Skin Allergies How to battle more than one at a time

 

If you never had to deal with any skin outbreak during and beyond puberty, you are one of the few blessed creatures on earth.

We have rounded up the best strategies for addressing two complexion concerns, for those who aren't as lucky as you are.

Here are a few common skin allergies and the best recommendations for them.

Dark spots and aging

If your goal is to lighten dark spots, stock up on with vitamin C. Just think of how bright Tang is!

Serums like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment contain the potent antioxidant L-ascorbic acid, which illuminates skin and protects it from the sun.

 

If you find vitamin E too heavy, try SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, which provides the same antioxidant benefits in a lighter formula.

Although this goes for all skin types, sunscreen is especially important if hyperpigmentation is a concern.

Retinol can be used always, says Graf. Its resurfacing effects makes it a hero in the battle against dark spots and wrinkles.

The best part is you don't have to splurge for pricey formulas. Drugstore finds like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream or Sensitive Night Cream can also be transformative.

Redness and dryness

"Patients who tend to be red also tend to be sensitive, so you want to use a cleanser that's ultrahydrating and gentle," says Zeichner.

Then, spot-treat inflamed areas with ruscus extract, an ingredient that limits the dilation of blood vessels, it's found in products like Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate for Chronic Redness.

You can use a moisturizer, a foundation, and a sunscreen, or you can defrag with a CC cream and get it done all at once.

Olay Total Effects 7 in One CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer with Sunscreen has a subtle tint to conceal redness.

It's only SPF 15, though, so you'll want to apply extra sunscreen if you're going to be outdoors.

Breakouts and aging

Since breakouts aren't enough fun on their own, they sometimes arrive in tandem with wrinkles.

Products that target both need to be mild, says Zeichner. Look for rich moisturizers that contain peptides like Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream to hydrate while softening fine lines.

To prevent breakouts, salicylic acid removes dead skin cells and oil but it can be harsh on mature skin that's already dry and sensitive from anti-aging retinol.

Products that contain the acid along with a milder form of retinol, such as retinyl linoleate like La Roche-Posay Effaclar K, combat both issues at once, without the redness.