to lock moisture into the skin and amp up hydration levels. The versatile cream can also be layered as a sleeping mask in the PM to rejuvenate irritated skin as you sleep.

Cleanse away allergens

Cleansing is an essential part of any skin routine, and when it comes to caring for a complexion affected by allergies and irritation it’s no different. Cleansing the skin gets rid of allergens and impurities that can aggravate the skin further, but it’s important to choose the right formulation. Make sure you’re reaching for a gentle, irritation-free formula with soothing and reparative ingredients so the skin doesn’t get even more provoked as you’re completing the necessary first step of your routine.

ETUDE - Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ETUDE

The ETUDE Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is a fan-favorite for its ultra-mild yet effective formula. Panthenol and Madecassosside form the ultimate skin-loving duo to protect the skin barrier and soothe dry skin; as a foam cleanser it doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped or dehydrated post-cleanse. The pH-balanced formula skips out on 10 types of additives to work for all skin types, especially sensitive complexions.

Sioris - Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Sioris

On the other side of the texture spectrum is the Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser, an appropriate choice for anyone battling extreme dryness in addition to allergies and irritation. This milky formula boasts 100% natural plant-based surfactants to wash away dirt and debris from the skin, keeping the moisture barrier intact. Macadamia Seed Oil assists in maintaining moisture levels, while Citrus water boosts skin vitality and glow.

Load up on hydration

At every aforementioned step, hydration plays a huge factor in nursing the skin back to full health. Whether you’re facing eczema, hay fever or a dust allergy, these allergies cause the skin to become inflamed and dry. Replenishing moisture back into the skin will ease the symptoms of irritation and restore your complexion’s natural radiance and bounce, putting an end to flaking, inflammation and itchiness.

Dear, Klairs - Rich Moist Soothing Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dear, Klairs

Douse your complexion in abundant moisture, courtesy of the Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. A rich complex of Sodium Hyaluronate, Natto Gum, Panthenol and more hydrating ingredients recharges the skin from deep in the dermis, upping the skin’s moisture levels for long-term health and a natural radiance. All skin types are encouraged to layer this booster in between toner and moisturizer.

Pyunkang Yul - Intensive Repair Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Pyunkang Yul

It’s all in the name: the Pyunkang Yul Intensive Repair Cream is a moisturizing powerhouse with nutrient-rich Copper Tripeptide, Ceramide and Shea Butter. While it attracts moisture to the skin, the cream prevents moisture evaporation from the skin’s surface and balances oil-water levels. The thick formula sinks into the skin with ease without being heavy or sticky, leaving a comfortable satin finish.

Focus on skin repair in the PM

Aside from restoring the skin’s moisture levels, another aspect of healing the skin is repairing the skin barrier. The skin barrier is essential in keeping the good (hydration, nutrients) in and the bad (allergens, impurities) out. Reparative skincare is appropriate for any time of day, but especially effective in the PM because your skin goes through healing processes as you sleep. Support your complexion with nourishing products and ingredients to transform your skin overnight.

Torriden - SOLID-IN Ceramide All-Day Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

Supercharged with 5 types of Ceramides, the Torriden SOLID-IN Ceramide All-Day Essence enhances the skin’s surface and inner moisture levels, as well as its ability to retain moisture. The milky essence is lightweight and gentle on the complexion, absorbing quickly to nourish the skin in the AM and PM. Allantoin and Panthenol led a hand in upping its soothing and hydrating benefits.

Axis-Y - Panthenol 10 Skin Smoothing Shield Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Axis-Y

Providing daily featherlight yet plentiful moisture is the Axis-Y Panthenol 10 Skin Smoothing Shield Cream. It diminishes dryness with the help of Panthenol and TECA (an active Centella Asiatica component) that dive deep into the layers of the skin to fortify the moisture barrier and deliver soothing effects. Fans of this cream are in awe of its cloud-like texture that makes the skin glowy and soft to the touch.

Avoid irritating ingredients

This is a no-brainer, right? When your skin is in a showdown with the effects of allergies, you don’t want to weaken it by using ingredients that can exacerbate your skin concerns. Stash away your skincare acids, Retinol and Vitamin C for the time being, as they can worsen your symptoms and prolong the healing process, and swap in soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Mugwort, Panthenol or Licorice.

LANEIGE - Cica Sleeping Mask

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - LANEIGE

The LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask is your secret weapon to waking up with soothed, bouncy skin. This highly-coveted sleeping mask is laced with a fermented Forest Yeast extract that is 11.9% more effective than Madecassoside, working hard as you sleep to soothe a stressed complexion and visibly improve the moisture barrier. This helps to protect the skin during the day from any environmental aggressors that can cause further damage.

I'm From - Mugwort Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - I'm From

There’s nothing overtly fancy about the I'm From Mugwort Essence, but it’s exactly it’s humble formula and packaging that treat your sensitive skin concerns like no other. 100% Mugwort extract floods the skin with calming hydration, detoxifying the complexion of impurities and restoring vitamins and minerals in the process. The slightly viscous texture layers effortlessly between skincare products, and can be applied several times in the manner of the 7-skin method to overcome irritation and inflammation.

Equipped with the right tips, tricks, and K-beauty products, you’re now ready to face allergy season head-on with no troubles! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!