As blossom emerge and the air warms, many of us welcome the change in season. For those with sensitive skin however, the rising pollen count can mean more than just hay fever - it can signal the start of skin flare-ups, itchiness and discomfort.
Understanding why your skin reacts can help you to manage these seasonal changes. With over 25 years of experience in creating certified organic formulas for delicate complexions, our expertise lies in nurturing your skin's balance with exceptionally gentle and effective plant-based ingredients.
At a glance:
- Pollen can weaken your skin's natural barrier
- Symptoms include itching, redness and flare-ups
- Choose scent-free products to minimise irritation
- Soothe and cleanse with Scent Free Cleanser
- Protect during the day with Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30
- Calm skin overnight with Scent Free Truffle Night Cream
What does a pollen reaction on the skin look like?
Does your skin suddenly feel itchy or reactive when the pollen count is high? For those who are sensitive to pollen, irritable skin often accompanies the other signs of hay fever.
A reaction to pollen on the skin often mirrors a typical sensitivity flare-up. You might notice heightened redness, persistent itchiness or even small bumps, particularly on exposed areas like your face and neck. It can feel much like a bout of eczema, leaving your skin feeling raw and uncomfortable.
This isn't just a concern for those with diagnosed skin conditions. Even skin that is usually calm and balanced can become reactive during peak allergy season.
How does pollen compromise the skin barrier?
Think of your skin's barrier as a protective wall. Its job is to keep essential moisture in and environmental irritants - like pollen - out. During high-pollen seasons, this barrier can become compromised.
When tiny pollen particles land on the skin, they can work their way through a weakened barrier. This prompts the body's immune system to release histamines - the same chemicals that cause hay fever symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. This immune response creates inflammation in the skin, leading to the redness and itching you experience.
Strengthening and supporting your skin barrier is therefore the most important step you can take to keep your skin feeling comfortable.
A soothing routine for pollen-sensitive skin
When your skin is feeling reactive, a simple and gentle routine is best. Focus on three key steps: cleansing away irritants, protecting your barrier during the day and restoring its balance at night.
Cleanse away the day
Thoroughly cleansing your face every evening is vital to remove the pollen particles that have accumulated on your skin's surface. It's important to choose a cleanser that purifies without stripping away natural, protective oils.
Our Scent Free Cleanser is a beautifully creamy, COSMOS Organic certified formula that is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin. It gently lifts away make-up and impurities while calming your complexion with ingredients like soothing Calendula and hydrating Olive Squalane. Your skin is left feeling soft, clean and comfortable, never tight.
Scent Free Cleanser 150ml
This fragrance-free cleanser is a sensitive skin essential!€38,95
★★★★★
“They keep my skin soft and supple... My skin has been soft, hydrated and flawless for years.”
Georgina S · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Cleanser 150ml
See this product now →Protect your daily barrier
A vulnerable skin barrier needs extra protection. Applying a moisturising, high-factor SPF every morning creates a physical shield against both UV rays and airborne allergens like pollen.
The Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30 is a non-greasy formula that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, it contains antioxidant-rich Green Tea and soothing Aloe Vera to help keep your skin calm and balanced throughout the day.
Crema Solar Facial Sin Perfume - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.€38,95
★★★★★
“It feels good on my skin & sinks in well. I would not be without it & can thoroughly recommend not least because i have sensitive skin but feel well protected & have never had a bad reaction.”
Jan B · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
See this product now →Restore overnight
Night-time is when your skin enters its natural repair cycle, making it the perfect opportunity to provide deep nourishment and calm any irritation from the day. A restorative night cream supports this process.
Our Scent Free Truffle Night Cream has a beautifully light, silky texture and is clinically proven to calm sensitive skin. It uses innovative botanicals like Northern Truffle to reduce signs of irritation and a blend of plant oils to deliver intense hydration, helping you to wake up to a complexion that feels rested and renewed.
Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
Soothe, calm and repair with this Ceramide and Truffle sleep cream€44,95
★★★★★
“My skin is now vibrant, soft, unblemished and feels lovely. Thank you for a lovely product.”
Lorraine S · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
See this product now →Why choose scent-free for seasonal sensitivity?
When your skin is already working hard to defend itself against pollen, other potential irritants can easily overwhelm it. Fragrances, even natural essential oils, can sometimes be too much for a sensitised complexion.
Opting for fragrance-free products helps to reduce the burden on your skin. By simplifying your routine with our dedicated Scent Free collection, you remove a common trigger and allow your skin's resources to focus on calming, repairing and rebalancing.
"When I first started creating products for my daughter's sensitive skin, I realised how important it was to remove potential irritants. Our Scent Free range is the purest expression of that philosophy - just effective, calming organic ingredients."
- Charlotte Vøhtz, Founder of Green People
Please note: If you are concerned about your health, we recommend consulting your GP or a dermatologist for advice. For more information on allergies, please visit the NHS website.
Frequently asked questions
Can pollen cause eczema to flare up?
Yes, for many people with eczema, pollen is a known environmental trigger that can cause their symptoms to worsen during spring and summer. Following a gentle, barrier-supporting skin care routine can help to manage these seasonal flare-ups.
Should I wash my face more often during pollen season?
It's more about the quality of cleansing than the frequency. Washing your face too often can strip the skin's protective barrier, potentially making it more sensitive. We recommend cleansing thoroughly in the morning and again in the evening with a gentle product like our Scent Free Cleanser to remove all traces of pollen from the day.
Is it better to stay indoors when the pollen count is high?
While staying inside can reduce your exposure, it's not always practical. A better strategy is to protect your skin barrier when you are outdoors. Applying a sun cream like our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30 can help to support and comfort your skin.
What ingredients should I look for to soothe skin?
Look for ingredients known for their calming properties. Gentle botanicals like soothing Aloe Vera, calming Calendula and balancing Prebiotics are excellent choices for reducing irritation and supporting a healthy skin barrier. You can read more about the best natural ingredients for sensitive skin on our blog.
We hope this helps you manage how pollen can affect your sensitive skin. If you need any more help or advice, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible 'Naturally Gorgeous'. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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