Stop hay fever AGEING YOU

Struggle with seasonal allergies? Get symptoms under control before they start adding years

The clocks are soon changing which means spring is here – finally. But while longer, warmer days are definitely something to celebrate, if

you’re one of the 49%* in the UK who have hay fever, you might be approaching the season with caution. And to make matters worse, those annoying symptoms can trigger premature ageing, too. ‘Hay fever can make skin dry and irritated, which can cause it to look aged,’ says pharmacist Abbas Kanani**. Ease symptoms and get your glow back with these expert tips.

Act fast

Halting hay fever as early as possible is essential as itchy, red or watery eyes can also lead to permanent premature lines. ‘Inflammation causes the skin to stretch,’ says Abbas. ‘Over time, the skin can remain stretched even after the inflammation goes down, and that loose skin can develop into permanent wrinkles. Inflammation can also trigger the breakdown of collagen and elastin, important for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.’

The solution? Over-the-counter medication can be very effective. Usually, an antihistamine will do the trick – it works by either blocking the allergic response or reducing inflammation.

Beat congestion