‘I just moved to Charlotte and now I’m allergic to everything!’

Do you suffer from an itchy throat? Sneezing? Watery eyes?

You must be new in town.

Charlotte is a popular relocation destination – Forbes ranked it ninth on its list of fastest growing cities in 2015 – but newcomers quickly learn that Charlotte has a few climate-related issues they’re not used to: lots of pollen and humidity during the warmer months.

If you’re trying to adjust, we’ve got some tips on managing allergies, hair care and skin care.

It’s called allergic rhinitis

Manage your symptoms, says Dr. Tom Humphries of Asthma and Allergy Specialists. Part of the problem for people relocating from the North, he says, is Charlotte’s allergy seasons start earlier and last longer than in other cities.

“Most trees pollinate more in the early mornings,” he says. “If you normally jog before work, consider not going outside to jog or doing it in the evening.”

Humphries also suggests over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal saltwater rinses, which clear lingering pollen out of the nose.

For further allergy control, Humphries suggests looking inside your house.

“Your body’s like a glass of water,” he says. “As you fill it up with different things you’re allergic to, the glass spills over and you begin having symptoms. Decreasing your ‘allergy load’ at home can be really helpful. In the past you may have had low allergy to dog, but now your dog may be bothering you, or maybe it’s dust in your bedroom and you can put covers on your mattress for dust mite control.”

If symptoms persist or sinus infections become an issue, Humphries recommends seeing an allergist.

Tame the frizz

Allergies that refuse to let up aren’t the only “I’m not in the Northeast anymore” moment you’ll have after arriving in Charlotte.

Nearly nonstop humidity is another factor that many newbies find disheartening. Fortunately, Kerri Underwood, a designer at Salon 42 in Dilworth, has a solution.

“For taming frizz, use a lightweight, oil-based product. One of my favorites is Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Oil. With any kind of oil-based product, a little goes a long way,” Underwood says.

If you’ve got hair that gets limp when there’s moisture in the air, Underwood says a thickening or texture spray is essential. “You need to add some grip to the hair so that it won’t fall flat in the humidity. A salt spray replicates that great texture that you get when you go to the beach.”

The cut you choose can also make a difference as you try to keep your mane under control. For finer hair, Underwood suggests a shorter cut with layers. If your hair’s tendency is to get big, Underwood recommends a longer cut.

Soothe the skin

For newcomers, hot weather can also show itself on your face in the form of increased oil production or breakouts.

“People tend to over-exfoliate oily skin,” says nurse cosmetician Susan Davis of Evolve Medical Associates. “That can actually lead to increased oil production. Instead, focus on cleansing.”

Davis says microdermabrasion and light chemical peels can also be useful for those looking to manage breakouts. For at-home treatments, she suggests using clay masks.

When it comes to a daily routine, Davis says women may find that switching from liquid foundation to a mineral-based option can be helpful. She’s a fan of the brand Colorescience. Using products that are “noncomedogenic” is important too. This indicates that the item won’t cause breakouts.

Dr. David Schulman of South Charlotte Dermatology is also focused on keeping Charlotte residents’ skin clear. He recommends Aveeno and Cetaphil face washes and antibiotic wipes, such as Neutrogena, for the face and back. They contain salicylic acid, making them good for eliminating potential breakouts in the middle of the day.

Block the sun

Keep your face covered. “The bigger the hat, the younger you look in 30 years,” Schulman says.

Schulman’s favorite sunscreens feature disappearing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “They protect better than other chemicals, with less chance of an allergic reaction, plus you don’t get that white-coated look.”

He recommends Aveeno Mineral Block and Blue Lizard products.

Mild winters more than make up for the preparation necessary for summer. After all, you don’t have to shovel humidity.

This story was originally published April 27, 2015 at 10:07 AM with the headline "‘I just moved to Charlotte and now I’m allergic to everything!’."