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I've Had Allergies My Entire Life — Here's How I Prevent Red Eyes and a Puffy Face

09/07/2019 - 11:31 PM

I can't remember a time when I didn't suffer from seasonal allergies. At some point during middle school, I was allergy tested and finally learned the reason behind my constant congestion, swollen face, and red eyes. Not only was I allergic to grass (which is everywhere), but I was also allergic to dust (also everywhere).

According to allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh [1], MD, who works with the Allergy & Asthma Network, my symptoms are due to inflammation [2] impacting my immune system, which manifests itself physically.

Allergist June Zhang [3], MD at the South Bay Allergy and Asthma Group, echoes this sentiment and adds that swelling can occur on the face from scratching the eyes and nose and from nasal congestion. "A daily oral allergy medication can help manage the symptoms," she said. (She recommends Zyrtec [4].)

In addition to taking my allergy medicine, I've found a combination of solutions that help combat the inflammation I often get from allergies (which, for me, is all year long). Read ahead to find out how I deal with red eyes, a puffy face, and dark under-eye circles [5].

How to Get Rid of a Puffy Face

I never knew just how powerful a face roller could be until I tried one for myself. Every morning, I run the Skin Gym Rose Quartz Crystal Facial Roller [6] ($28) over my face in an upward and outward motion to alleviate the pressure from my sinuses and reduce puffiness. Not only does it help me feel better, but the swollen look also quickly fades from my face.

How to Get Rid of Red Eyes

My eyes are constantly bloodshot thanks to my seasonal allergies. The Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops [7] ($11) have become a must have no matter where I am. They instantly eliminate any sign of redness, so I keep one bottle at my desk, one at home, and one at my boyfriend's so I never again have to answer the question, "Are you really tired?"

How to Ease Nasal Congestion

When I'm feeling a bit congested, I plop a few drops of the ArtNaturals 100% Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil [8] ($15) into my shower to open up my sinuses, which doubles as a diffuser while I sleep. The scent allows me to sleep better, so my allergies don't make me look quite as exhausted when I wake up.

How to Decongest Sinus Pressure

If the sinus pressure gets to be too much, I give myself a little facial with the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer [9] ($149). The warm steam allows me to breath easy and helps the ingredients from face masks penetrate better.

How to Keep Your Nose From Chafing

I blow my nose several times a day, which gives me red, dry nostrils. Putting some Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Fragrance-Free Skin Protectant [10] ($24) around the area before bed keeps them from becoming too irritated.

How to Cover Dark Under-Eye Circles

Another way my allergies wreck my appearance? My superdark under-eye circles. Thankfully, the E.L.F. Colour Correcting Stick [11] ($4) cancels out the blue tones and allow me to cover the rest with a full-coverage concealer like Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer [12] ($27).


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/How-Improve-Your-Appearance-During-Allergy-Season-46358283