Cosmetics
Do you know that cosmetics can cause allergies?
Maybe not many of us realize this, but in a normal day we use an average of at least six to seven different cosmetic products. Let’s count:
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Hair conditioner
- Moisturizing lotion
- Deodorant
- Sun block
- Cologne or perfume
Now if you’re a lady, let’s add more:
- Make-up foundation
- Pressed powder
- Blush on
- Mascara
- Lip shiner
- Lipstick
- Eye shadow
- Eye liner
Amazed at the number of products you use?
What many of us do not realize is the fact that any of these products can actually cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. This is because there are certain ingredients used in these products that can act as allergens or substances that trigger allergic reaction. Some of those ingredients known to cause allergic reactions are fragrances used in colognes, perfumes, shampoos, bath soaps, moisturizing lotions, deodorants, and even in soft tissues we normally use to remove make up. These products also contain preservatives, which again has the potential of triggering an allergic reaction to anybody who is sensitive to it.
Cosmetics
How Will You Know If You Are Allergic to Cosmetics?
There are actually two (2) reactions that may be experienced after getting in contact with the cosmetic product. One is called Irritant Contact Dermatitis and the second one is called Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis is the most common and it usually begins as patches of itchy, scaly skin or a red rash. Untreated, it can then develop into blisters that ooze, especially if the skin is further irritated because of scratching. Irritant Contact Dermatitis is normally observed in the eyelids. This is because Irritant Contact Dermatitis affects areas with thin outermost layers. Normal products that cause this type of allergy are eye shadows and eye liners.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis affects the face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and hive-like breakouts. In some sever cases of allergic contact dermatitis; the skin becomes red and raw.
Perfume
Unlike other types of allergic reactions, the symptoms for allergic contact dermatitis takes time before symptoms appear, except for stronger irritants such as perfumes whose reaction occurs within minutes or hours of exposure. For products such as batch soap, it may take days or weeks of continued exposure before symptoms actually appear. In some cases, a person can develop an allergic sensitivity to a product only after years of use.
What’s the Treatment for Cosmetic Allergies?
The first step is to avoid the products once it has been identified as the ones causing the allergies. To control itching and to reduce the redness and swelling, over-the-counter creams and ointments that contain cortisone may be used. However, it’s still best to talk to your doctor for the best medication for your condition. Topical steroids like cortisone can sometimes lead to facial skin discoloration, and you would not want that. So go visit your doctor if you have cosmetic allergy.
