Cosmetic Allergy: Symptoms, Prevention and Home remedies

A cosmetic allergy refers to any unexpected reaction caused by a cosmetic or beauty product. It can vary from very mild skin reactions to heavy effects on skin Sometimes, your skin reacts suddenly to a product, while at other times, it might take several months or years before showing signs of an allergy on skin

Cosmetic products can directly cause impact your skin or trigger an allergic response. Some cosmetics may irritate your skin on first use itself, but to understand if you are actually allergic or not, you required a long-term exposure to the product.

People who have sensitive skin have a high risk of allergies to multiple cosmetic products. If you have certain skin conditions such as rosacea have a high risk to develop an allergic reaction to the cosmetic product

Major Symptoms of Cosmetic allergy

There are mainly two types of a cosmetic allergic reaction

• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when some products actually damage your skin. You may experience a burning sensation, sting, itching, or get redness on the applied area. If you scratch over the affected area you might get blisters and have oozing.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction actually affects your immune system. It can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and hives. Your skin becomes red and raw on the applied part of the body. You have a high risk of getting an allergic reaction on any part of your body, however, it is mostly seen on the face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck.

• Hives and rashes all over the skin or especially on the face, lips, ears, and neck
• Itchiness
• Flakiness, roughness, or sandpaper-like skin
• Red pimple or red spots on the skin
• burning sensation and stinging on the applied area
• Red, swollen, and itchy eyes
• Swollen lips and tongue
• Watery eyes

 

How you can prevent cosmetic allergy

• Firstly identify the ingredients that affect your skin badly. Prior to purchasing a cosmetic product read all ingredients mentioned on the product and try to avoid buying the product that contains a particular allergen, that you are allergic to
• Chemical-free and fewer fragrance products are more good for skin
• While purchasing a  product, place a minute quantity on your hands, and observe for 24 hours (Mini patch test). You can purchase the product or continue using it if no reaction has been observed.
• Ensure to check the expiry date before purchasing a product
• Do not apply perfumes directly on to the skin, especially to the underarms
• Before sleep remove all makeup and wash the face
• Avoid sharing your cosmetics items and it brushes to avoid the transfer of germs from one to another.
• Consult a skin specialist before using any cosmetic product if you have very sensitive skin.
• Don’t use any products if you have a previous infection that lasts for a few days. Consult the doctor immediately. Discard the products used previously.
• Wash your hands before applying to make items with your hands.

 

Home remedies to minimize the effects of cosmetic allergy

 

There are many traditional and natural home remedies that are safer and easily available. Following are the commonly used:

 

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps to maintain skin moisture. It has antibacterial effects its kills the germs and removes dirt from the clogged pores. It is widely used to effects skin allergies such as redness, itching, etc. Using cotton balls or using clean finger tips you can apply it over the washed skin.

 

• Honey: Honey helps to maintain cooling effects over the skin. So it is an effective remedy for many skin allergies. You can apply it to your affected area with clean fingertips.

 

•  Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to a cooling effect to the affected areas and cools the skin. It can also be used directly on the affected area with honey or yogurt for more effects

 

• Aloe Vera: Extract the gel from the aloe vera leaf and apply directly on the skin, it removes the blemishes on the skin and has cooling properties that help to reduce the inflammation on the skin.  Wash the affected area and apply the gel extracted from the leaf and allow it to dry. After 30 to 40 minutes wash with cold water

 

• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural scrub that is commonly used to remove dirt from the skin and get rid of cosmetic allergy. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste and applied to the affected area. This can helps to remove dead cells and unblocks clogged pores.

 

• Lemon: Lemon juice contains vitamin C which is used as a natural treatment for itchiness on the skin. Take 3 or 4 drops of lemon juice and apply directly to the affected area.

Other remedies

Other commonly used are apple cider vinegar, oats meal, green tea, sandalwood paste, neem, olive oil, rose water, basil leaves, Tulsi leaves, and many more.

Precautionary Note on Cosmetic allergies: Ensure that apple cider vinegar, Baking soda & Lemon does not irritate your skin. Do a patch test before applying it whole over the body or face.

 

Cosmetic Allergy – Quick Home Fixes