There is a reason for cosmetics to come with a pre-warning label – test on skin before using. This is mainly for sensitive skin that is susceptible to allergies or rashes. But it can happen that even if your skin is accustomed to some make-up product, it can suddenly provoke an excessive reaction after application. There are many ways to avoid makeup allergies, let us discuss some prominent remedies.
Signs of makeup allergy:
A makeup allergy is caused by components present in cosmetic products. More often than not, these elements can be natural ingredients. Your skin could even react to a base substance like the presence of coconut oil in the make-up product. Most moisturizers contain lanolin which is an extract of sheep wool, this is the common cause of dermatitis problems.
Cosmetics are beautifiers which are applied to the surface of the skin, hair or nails. It consists of a complex blend of perfumes, emulsifiers, sunscreens, metals, resins and preservatives, as well as organic elements.
The face is most susceptible to makeup allergy. Symptoms and signals of a makeup allergy include a rash that often seems as a scaling, flaking, dry, swollen red area that may scratch. This is typically restricted to the area of the face where the cosmetic was applied. Occasionally, cosmetic skin reactions give rise to urticaria.
Itchy contact dermatitis.
Is characterized by itching skin patches or red eruption.
Allergenic contact dermatitis.
This is a reaction that involves your immune system. The most known symptoms of skin allergy are redness, swelling, itching and hives. Frequently affected areas are the face, lips, eyes, ears and neck.
Beauty products that mainly cause allergies:
Mostly bath soaps, lotions, antiperspirants, eye makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, lip gloss, nail polish that contains formaldehyde, and fingernail glue that contains methacrylate.
Hair dyes containing p-phenylenediamine as well as ammonium persulfate can cause allergic reactions. Beauty products that have alpha-hydroxy acids cause redness, swelling, blisters, and itching. Makeup products that contain an AHA level over 10%.
Retin-A wrinkle creams and serums can also cause irritant contact dermatitis in some people. People who suffer from sunscreen sensitivity must consult a dermatologist before applying sunscreens and lotions.
How to prevent makeup allergies:
Try out free samples:
Even though you might be tempted to buy a new makeup product off the counter always ask for a free sample to test. Most of these products are labelled “dermatologically tested”, “paraben-free”, and “allergy tested” to ensure the safety of the purchaser. It cannot be demonstrated for individual dermal reactions. Therefore, it is safe to do patch tests on the surface of the skin to eliminate skin rashes, inflammation and nut allergies (products that contain shea butter) before purchasing the real cosmetic. Even products labelled “fragrance-free” contain a certain amount of purifiers to remove chemical scents. These can cause skin reactions, always apply deodorant and perfumes to the clothes and not directly to the skin.
Eye care:
Do not use old brushes, mascara, eye liners and other make-up products near the eye area if you have a history of eye infections. While applying mascara never begin on the roots of eyelashes, use it only on the outside two-thirds. Avoid applying eyeliner on the inner edge of the lid. Draw the liner always above the eyelashes of the upper lid and below the eyelashes of the lower lid. When working with contact lenses, avoid frosted eyeshadow. It is possible that iridescent particles may shell and attach to the contact lens, causing sufficient friction to scratch the cornea.
Follow basic hygiene:
Thorough cleaning is essential for the face, neck and hands before and after applying make-up. Our skin is regularly exposed to aggressive elements, dirt and dust and it is important to follow a cleansing ritual to prevent allergies. It is also necessary to wash and sterilize brushes and makeup equipment every now and then. Avoid using cosmetics or somebody else’s kit. Sharing can be flattering, but this will be another way to host germs and skin causing infections from another person.
Conclusion:
Obviously, it is hard to avoid makeup products for a beauty conscious generation. Home remedies such as an oatmeal bath, applying honey to itchy beehives, treating with coconut oil to reduce redness, and using apple cider vinegar to treat inflammation are recommended. But it is always good to seek the advice of a specialist for extreme skin reactions. To prevent itching and eruptions caused by allergies, you can consult a dermatologist to determine the type of skin. It is also advisable to use cosmetics with lesser ingredients. Organic, animal-friendly cosmetics are ideal for all skin types.
