Beauty Product Allergies
Our environment is full of allergens and irritants -- and unfortunately, so are our beauty products. Whether your body lotion gives you an actual allergic reaction (called allergic contact dermatitis) or just causes irritation (called irritant contact dermatitis), both result in skin that's itchy, swollen, red or burning, says Mathew Avram, M.D., director of Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology and Laser Cosmetic Center. Most allergic reactions and irritations are caused either by fragrances or by preservatives used in the product. "It can be very hard to pinpoint what causes a reaction," Avram says. To get to the bottom of your itchy skin, either go the trial-and-error route or have a dermatologist do a patch test.
Soaps can be problematic for two reasons. First, the fragrances added can cause a reaction, and secondly, many soaps dry out your skin and cause painful irritations and rashes. If you have sensitive skin, start by avoiding harsh soaps and opt for the fragrance-free variety of a moisturizing soap like Dove.
Though your instinct is to slap on your deodorant right after shaving your underarms in the shower, that's when your pits are at their most sensitive. Wait a few hours before applying. You can also look for antiperspirant/deodorant that uses aluminum chlorhydrate as its active ingredient (it's the least irritating to skin).
All types of makeup can cause problems, but your eyelids are your most sensitive skin on your body. Always look for eye makeup that is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic, and never share makeup with anyone. Also, lighter colored, matte-finish powdered eye shadows are less likely to irritate your lids.
Ideally, moisturizer soothes dry skin, but if your skin is already red and cracked, it can have the opposite effect. Opt for lotions that are fragrance-free. As for other things that can cause allergic reactions or irritate skin: Petrolatum, lanolin, silicone, glycerin, propylene glycol are all commonly found in lotions. Test any new lotion on a small patch of skin to see if you have a reaction.
About one to two percent of Americans are allergic to fragrances -- one of the main components of perfume. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that there are 5,000 different fragrances out there, and often a single scent is comprised of 10 300 chemicals. Play it safe when you try a new perfume: Patch test a little bit on your arm (not on the back of your hand since that can wind up in your eyes if your rub or touch your face).
If you've ever had a perm or colored your hair, you know how harsh the chemicals smell. In particular, ammonium persulfate (often used to lighten hair) can cause severe irritation to skin. Make sure your hair stylist takes every precaution to keep the chemicals off of your face, and always get perm or color treatments in well-ventilated areas (the chemicals sometimes also cause wheezing).
Not only can polish irritate the skin around your nails, the fumes can also be irritating to other places on your body (like your face or neck). Test a new polish on one nail first. Also, many nail polishes contain formaldehyde -- a definite allergen. Look for formaldehyde-free polish.
Watch out for the chemicals used to make artificial nail glue -- they can be toxic and cause allergic reactions. Look for methacrylate-free glues if you use fake nails or nail-repair kits. Long-term use of the permanent nail overlays can cause infections and irritations around the nail; consider taking them off every three months to give your nails a rest.
Waxing gives you nicely shaped brows, but it can also cause redness, breakouts and infections. Waxing leaves your pores raw and exposed, and it's easy for dirt to get in there and wreak havoc. Reduce your chances of having a reaction after waxing by gently washing the area around your brows and drying with a clean towel.
Cosmeceuticals -- like alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy -- are designed to vigorously exfoliate your skin and help you look younger. A little redness is a given. But too much of a good thing can cause severe skin irritation. Always start with just a little bit. Also, avoid being in direct sunlight after you use products like this since the sun can cause the skin to darken and feel even more irritated.
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