Spring - just saying the word is enough to remind us that we won't have to deal with numb hands, chapped lips and dry cheeks for too long, and that brighter mornings and warmer temperatures are right around the corner.
But what if we were to tell you that with those longer days and an abundance of pretty blooms follows a whole host of skin problems?
According to WGSN, data presented by Estée Lauder Companies at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, showed that pollen (the fine powdery substance emitted from flowers during germination - biology lesson over) makes up a significant amount of particulate pollution, and has been demonstrated to be damaging to the skin.
Yep, you read that correctly. Similar to the radiance-sapping, pigmentation-producing effects of pollution like car emissions, smoke, chemicals and UV, pollen also has the ability to deliver an attack on cells, which means it isn't just a runny nose, itchy eyes and constant sneezing we have to contend with.
So what exactly are we dealing with and how can we stop it?
How Does Pollen Affect Your Skin?
1) Pollen Can 'Inhibit Collagen Production'
'Scientists used to believe that pollen only affected the skin as a secondary reaction to the primary allergic response already occurring in the nose, mouth, airways and lungs. However, it is now known that pollen has a direct effect on the skin; even entering the skin itself though its hair follicles', explains Dr Charlene DeHaven, M.D. Clinical Director iS Clinical.
One of the major ways it affects the skin is by restricting collagen production. In short, collagen is the protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity, and without it, skin tends to look slack, deflated and peppered with fine lines and wrinkles - not cool.
How To Stop It
Before you think about shutting yourself in doors this spring, consider that Estée Lauder also concluded that antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are effective in shielding against the skin-ravaging effects of pollen. And according to dermatologists, vitamin C is pretty much essential for collagen synthesis.
Vitamin C Serums: 14 Of The Best For Your Brightest Skin Ever
Ulé Le C-Bright Glow Power Serum
Ulé's USP? Creating formulas that are as high-tech as they are sustainable thanks to vertical farming (plus, the know-how and tech of its sister brand, Shiseido). As such, this serum is powered by a C-Bright technology which is said to be 6,000 times more potent than your standard vitamin C - meaning brighter prospects for your dermis.
Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
Powered by some of the buzziest ingredients in the beauty industry right now, from ferulic acid to ectoin and NAD+, this hardworking formula from everyone's favourite skin expert, Dr Sam Bunting, makes light work of brightening up tired-looking complexions. It's also lightweight, sits nicely under make-up and helps defend against pollution and blue light.
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
You'd be hard pressed to find a beauty editor that doesn't worship at the altar of this cult vitamin C serum by Dr Barbara Sturm. Not only is it a joy to use (lightweight and hydrating), it's loaded with ingredients to help support collagen production, fend against external aggressors and add a boost of moisture too.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum
It's safe to say that a lot of vitamin C serums sit at the more expensive end of the spectrum, but The Inkey List is a brand we can rely on for affordability and effectiveness, and this serum is no exception.
Formulated with a highly stable form of vitamin C, it promises a potent hit of antioxidants, while the EGF (epidermal growth factor) promotes collagen production – all for £15.
A powerful formulation that's suitable for sensitive skin types, this Kiehl's serum is formulated with a 12.5% blend of l-ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside (two of the most stable forms of vitamin C). It helps plump and hydrate skin without causing unwanted flare-ups, and a little goes a long way.
Plus, we like that it layers well underneath other products, including moisturiser and foundation, without pilling.
If you haven't heard of Naturium then it's time to get acquainted. An affordable brand with excellent formulations, this vitamin C serum seriously rivals similar products that cost double – sometimes triple – the price.
Using a potent vitamin C complex – made up of l-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend and sodium ascorbyl phosphate – it promises brighter, more radiant looking, healthier skin over time. It's vegan and cruelty-free, and best of all, it costs a little over £20.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
You can always rely on La Roche-Posay to formulate effective products suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and that's why we love its Pure Vitamin C10 serum.
Lightweight and non-sticky in texture, it's packed with pure vitamin C alongside hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid to help brighten and restore dull, pigmented skin.
Bubble is the new kid on the block and it's already making waves on social media. Its kind-to-skin formulations, fun packaging and excellent price point make it appealing in various ways.
We love that this lightweight serum combines vitamin C with niacinamide to help even out skin tone, reduce scarring and dark spots whilst providing skin with antioxidant protection. It also uses plant-derived ceramides to help protect the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
This clever, oil-free vitamin C serum helps reduce the appearance of both dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It's formulated with 10% l-ascorbic acid and uses waterless technology which not only helps keeps it stable, but helps maximise its efficacy, too.
It absorbs into skin quickly and easily, and it won't ever feel tacky or sticky, either. Plus, staying true to Farmacy's ethos, this serum uses upcycled tangerine peel and sugar beet for its antioxidant-rich benefits.
This serum really does tick every box, helping to visibly improve skin tone while keeping your complexion looking brighter and more radiant. Over time, it'll help combat pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles and it shouldn't cause irritation or sensitivity, either.
However, the recommended dosage is a sizeable full dropper, so be warned that you might get through this 30ml bottle quicker than expected.
If you’re suffering from dull, uneven skin after the last long, cold winter, then this is the product for you. The ultra-concentrated formula is rich in skin-brightening actives (such as red clover extract, mullein extract and a Swiss Alpine blend) which, together with a highly stable vitamin C derivative, will leave skin looking dewy, radiant and ready for summer.
Whether applied directly or mixed into your daily moisturiser, we're big fans of the adaptability of this serum. It's formulated with a 15% stabilised concentration of vitamin C, alongside ferulic acid and peptides that work to smooth and brighten the skin.
Think of this serum as a pep-up shot that'll leave skin feeling firmer and looking brighter.
Combining the anti-ageing and antioxidant properties of vitamin C with the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid for maximum absorption, there's no denying that this Murad serum works quickly.
As well as having an immediate improvement in skin texture, the lightweight formula leaves skin hydrated without any sticky residue, making it easy to incorporate into a morning skincare regime.
Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright serum combines vitamin C, exfoliating acids and banana powder-inspired pigments to instantly brighten and plump the skin, while hydrating with hyaluronic acid — a notorious moisture magnet.
This serum packs a real punch, and we love the citrus scent it has. It'll work to add instant glow, and over time skin will look brighter.
2) Pollen Can 'Damage The Skin's Barrier Function'
If the skin's barrier function is weakened, skin tends to become dry, itchy and irritated - and that's the last thing you need after a winter of exactly the same problems, right?
To counteract the damage, it pays to look out for ingredients that are going to re-build the skin's barrier. The ones that derms rave about? Ceramides. Our skin actually produces ceramides (basically oils) naturally, but thanks to an onslaught of things like pollution, and now pollen, the levels take a bit of a dip, and therefore need replenishing.
How To Stop It
'Look for moisturisers with a “shielding” effect, enriched with some amount of dimethicone, cyclomethicone and other occlusive silicones, which can help stop pollen like a shield', explains Dermatologist Dr Tiina Meder.
Alternatively, 'if you prefer organic products, look for creams and moisturisers based on natural oils with a prevalence of saturated fatty acids, such as avocado seed oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, meadowfoam oil.'
However, there are a few ingredients out there to avoid as they can make the condition worst. Dr Meder advises 'be careful with coconut oil however, as this oil is comedogenic and can cause breakouts in oily skin. Avoid essential oils, flower water and flower extracts, as all these perfectly natural ingredients can accumulate with pollen proteins and worsen the skin condition'.
ELLE Edit: Skin Barrier Repair Creams
3) Pollen Can 'Lead To An Inflammatory Response' On The Skin
We're not just talking puffy eyes, here.
Inflammation can present itself as a rash, itchy areas and redness and is also a result of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
'People with sensitive or sensitised skin are most vulnerable to pollen irritation, however, anyone with oily or acne prone skin isn’t necessarily immune. The enlarged pores and inflammation associated with oilier skin types allows the pollen proteins to penetrate into the skin through follicles and open sebaceous glands', explains Dr Meder.
How To Stop It
Meder advises that 'irrespective of your skin type or shade, the best advice is to treat skin gently, using products that will protect the skin from the direct effects of pollen, whilst also soothing the secondary consequences of respiratory exposure, such as of puffy eyes or a sore nose.'
The bad news is that you can't control the levels of pollen pollution in the air. The good news? You can totally safeguard your skin against them, and antioxidants like Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid are a great place to start.
ELLE Edit: Antioxidant Skincare
And if you're already dealing with an eczema or atopic dermatitis flare up, it might be worth visiting a dermatologist or your GP for an anti-inflammatory treatment. Topical steroid creams are popular, but anti-inflammatory creams such as Elidel or Protopic (which are steroid-free) are just as effective in relieving redness, flaking and puffy patches.
These Hyaluronic Acid Serums Are Your Shortcut To Plumper Skin
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