Shampoo, cosmetics, cologne, and skincare products can all make you feel like you're on top of the world. They may also irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
Your skin will usually react within minutes to hours after being exposed to the unpleasant substance.
Sometimes it can take up to a week for contact dermatitis to present, which can make it hard to pinpoint what is causing the reaction.
SYMPTOMS:
Your skin is irritated if you experience any of these issues,
Redness
- Skin redness, or erythema, is abnormal redness or flushing of the skin.
Flakiness & Peeling
- A range of skin conditions can cause dry and flaky skin.
Purging
- Happens where you frequently break out. Disappears faster than a normal pimple
Breakouts
- Happens in a new area where you don’t break out. Typically takes 8 to 10 days to appear, mature, and shrink
Itchiness
- Irritation and allergic reactions can also cause itchy skin. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen.
Rough to the touch
- Rash that crops up on your skin when you touch or have a reaction to a certain substance. It’s red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
How to treat?
Stick to a gentle skin care routine to avoid further inflammation. That means just the basics: a sulfate-free cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day. And, of course, actives or exfoliator that’s putting you through the purge in the first place.
That’s right: It may be tempting to stop using said actives or exfoliating acid altogether, but resist.
- First things first, your doctor may ask you to take a “skincare holiday” for a few weeks, says. Avoiding any actives or new products and give your skin time to rebound without further irritation or allergic reaction.
- After a case of contact dermatitis, you can care your skin with soothing, moisturizing products like plant aloe vera or aloe vera gel without fragrance.
- You can try pure squalane oil if you have a holy grail product that never fails to relax your skin.
- Calendula oat cream and centella green tea gel help soothe itchy skin.
How to Avoid Skin Reactions
- Avoid ingredients that are known to cause allergic reactions or irritation.
- Investigate product ingredients thoroughly before buying something new.
- Look for items that have been dermatologically tested.
- Begin by introducing one new product at a time.
- Begin with the lowest concentration.
- If the product responds, stop using it right away.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- The rash is so uncomfortable that you are losing sleep or are distracted from your daily activities
- The rash is sudden, painful, severe or widespread
- The rash doesn't get better within three weeks
- The rash affects your face or genitals
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1.https://www.webmd.com/allergies/cosmetics
2.https://www.self.com/story/skin-reaction-rash-makeup
3.Mraz Robinson D. (2019). Personal interview.