What happens when a product you’ve put on your skin to improve it and make it look and feel healthier actually does the opposite? You could be allergic to your skincare products. Dermatology doctors in Northern Colorado help treat numerous conditions to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. But not every product or treatment works for every person, especially when there are allergies involved. One study found that around one-third of people are allergic to at least one cosmetic ingredient, including things normally found in skincare products. Allergic reactions vary in their symptoms and severity depending on the person, from simply being uncomfortable to having more serious issues. Here are four indications you’re allergic to your skincare products.
Rashes
After applying a skincare product, what looks like a rash may appear on your skin. This area can be large or small in size and could possibly grow over time. The rash may itch and be splotchy. Although these rash-like symptoms are uncomfortable, in most cases they are a form of irritant contact dermatitis and aren’t actually an allergy because the symptoms don’t go beneath the top layers of skin. However, some rashes may actually be related to allergies. If the rash doesn’t go away and continues to grow with worsening symptoms, it could be a cause of concern and a sign that you’re allergic to the skincare product. Allergies can also appear when the rash extends beyond the area where the product was applied or if the rash becomes extremely itchy and starts to burn. Allergy and non-allergy rash symptoms are very similar, so pay attention to your skin and how it changes over time and alert your dermatologist.
Redness and Itchiness
Allergic contact dermatitis is the term used to describe symptoms when the skin appears red and itchy. In most cases, these symptoms start to appear about 12 hours after applying a topical skincare product and peak about 48 hours after exposure. In most cases, the skin will start to look red and be itchy. Raised bumps or small blisters may also arise in the affected area. Even when skincare products are applied to large areas of skin or the entire face, these symptoms are most likely to appear on eyelids, the chin, cheeks, and around the corners of the mouth.
Dry, Scaly Skin
If your skin has been exposed to a product you’re allergic to, you may find areas of dry, scaly skin start to appear about 12 hours after application. The skin can also crack when it becomes especially dry, which can be uncomfortable and painful. Some skincare ingredients can cause some peoples’ skin to dry out, which causes dry areas that can grow over time. Other conditions could cause dry, scaly skin. If the symptoms persist even after you’ve stopped using the product and applied moisturizing lotion, go see a doctor.
Hives
One of the classic allergy symptoms is hives, or areas of the skin that are raised, red, and bumpy. Hives typically appear on the area of the skin where the skincare product was applied. They range in severity from just appearing red and bumpy to being incredibly painful and itchy. Hives may get worse over time and can spread to other areas of the body, even areas where you didn’t apply the skincare product.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms and they don’t go away over time or with over-the-counter medicine, there are likely signs you’re allergic to skincare products. Dermatology doctors can provide personalized treatment options to get your allergies under control, as well as recommendations for other skincare products that don’t cause an allergic reaction. Skincare allergies are more common than you might think, but you don’t have to suffer. You can have good skin without the allergic reactions.