Skin troubles caused by pollen require a skincare reevaluation! What are the causes and key countermeasures?

Reasons for Skin Irritation During Pollen Season
We will explain why your skin gets irritated in early spring when pollen is in the air.

Irritation from seasonal allergens
Pollen allergy symptoms are typically characterized by reactions that try to eliminate pollen, such as an incessant runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes.
However, there are various other symptoms, and skin irritation is one of them.
It can cause itching, rashes, and redness.

Decreased Skin Barrier Function
After a cold and dry winter, the skin in early spring is more fatigued than you might imagine.
Moreover, it is still a period of drastic temperature changes, and the balance of moisture and oil in the skin tends to get disrupted. This leads to a weakened skin barrier function, making it sensitive to external stimuli.
Additionally, while the sunlight itself is not as strong as in summer, UV radiation gradually increases from late winter.
With spring UV rays pouring down on skin with a weakened barrier, and then pollen adhering to it, it can be said to be quite a harsh season for the skin.

Review Your Skincare During Pollen Season
Here's the essential skincare you need to get through the harsh early spring environment for your skin.

Wash More Gently Than Usual
If your hands touch your skin when washing your face, it's time to re-evaluate your washing method starting today.
Fundamentally, when washing any skin, whether on your face or body, the basic rule is to "wash gently."

It's easy to neglect lathering or scrub too hard, but doing so will damage your skin.
While some people may say, "I wash that way, but my skin is generally clean," it's important to be careful as unexpected problems could arise several years later.

For those who find "lathering up face wash a hassle," Cigaro's "Daily Cleansing Balm" is recommended.
When the balm (ointment-like) cleanser is applied to the skin, it transforms into an oil, allowing for a gentle yet refreshing wash.

Thorough Moisturizing with Lotion, Emulsion, and Cream
After washing, make sure to thoroughly lock in moisture with lotion and emulsion.
Simply removing pollen, skin waste, and dirt is not enough to keep your skin healthy. Let's care for your skin gently.
At this time, a pleasant texture and a soothing scent can also provide a relaxing effect.

Note: Applying with hands is also recommended over cotton pads
When applying lotion, people are divided into cotton pad users and hand users, both of which have their benefits.
However, if your priority is penetration into the stratum corneum of the skin, it is recommended to apply with your hands and then gently press your hands against your face for a short while, as if cupping it.
If using cotton pads, it's best to choose those with a soft surface, organic cotton, or men's specific pads with a smooth surface that won't snag on beards.

If Skin Irritation Due to Pollen is Severe, See a Dermatologist
If you're taking extra care with your skincare and trying to block pollen with masks and glasses, but your skin irritation isn't improving or is getting worse, see a dermatologist immediately.
Over-treating your skin yourself can increase risks, such as worsening to a stage where it can only be cured with medication. If you feel "I can't do anything about this myself," seek a doctor's diagnosis right away.

Pollen Allergy and Skincare Q&A

Q1: Should I cool my skin when it's itchy or red?
Cooling the skin can calm nerve excitement and suppress itching.
To prevent itching and redness, it's also important not to rub your skin too hard during bath time or when washing your face.

Q2: Is it okay to use foundation or makeup primer even if my skin is irritated by pollen? When your skin is irritated, it's better to avoid foundation and makeup primer until it heals. If you must wear makeup, choose items with gentle ingredients that are less irritating and less burdensome to the skin.

Q3: I'd like to know the key points for choosing skincare products for children.
Infants' and children's skin has an immature barrier function, so it's important to wash gently and moisturize. Choose products with low irritation and gentle cleansing ingredients. Also, to make it enjoyable for daily use, it's recommended to consider easy-to-use shapes, pleasant textures, and the child's preferences.