Why your skin is experiencing dryness and sensitivity this season!

Have you noticed your skin feeling drier or more sensitive than usual this season? You're not alone! I have had MANY clients who are struggling with unexpected dryness, sensitivity, and epidermal or impaired barrier disorders such as eczema or dermatitis, even when they have NEVER experienced it before. 

There are a multitude of lifestyle factors that can effect our skin health such as stress, diet, sleep, medications, smoking or vaping and our skin care. But, with an influx of clients experiencing unexplained epidermal barrier disorders this summer, with no lifestyle changes... seasonal allergens has become a hot topic.

Common seasonal allergens (pollen, mold spores, grasses etc) can wreak havoc for those of us who experience hay fever. Runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and sometimes itchy skin or eczema on the body. This is because allergens activate an immune response.

The immune response

What occurs in the skin, when exposed to allergens?

1. Initial exposure: sensitisation 

• Allergens penetrate the skin, especially if the skin is already dry, irritated or weakened.
• Langerhans cells (skins immune cells) detect the allergen and activate T-helper 2 (Th2) cells in the lymph nodes.
• Keratinocytes (skin cells) release alarm signals called Cytokines.

2. Re-Exposure: Inflammation Kicks In

• Mast cells release histamine, causing:
• Redness & swelling (blood vessel dilation).
• Itching (nerve activation).
• Fluid buildup (increased permeability).
• Other chemicals (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) extend the reaction, attracting more immune cells.

3. Ongoing Inflammation & Skin Damage

• More immune cells arrive: T-cells and eosinophils worsen inflammation.
• Barrier breakdown:
• Less filaggrin & ceramides → drier, more fragile skin.
• Higher pH → more bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), worsening symptoms.
• Chronic exposure leads to thickened, irritated skin (lichenification).

4. The Itch-Scratch Cycle

Histamine and cytokines cause itching → scratching damages the skin → more allergens enter → cycle continues.

5. Why Seasonal Allergies Make It Worse (e.g. NZ Summers)

• Pollen enzymes called proteases break down the skin barrier by degrading filaggrin and ceramides - key proteins and lipids responsible for maintain the skin barrier.
• Drastic changes in humidity levels disrupt skin hydration.
• Heat & sweat increase allergen absorption.
• UV radiation weakens skin immunity.

Why so many 'first time' cases?

Clients often ask "Why am I experiencing this, when I never have in the past?". When we pair the allergen exposure and immune response, with a lifestyle that is pro-inflammatory, then our body becomes more EASILY susceptible to an inflammatory response.

• Chronic stress, poor diet or sleep over years can weaken the immune system, which over time will compromise the barrier function of our skin.
  
  
• Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs, steroids) can trigger rashes, weaken immunity, or dry out the skin, increasing sensitivity. 

Other factors that could also impact the skins immune response include:

• Hormonal profile (particularly relevant to women) changes throughout different phases of life; puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breast feeding, thyroid issues, PCOS, peri-menopause and menopause can alter the skin barrier, immune response and increase sensitivity to allergens. 
  
• Aging skin is thinner, drier, and slower-healing which weakens the barrier, making it more prone to an allergen response.
  
  
• Some have a genetic predisposition towards allergen sensitivity, which can be activated later in life due to repeated or extended exposure to allergens.
  
  
• Extended exposure to allergens can overstimulate the immune system, leading to sensitisation and new allergic reactions.

What Can You Do If You’re Experiencing Skin Sensitivity & Allergies?

If your skin is feeling itchy, irritated, or more reactive than usual, there are steps you can take to calm inflammation and support your skin barrier:

• Identify Triggers: pay attention to skincare, detergents, pollen exposure, and even diet to pinpoint possible culprits.

• Strengthen Your Barrier: use barrier supportive products rich in ceramides and fatty acids such as PCA Hyaluronic Boosting Serum and Aspect Red-Less Serum. 

• Minimise Exposure: avoid products containing fragrance, irritating essential oils, acids and retinol on the irritated areas. Switch to gentle cleansers and hypoallergenic products, avoid excessive heat and sweating, and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

• Soothe Inflammation: apply cool compresses, take antihistamines if necessary and use a barrier protectant like Sudocrem.

• Seek Professional Help: I LOVE helping clients improve their skin barrier with treatments like LED, custom facials and PRIN lymphatic therapy. If symptoms are severe, persist or worsen, I recommend consulting a health professional like your Naturopath, GP, Dermatologist for allergy testing or targeted treatments (e.g., steroids, biologics). I have recently had allergy testing at Allergenics, which I highly recommend to determine possible food and environmental allergens.

Final Thoughts

With seasonal allergens at their peak, it’s no surprise that more people are experiencing unexplained skin sensitivity—even those who never have before. When external triggers like pollen, heat, and humidity collide with internal factors like stress, medications, hormonal shifts, and aging, our skin becomes more vulnerable to inflammation.

The good news? Understanding why this happens allows us to take proactive steps to protect our skin. By reinforcing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and identifying triggers, we can minimise discomfort and keep our skin healthy—no matter the season!