AS WE emerge from dreary winter, you'd think the warmer temperatures and hint of sun would do wonders to our cold weather-worn skin.
But the arrival of spring can bring with it its own set of skin concerns.
The changing weather, buzz of insects and explosion of pollen can see you battling dehydration, fungal infections and bites, according to skin doctor Dr Vanita Rattan.
The founder of SkincarebyDrV shared seven major skin problems that crop up during springtime.
"By being aware of these common concerns, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and keep it healthy throughout the spring season," Dr Vanita said.
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1. Rashes and dehydration from allergies
Spring heralds the blooming of plants and flowers, which inevitably sends pollen, spores and other allergens spiralling through the air.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you're probably already expecting to the itchy, streaming eyes, tickly throat and stuffy nose.
But hay fever season can also play havoc on your skin, according to Dr Vanita.
"When an allergen enters your body, the immune system responds by attacking the allergen as though it were a bacterial or viral threat," the skin doctor said.
"This triggers the release of histamine, which is the culprit behind familiar allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and irritated skin.
"As your body tries to fight off irritants, the skin can become dry and dehydrated too."
Dryness isn't the only allergy-related skin concern you might come up against.
"In some cases, allergies can cause rashes as an immune response to otherwise harmless substances, like pollen, weeds, grass, dust, and pet dander," Dr Vanita said.
"As the first line of defence, take over the counter antihistamines to ease hay fever symptoms," she advised.
"If you have developed a rash from your allergies, apply anti-itch creams to treat the affected area and relieve itching."
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2. Sunburn
Though the sun isn't yet as hot and strong as it will be in summertime, don't be fooled - you can still get burnt.
If your face and shoulders are reddened after spending an afternoon outside, sadly this does indicate skin damage.
"When the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, it can lead to inflammation, redness, and pain," Dr Vanita said.
Choose a sun cream that's broad spectrum - the primary cause of sunburn is the UVB radiation, but UVA radiation can also contribute to skin damage.
In the days following sunburn, the affected skin may start to peel as the damaged cells shed for new skin cells to replace them.
Dr Vanita went on:"The skin will likely feel warm to touch and occasionally itchy for about a week.
"If you have sunburn, it’s important to cool your skin down with a cold damp towel and apply aftersun.
"Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and take painkillers for any pain," she advised.
The pain of sunburn can be easily avoided by regularly slathering on SPF50+.
3. Insect bites
"Spring is the season where many plants begin to bloom, providing a rich source of pollen and nectar for insects," the skin doctor observed.
"This abundance of food attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, leading to higher insect activity."
This can invariably results in unwanted stings and bites.
Dr Vanita suggested you protect your skin by regularly applying insect repellent.
Sadly, your favourite fragrance might attract creepy crawlies to you, so it's best to avoid it if you also want to avoid bites.
Wearing protective clothing such as long sleeve tops to minimise exposed skin, can also be useful.
These tips are particularly important if you spend a lot of time in woodland areas or near water, the skin doctor noted.
"Though itchy, for the most part, insects bites are harmless.
"It’s the bites and stings from hornets, wasps, bees, and ants that can cause more severe reactions.
"Put a medicated cream on the area to relieve itching and avoid scratching the skin to prevent infection," Dr Vanita advised.
4. Humidity-induced acne
As spring arrives, humidity levels may rise and you may notice a few extra spots.
According to Dr Vanita: "Higher humidity can lead to an increase in oil production in the skin, potentially clogging pores and contributing to increased breakouts.
"With warmer weather, people tend to spend more time outdoors engaging in physical activities," she went on.
"Increased sweating, coupled with exposure to environmental pollutants, can cause an accumulation of oils, debris, dirt, and dead skins that contribute to acne.
"To combat this, use a Micellar Gel Wash to remove excess oil without stripping the skin of its hydration.
"Also, incorporate a gentle, hydrating chemical exfoliator twice a week to leave the skin free of damaging pollutants and dead skin."
5. Fungal infections
Where there's warmer weather, there's also the risk of dreaded fungal infections, as they thrive in warm and moist environments.
"As temperatures rise during spring, the combination of higher humidity and increased perspiration creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi," Dr Vanita said.
"For example, athletes’ foot is caused by various types of fungi which can affect the toes, the soles of the feet, and toenails.
"This is because warmth and moisture get trapped in shoes when they are worn for a long time, providing the ideal environment for fungi to flourish."
The warmer weather might prompt you to exercise more, whether that be swimming or going to the gym.
The skin doctor warned: "Communal areas like swimming pools, changing rooms and gyms can be sources of fungal contamination, so it is important to keep the feet dry and change socks regularly.
"Use antifungal powders or creams as preventive measures, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, speak to your GP for medical treatment."
6. Dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
The shift into warmer weather can leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated, as fluctuating temperatures and occasional gusts of wind can disrupt the skin barrier and strip it of its essential moisture.
"Dryness can leave your skin vulnerable, not only creating discomfort but also potentially exacerbating existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis," Dr Vanita warned.
"The higher pollen counts during spring may also trigger allergies, causing further redness, itchiness, and flaky skin.
If your skin tends to feel dry, opt for a lightweight moisturiser with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
7. Melasma
Melasma is a common skin concern characterised by brown or dark grey patches on the face, neck, and arms.
Its primary trigger for UV radiation from the sun, which can stimulate melanocytes - the skin cells that produce melanin - to create more pigment.
To prevent the dark spots from forming, Dr Vanita said it's best to minimise exposure to the sun’s UV rays, wear at leat an SPF25 and put on a wide-brimmed hat.
Anti-melasma sunglasses will also ensure the skin around the cheekbones and temples is protected.
