ALLERGIES TO COMMON COSMETICS

The American Academy of Dermatology reports the average adult uses at least seven different cosmetic products each day. Cosmetics can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Certain ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as antigens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cosmetic Reaction?

Redness, Itching and Dryness

Irritant contact dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis usually begins as patches of itchy, scaly skin or a red rash, but can develop into blisters that ooze, especially if the skin is further irritated from scratching. It generally occurs at the site of contact with the irritating substance.

Allergic contact dermatitis: This occurs in specific ingredient or ingredients in a product. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and hive-like breakouts. The face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck are the most common sites for cosmetic allergies.

What Causes Cosmetic Reactions?

With irritant contact dermatitis, the skin breaks down when it comes into contact with harsh substances.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs because the body's immune system is reacting against a specific substance (the allergen) that it considers foreign and harmful.

How Common Are Reactions to Cosmetics?

Serious allergic reactions associated with cosmetics are rare. However, it is not uncommon for a person to have a mild reaction or irritation to an ingredient in a cosmetic product. Studies suggest that up to 10% of the population will have some type of reaction to a cosmetic over the course of a lifetime. Reactions to cosmetics occur more often in women, most likely because women tend to use more cosmetic products than do men.

What Should I Do if I Have a Reaction?

Stop using all cosmetics. When your symptoms are gone, start using them again, one product at a time. Consult your healthcare provider.

How Are Allergic Reactions Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects allergic contact dermatitis, he or she may use a patch skin test to identify the substances to which you are allergic.

What to do to Prevent Cosmetic Reactions?

• Read the list of ingredients on all cosmetic products. If you find an ingredient that has caused a reaction in the past, don't use that product. Keep track of ingredients that have caused reactions, and look for products that do not contain those ingredients.
• Do a "mini-patch test" first to see if it causes a reaction.
• Choose products with simple formulas. More ingredients mean more potential allergens.
• Apply perfume to your clothes.
• Look for products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic, although products with these labels may still cause reactions.

Be aware of Ingredients

It's important to be aware of each product's ingredients and to look for and avoid ingredients that are known allergens for you.

Also, keep in mind that products labeled "unscented" or "fragrance free" may still contain small amounts of fragrances needed to cover the odor of other chemical ingredients. Products labeled "non-comedogenic" do not contain ingredients that commonly clog pores, which can lead to acne.

Many products use the term "hypoallergenic," although there are no regulations or standards for use of this term. "Hypoallergenic" suggests that a product is less likely than another, similar product to cause an allergic reaction, but manufacturers are not required to prove this claim. In addition, products labeled "organic" are not less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Things to watch:

• Be sure to clean your hands and face before applying make-up.
• Never share make-up.
• Keep containers free of dust and dirt.
• Keep cosmetics away from heat and out of direct sunlight.
• Discard those products and use new ones when your infection is gone.
• Discard products if the color changes or they develop an odor.
• If the consistency of a product changes. Discard the product.
• Clean cosmetic brushes and applicators frequently.