Just like the way wardrobes cycle through seasons, so do allergies. The worst months for allergy sufferers are typically March through July with pollen, but the fall also has allergy challenges with ragweed and mold. Along with the standard symptoms of sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, and cough, allergies can also dramatically impact your skin. “Allergy face” can range from slight puffiness and a red nose to irritated eyes and a full-on rash. Here’s a breakdown of ways to care for your skin during allergy flare-ups.

Since your skin is the first line of defense against environmental aggressors, it’s on high alert during the season, so you’re more likely to get rashes or irritation from products or ingredients that may not normally cause a reaction. However, that doesn’t mean you’re destined for months of itchy skin and puffy eyes. This is the time to eliminate or decrease the use of certain products like hair sprays and fragrances. Also, give your skin a rest from any chemical exfoliants or strong, sensitizing acids. Then, reach for soothing moisturizers like CeraVe and good old Vaseline to help lock in moisture and build up your skin barrier. See your dermatologist if a reaction occurs, or if there’s no improvement, you may need a prescription topical cream.

You may not be dealing with a rash but instead a puffy face as a side effect of allergies. You can tackle the inflammation head-on, whether it’s caused by sinus pressure or airborne allergens. First, cool your skin with a DIY cold press or use products with redness-reducing ingredients like aloe vera or oat extracts. You may also want to avoid inflammatory foods that contain soy or nuts.

For red and inflamed noses that have been blown one too many times, you can find instant relief with occlusive moisturizers like Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment. Stay clear of white creamy lotions as they tend to sting already sensitive skin. You want to go for a gooey rather than a rich consistency to avoid further irritation.

Try a green-tinted color corrector like Clinique’s Redness Solutions Makeup before applying the rest of your foundation and powder to tone down redness.

When seasonal allergies come on, under-eye swelling is likely to follow. To prevent bags and undereye circles, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, and avoid any decongestant product if you have high blood pressure.

Alternatively, you can pop on a caffeinated eye mask like Oh K! Caffeine Eye Mask available at Target.

From droopy eyes to red eyes, bloodshot eyes seem inevitable during allergy season, but there are effective ways to manage them. Believe it or not, steroid nasal sprays are just as effective for eye symptoms as eye drops.

Hold up; I’m not recommending using nasal spray as an eye drop, no, no, no.

Use nasal sprays as directed, which will, in turn, also benefit your eyes. Phew, that was close.

The most effective means of treating red and itchy eyes is prevention. Wear sunglasses outside, apply water-proof mascara to avoid raccoon eyes if your eyes get watery, and rinse out your eyes with baby shampoo when you come inside.

Air purifiers are another preventative measure to take to combat allergy face. They’re helpful for allergens suspended in the air, like pollen and pet dander; however, they don’t work as well for dust mite allergies. So, you’ll need to be cleaning regularly if dust is your main allergy culprit.

Of course, basic things like rest, keeping hydrated, and taking prescription and over-the-counter medications also help promote healthy skin.

At the end of the day, being prepared and planning ahead is the best thing you can do to keep the effects of “allergy face” at bay this season.