Struggle with seasonal allergies? Get symptoms under control before they start adding years
The clocks are soon changing which means spring is here – finally. But while longer, warmer days are definitely something to celebrate, if you’re one of the 49%* in the UK who have hay fever, you might be approaching the season with caution. And to make matters worse, those annoying symptoms can trigger premature ageing, too. ‘Hay fever can make skin dry and irritated, which can cause it to look aged,’ says pharmacist Abbas Kanani**. Ease symptoms and get your glow back with these expert tips.
Act fast
Halting hay fever as early as possible is essential as itchy, red or watery eyes can also lead to permanent premature lines. ‘Inflammation causes the skin to stretch,’ says Abbas. ‘Over time, the skin can remain stretched even after the inflammation goes down, and that loose skin can develop into permanent wrinkles. Inflammation can also trigger the breakdown of collagen and elastin, important for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.’
The solution? Over-the-counter medication can be very effective. Usually, an antihistamine will do the trick – it works by either blocking the allergic response or reducing inflammation.
Beat congestion
Hay fever doesn’t just cause a runny nose and streaming eyes, it can affect your brain health, too, resulting in difficulty focusing. ‘When the body is inflamed, so is the brain,’ says pharmacist Graham Phillips, founder of ProLongevity. ‘For many people, hay fever is mild (itchy throat, streaming eyes, running nose), but when the symptoms are severe, so is the level of inflammation, which can lead to grogginess.’
Don’t want to pop pills? ‘The old adage “prevention is better than cure” certainly stands up,’ says airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg. Monitor pollen counts daily on the Met Office website (metoffice. gov.uk) and stay indoors when it’s high – generally on warmer, dry days. If you can’t avoid going out, clear your airways and stop symptoms from developing with Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray (£6.80 for 100 sprays, Boots).
Sort swelling
Dark circles when you wake? It might not just be poor sleep that’s to blame. Dark circles under the eyes can be a consequence of hay fever and are known as ‘allergic shiners’. This is due to allergies causing the tissue inside the nose to swell, meaning the small blood vessels under the eyes don’t get enough oxygen, says der
