You have just purchased a new skin care product and it is great to see how it will change your appearance. Instead, you will end up with red, itchy, or swollen patches because one of the ingredients can cause an allergic reaction.
According to a dermatologist certified by the Board of the American Academy of Dermatology, the best way to avoid this problem when trying new things is to first test a few small areas of the skin to determine if it might irritate you.
“There are more than 15,000 allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and skin care products are a common cause,” said Dr. Bruce Broad. “Even products labeled’hypoallergenic,”natural’ or’cleansing’ can cause skin reactions, so it is helpful to test skin care products before using them normally.”
To test skin care products, Brod recommends applying the product to a quarter-sized test spot twice a day for 7 to 10 days. Choose an area that is not easy to rub or wash away, such as the underside of the arm or the bend of the elbow. If you use the product as expected, please use the normal amount and thickness.
Leave it on the skin as usual. If you are testing something that you usually wash off, such as a cleanser, leave it on your skin for five minutes or follow the instructions.
The college recommends that if you do not respond within a week, please continue to use the product.
Certain ingredients, including retinol and glycolic acid, can irritate your skin, but this is normal and temporary.
If you experience a skin reaction, wash the product from the skin and stop using it. You can use cold compresses or petroleum jelly to soothe your skin. If this does not help, you may need to see a dermatologist.
“Sometimes, finding the cause of skin irritation is easier said than done,” Broad said at a college press conference. “If it is difficult to determine the exact ingredient causing the skin reaction, please consult a certified dermatologist who can help. You may need a medical test called a patch test to help find the cause of the irritation.”
Once you know what irritates your skin, don’t use it. For example, if perfume bothers you, use odorless products. The college recommends that “odorless” plant-based plant products be used with caution, which may still contain scented ingredients.