How to Care for Allergy-Prone Skin

Allergy-prone skin is best understood as reactive skin. Sensitive in nature, when those with a skin allergy are exposed to an external stressor such as sun radiation, certain fabrics, or a skincare ingredient, skin across the face and body can become red or feel uncomfortable.

Those with a skin allergy know how selective they have to be when choosing skincare ingredients. In this piece we guide you through the our tips for Allergy-Prone Skin skincare and habits, as well as skincare ingredients to avoid. To create your allergy-prone skincare routine, read on.

Skincare routine for allergy-prone skin

Those with Sensitive Skin can often feel at a loss about what to do with their skin. When selecting products, the ingredients in the formula are what will make the biggest difference to the reactiveness of skin. Avoid fragrances, alcohol and parabens, and select hypoallergenic ingredients and formulas. An empowering skincare routine is one that works to hydrate and fortify the skin’s moisture barrier, so that skin can hold in moisture and build strength when exposed to external aggressors. See below for the most effective steps for an allergy-prone skincare routine.

Hypoallergenic Cleanser for Makeup Removal

APPLY A CLEANSER

For those with a skin allergy, cleansing is the formative first step in your morning and evening routine. Using a face wash for allergy-prone skin removes bacteria, dirt, makeup and potential irritants from the day. Look for minimal, hypoallergenic formulas like the Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Makeup Remover And Facial Cleanser. With powerfully hydrating glycerin and La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, this sensitivity-suitable cleanser can be used daily.

USE A SERUM

Discomfort and redness in skin are common symptoms of allergy-prone skin. The high concentration of potent ingredients in serums can help to address these concerns. Directly after cleansing, gently pat a sensitive-suitable serum on the skin. The Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum contains neurosensine, a dipeptide naturally found in skin, to reduce sensations of discomfort like redness and reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier after just one hour.

APPLY A MOISTURISER

When allergy-prone skin is properly hydrated, it’s better able to defend itself against the stressors we face each day. Your moisturiser should be a staple part of each morning – and finding your best moisturiser for allergy-prone skin is all about an essential hydrating focus. Look for a specific moisturiser for allergic skin, like the Toleriane Ultra-Light Sensitive Moisturiser, which comforts skin through its deeply hydrating, minimal formula.

Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour Sensitive Cream

DAB ON EYE CREAM

The skin around the eye area is the thinnest on the face, and therefore the most susceptible to sensitivity. Targeting your eye area with specific products helps to reduce signs of ageing and fortify skin against sensitivity. Alongside moisturising, dab a sensitive-suitable eye cream like the Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour Sensitive Cream, which contains antioxidants and niacinamide to address concerns.

USE SUNSCREEN

We’re all aware of sunscreen’s necessity in Australia, but for those with allergy-prone skin, SPF contains the added benefit of protection against sun-related symptoms. As your final step, apply a broad-spectrum and sensitive skin sunscreen like the Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ with high UVA/UVB protection. Reapply ever two hours, and indoors when near a window.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Tips for skin prone to allergies

Alongside your allergy-prone skincare routine, there are active steps you can take to support and benefit your unique skin sensitivity. Our effective tips for helping to reduce reactions for those with a skin allergy are below.

Opt for minimalist skincare

Minimalism is key to ensuring your skin only receives ingredients that are essential and have a positive effect on skin. Make sure not to overwhelm allergy-prone skin with products that contain an unnecessary overload of skincare ingredients. For each step of your routine, look for products that have a singular focus. Your moisturiser should only aim to hydrate, and a sunscreen should be focused on sun damage protection.

Avoid products that contain essential oils

Essential oils should be avoided for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin. This is because oils like citronella, lavender and peppermint oil can exacerbate discomfort in skin.

Patch test products

When adding a new product or ingredient to your skincare regimen, it’s important to ‘introduce’ it to your allergy-prone skin as the first step. Dab a little of the product behind your ear or on the crook of your arm and allow 24-48 hours to monitor your skin’s reaction.

Visit a dermatologist

Knowledge is the most empowering tool when addressing skin concerns. Much like knowing what ingredients are included in your products, understanding the specific causes of your allergies can help you to achieve your skin goals. If your sensitivities are frequent, consider speaking to a dermatologist to build an understanding of your specific skin concerns.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

A product labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ is one that has been tested and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in skin. Our Toleriane range is hypoallergenic due to its commitment to being fragrance-free, allergy tested and high tolerance for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Allergy-friendly skincare ingredients

Ingredients that are friendly towards allergy-prone skin include those that help to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier without the use of harsh formulas. The key to knowing how to prevent a skin allergy is in looking for meaningful ingredients like niacinamide and neurosensine, which both aim to work in unison with your skin’s sensitivity.

Want to know more? Read on to find out more about the internal and external causes of skin sensitivity.