According to Dr Melvin Tan of Epion Clinic, skin allergies occur when an irritant like dust or allergen causes a reaction that results in itchy, angry and red complexions. And since we are exposed to such irritants even when we’re home, it is a possibility that many of us are susceptible to it. When this happens, the barrier weakens and becomes less resilient to damage, causing flare-ups and redness.
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Adding on, IDS Clinic’s Dr YX Lum points out that since our complexions tend to get drier as our skin barrier weakens as we age, it is likely to be more prone to such concerns. Thus, it is crucial to maintain our skin’s integrity and barrier for it to better defend itself. To treat such allergies at home, Dr Tan suggests that it is best to find the root and cause of the problem – this could range from the use of new soaps to foods. He also recommends getting antihistamines over the counter, which are great for symptoms like swelling, redness and itch.
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“It is ideal to consult a doctor as since the skin is already reactive, it is advisable to seek professional opinion instead of self-treatments, which may make it worse,” Dr Lum notes. However, for quick home-remedy treatments, he encourages the use of products with ceramides and those that protect against blue light and sun rays. Additionally, Dr Tan recommends steering away from harsher products that are formulated with acids or retinol and instead, opt for gentler ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Above, our picks of 10 over-the-counter products from skincare brands you can opt for.
