Allergic reactions to cosmetics: why does this happen and how to prevent it

Oh, it's hard to imagine daily care without cosmetics! Makeup removers, skin toning, moisturizing, make-up cosmetics – so many things are needed to improve your look! And it gives you confidence, doesn't it?

However, there are occasions when that coveted new jar on the shelf causes an allergic reaction. What to do?

Our sisters will help you figure it out 🤓  

What is an allergic reaction to cosmetics?

First, let's separate the two concepts of allergy and irritation.

Irritation is a localized symptom, mainly redness, excessive dryness, and peeling of the skin.

Allergy is the immune system's response to an irritant. Some girls have an allergic reaction in 7-14 days, just imagine! And, unfortunately, it’s impossible to get rid of it by removing only the product that caused the reaction. Allergies require complex treatment, and in this case, you should visit a dermatologist 😔

With irritating products, everything is easier – you just need to remove the cosmetics that cause irritation from your care and all symptoms will disappear within 24 hours.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cosmetics

The most common symptoms that our sis have experienced during an allergic reaction are:

• redness;
• itching;
• excessive dryness of the skin, feeling of tightness.

Severe allergy symptoms include swelling and anaphylactic shock. These symptoms require an immediate visit to the hospital, so be careful and react immediately ☝️

What components can cause allergies

Pay attention to the composition of the product, as some ingredients in cosmetics can provoke allergic reactions.

Most often, irritation and allergies occur to cosmetics which contain:

Retinol. Retinol is an excellent tool for stimulating natural collagen synthesis and providing a lifting effect, but this component often causes allergies. Choose cosmetics with bakuchiol, which is a substitute for retinol and does not have side effects.

Fragrances. Fragrances are one of the main reasons for allergic reactions. Even products labeled “odorless” may contain flavors that mask the smell, and they can also cause irritation.

Preservatives. Preservatives, such as parabens, formaldehyde derivatives, and isothiazolinones (a lot of complicated words, but we can't explain without them), are used to extend shelf life, but they can be the reason for allergies. If you see such long words on the cosmetics’ jar, be sure to test the product before full use.

Dyes. Synthetic dyes can cause irritation. If your skin is prone to irritation, then choose cosmetics without dyes.

Sulfates. Sulfates are used in many detergents. While they are effective at removing dirt and grease, they can also destroy the skin's natural oils, and it’s caused dryness and irritation. Sulfate-free cosmetics are quite common nowadays, so you should choose products without sulfate components for dry and irritated skin.

Lanolin. Lanolin, which is derived from sheep's wool, is a common ingredient in moisturizers. It is a fairly effective ingredient, but it can provoke allergic reactions.

In addition, some natural ingredients in cosmetics can provide irritation and allergies. For example, essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, products with tea tree or lavender extracts can be a reason of negative reaction, so choose your cosmetic bag carefully 🌿

How to prevent an allergic reaction on the skin

When a new product is added to your skincare routine, it's worth testing it on a small area of dermis. Even if the components were okay for your skin before, to make patch test will be a good idea, as the combination of ingredients in a new product can provoke irritation.

Here is a brief instruction on how to conduct a skin reaction test:

1. Choose the area of skin where the patch test will be performed. It should be a small part where you can avoid wetting for 24-48 hours. The best choice is the place behind the ear, where the skin is similar in sensitivity to the face dermis.
2. Apply the product evenly. Apply cosmetics to a small part and leave it on for 24-48 hours. Do not wash this area and periodically examine it for signs of an allergic reaction or irritation.
3. Check the result. After 48 hours, carefully inspect the place where you applied the new cosmetic product. If there is no redness, swelling, or peeling at the application part, feel free to add the cosmetic to your skincare routine. If you observe any changes on the skin, wash off the cosmetics thoroughly, apply an antihistamine.

Even after a patch test and a positive skin reaction to a new cosmetics, do not add several new products to your usual care at the same time. Some of our sis have had cases of delayed allergic reactions, and to be sure that your skin reacts well to all cosmetics, do not radically change the entire skincare routine🙂

On average, we use 6-12 cosmetics daily, and when a new product appears in your cosmetic bag, be sure to pay attention to the ingredients and check the product for a reaction before full use. These simple steps will help you avoid undesirable results and keep your skin perfect 🤩

But if your skin is still irritated, Sister advises you to pay attention to aloe gels that will help soothe it: