For many people, Spring offers a welcome reprieve from winter’s cold. But with that warmth comes the return of pollen and a host of associated issues, including allergies. More than 50 million Americans suffer red eyes, runny noses, and pesky coughs. But there’s one part of your body that’s adversely affected by pollen, even if you aren’t the typical allergy sufferer—you get dry skin.

What is pollen?

Pollen is the fine, yellow, powdery substance that flowers emit during the germination phase. In early Spring, you might notice a yellow film on your car or on any outdoor fixtures. Depending on where you live, you might see this more often than others.

Though pollen is a necessary part of wildlife and plant growth, it’s also a pollutant. It may not be as severe or as toxic as tobacco-related carcinogens or fuel emissions, but it’s a pollutant nonetheless, and it can have a detrimental impact on your skin.

Reduction of collagen production

Collagen production is essential for a few reasons. It boosts your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Collagen also helps fill in, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. In essence, this is what keeps your skin looking fresh and youthful. However, pollen can slow or stop collagen production, which leads to sagging, tired, wrinkled skin.

Vitamin C cream for men is your best bet to safeguard your collagen production. This cream is loaded with antioxidants which can further strengthen the skin while protecting it from pollen.

Dry Skin

The more pollen settles in, the more you’ll notice dry skin, irritation, and itchiness. These symptoms indicate that your skin’s barrier has been compromised. This barrier helps trap moisture and keep the toxins out. If you want to cure your dry skin, and repair your skin barrier in the process, use a men’s moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps trap moisture in your skin, which directly combats the dryness and itchiness you’re feeling.

Also, you can search for a men’s moisturizer with Vitamin E, which safeguards against free radicals.

Inflammation

Pollen can also cause inflammation of the skin, which shows up as redness or as skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Antioxidants are your number one defense against pollen-induced inflammation. Look for serums and creams that contain natural ingredients, like resveratrol and ferulic acid, to block pollen from sinking into your skin.

Clogged Pores

As mentioned earlier, pollen is an air pollutant. And, like any other pollutant, it can lead to clogged pores.

Acne is caused when your pores are clogged by bacteria, extra oil, and dead skin cells. If pollen seeps in there, it has the same effect. To combat this, cleanse thoroughly. A deep cleaning face scrub and periodic exfoliation can remove the dead skin cells before they cause problems.

But also, you want to use moisturizers that block pollen from settling into your skin and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Your skin should be resilient to damage, so that pollen poses no threat. Here, Vitamin C cream should be a go-to to load your skin with antioxidants, and the aforementioned men’s moisturizer with hyaluronic acid will trap in moisture without increasing oil production.

Every Spring, our focus tends to shift to the most common allergy symptoms—those that can be treated with over-the-counter meds from the nearest drugstore. But sniffling and sneezing aren’t the only effects you need to worry about. This season, ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked with products that will not only keep your skin looking great but will also serve as key defenders against the harmful effects of pollen.