As we enter the ‘Allergy Awareness Week 2021’


it’s important to understand and recognise the different allergic reactions our skin can suffer from and to what level, taking into consideration that manifestations can vary depending on the different allergens we come in contact with.

Allergies may be especially common on the face for two main reasons: that’s where our skin is more sensitive compared to the rest of our body, and because of various creams and other products we use on our faces claim to be “hypoallergenic” and “organic”. In fact, they are full of synthetic ingredients and irritants. And let’s not forget how we’re constantly exposed to environmental and lifestyle aggressors like air pollution and weather conditions. Let’s have a look at the most common skin problems caused by allergies and the best ingredients to contrast or, even better, prevent them.

Angioedema

This is often the result of an allergic reaction. It’s an alteration of the deepest layers of the skin causing swelling, burning and tingling sensations of the affected areas which tend to be in proximity of the mucous membranes of mouth and eyes.

Angioedema can be triggered by multiple different factors including:

• certain types of food
• some types of medicine
• insect bites and stings
• latex – a type of rubber used to make medical gloves, balloons and condoms
• anxiety or stress
• pregnancy
• minor infections
• hot or cold temperatures

The natural reaction of our immune system to protect us when “under attack” from external factors is to produce histamine, which is one of the chemicals responsible for the swelling.



That’s why it’s very important to include natural and functional ingredients as part of our our skin care routine. Azulene is one of those ingredients and it is definitely our skin’s friend. It’s a natural compound present in Chamomile which, in addition to the soothing action, modulates the excessive release of histamine acting as an anti-inflammatory in case of aggressions to the skin by allergenic substances.


Dermatitis

Two of the most common types of skin inflammation are atopic dermatitis (often called eczema) and contact dermatitis: this is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance.

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become dry, itchy and cracked. This reaction usually occurs within a few hours or days of exposure to an irritant or allergen, a substance that causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin.

Symptoms can affect any part of the body, but most commonly the hands and face. Using a wrong hand soap, facial cleanser, or body-wash can intensify eczema symptoms. With eczema, our skin has a hard time protecting itself from the environment and the wrong product can dry or inflame your skin.

Experts suggest that face cleansers should always be rich in organic and functional ingredients like Lavender which has natural anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the symptoms of dry, itchy skin, and Aloe Vera which has a high content of vitamins, minerals, it has hydrating properties, promotes skin restoration, it soothes inflammations and irritations, it has an anti-age effect and acts as cleanser thanks to its anti-septic properties.

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