Cosmetic allergies

An allergy to cosmetics is an acute reaction of the body, manifested in the form of itching, skin rashes and other accompanying symptoms after the direct use of cosmetics. An allergy to cosmetics can occur in almost anyone. According to statistics, about thirty thousand cases of allergic reactions to cosmetics are recorded annually, and the frequency of unrecorded cases can be even tens of times higher. The high-risk group for allergic reactions to cosmetics includes people with hypersensitive, thin and dry skin. In turn, individual intolerance to any component does not depend on the skin type and can appear spontaneously after using any cosmetic product. Allergic manifestations can be concentrated on any part of the body, including affecting the face, eyes, lips, etc. The most common allergens in cosmetics are preservatives, fragrances and dyes. The occurrence of an allergic reaction can also be influenced by age-related or seasonal changes in skin type, excess cosmetics on the body, failure to follow the rules for their use, and the use of expired cosmetic products.

An allergy to cosmetics is usually an individual reaction of the body and can manifest itself when using even completely harmless components of cosmetics for the face and body. After using cosmetics that are not suitable for you, symptoms can appear even after several days.

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Symptoms of cosmetic allergy

Symptoms of cosmetic allergy include the following: skin turns red and starts to itch, swelling, burning, tingling. There are two types of allergic reactions to cosmetics - simple dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. Symptoms of simple dermatitis are accompanied by the occurrence of inflammatory processes of the skin - redness, swelling, itching, which occur after direct contact of the skin with an allergen. As a rule, simple dermatitis is much more common than allergic dermatitis and occurs with irritation and damage to the skin. The initial signs of simple dermatitis include itching, peeling of the skin, red rashes, watery blisters. Allergic dermatitis is an individual reaction to a specific substance. The symptoms are usually the same as with simple dermatitis - redness, swelling, rashes, the skin becomes very sensitive and starts to itch, a runny nose may occur, darkening of the skin around the eyes. Manifestations of an allergic reaction to cosmetics can be localized on the surface of almost any part of the body.

Allergy to decorative cosmetics

Allergy to decorative cosmetics may occur due to individual intolerance to any of its components. In particular, an allergic reaction may occur to the following components of decorative cosmetics:

• Preservatives. They are one of the main allergens included in cosmetics. This element is added to cosmetics to increase shelf life. Preservatives in cosmetics are found, for example, in the form of salicylic, benzoic acid, etc.
• Dyes. Dyes are found in almost all cosmetics. When choosing cosmetics, preference should be given to products containing natural dyes.
• Bleaching agents. Bleaching agents such as hydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide are found mainly in creams and lotions and can cause allergies.
• Fragrances. To give cosmetics a scent, manufacturers use various fragrances. The cheaper the cosmetics, the higher the probability that they contain artificial fragrances that can provoke an allergic reaction. Natural fragrances, in turn, can also cause allergies.
• Bioadditives. Bioactive additives, including natural ones, are also often the cause of allergic reactions.
• Formaldehyde resins. They are part of nail polishes.

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How does an allergy to cosmetics manifest itself?

First of all, it should be noted that the manifestations of allergies are strictly individual for each person, but there is a conditional division of allergic reactions by the most general and widespread symptoms. Firstly, this is skin irritation that occurs with direct contact of the skin with the irritant and manifests itself in the form of red spots, peeling, wrinkling of the skin. The formation of small blisters on the surface of the skin, discomfort when touching the skin may be observed, itching in such cases is usually absent. Secondly, this is excessive sensitivity of the skin, which may not manifest itself externally, but at the same time unpleasant sensations may occur, accompanied by tingling or tightening of the skin. The third group of allergic manifestations includes direct allergic reactions that can make themselves known even a week after contact with the allergen. In such cases, the skin begins to itch, up to the appearance of very strong itching, turns red, peels, and is covered with a rash. Treatment for undesirable skin reactions after using a cosmetic product depends on how the allergy to cosmetics manifests itself. Common manifestations for various forms of allergy can be itching, erythema, eczematides, eczema. Erythema appears as red spots that change their color to pale when pressing on the affected area. Eczematides can be isolated in certain places or spread throughout the body. As a rule, they look like round or oval formations with a pale pink color, which can be covered with a thin crust, and do not cause itching. Eczema appears as various rashes on the skin, causing burning and itching.

Allergy on face from cosmetics

An allergy on the face from cosmetics can occur when using various masks and scrubs for the face, cleansing lotions, foams, tonics, as well as powder, cream, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, etc. If an allergic reaction to cosmetics appears on the face, you can use the following remedy: soak a handkerchief in milk or kefir and gently wipe the skin of the face, then wash with warm boiled water. To wipe the face in case of allergies, you can also use herbal infusions, for example, chamomile or sage, as well as black tea. Applications of potato starch can also help in the event of an allergic reaction to cosmetics. Potato or rice starch is applied to the affected areas for about forty minutes, after which the skin is carefully cleaned with water and blotted with a paper napkin. Depending on the severity of the allergy, antihistamines, topical ointments, and calcium supplements may be prescribed for treatment. It is recommended to refrain from using any type of cosmetics during the treatment period.

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Eye allergy from cosmetics

An eye allergy from cosmetics can occur when using eye shadow, mascara, pencil and other decorative cosmetics that directly contact the eye area. The most common forms of allergic reactions to the eyes are allergic dermatitis of the eyelids and various types of conjunctivitis. When allergic dermatitis occurs, the eyelids are affected, characterized by redness, itching and accompanied by swelling of the skin of the face, the appearance of a rash. With allergic conjunctivitis, redness and tearing of the eyes are noted, sometimes - mucus discharge. In an acute allergic reaction, conjunctivitis can be accompanied by a distinct glass-like swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye. If any manifestations of an allergy to the eyes occur, immediately contact an ophthalmologist or allergist. A qualified examination will help to correctly differentiate the symptoms and establish a diagnosis, after which the necessary treatment will be prescribed.

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What to do if you have an allergy to cosmetics?

What to do in case of allergy to cosmetics should be decided directly by a dermatologist or allergist in each case individually. Before contacting a doctor, you can take the following measures:

1. When the first signs of an allergy appear, it is necessary to immediately and thoroughly remove all cosmetics from the skin, rinse it off with plenty of water. Eyes can be washed with chamomile infusion or lukewarm tea. It is strictly forbidden to use cosmetics before a diagnostic examination and a doctor's check-up. Also, until the allergen is identified, you should avoid inhaling strong odors, skin contact with detergents, perfumes, etc.
2. Take an antihistamine (suprastin, tavegil, cetrin, claritin), since the basis for treating any type of allergy is primarily the use of this group of drugs.
3. Nettle can be used as a folk remedy. A decoction of this plant should be taken orally, about half a liter per day, as it can suppress the development of an allergic reaction.

Treatment of cosmetic allergies

If an allergy to cosmetics occurs, treatment should begin with stopping its use. The affected areas of the skin should be immediately washed with water and blotted with a napkin, after which zinc ointment can be applied. If eczema appears on the skin, it should be treated with water and cortisone ointment to reduce inflammation. The use of antihistamines is mandatory if any type of allergic reaction occurs. To treat allergies, you can use drugs such as claritin, suprastin, loratadine. Claritin is taken one tablet (10 mg) once a day. Suprastin is prescribed for oral administration of 0.025 g two to three times a day during meals. Loratadine - one tablet (10 mg) once a day. After eliminating the symptoms of allergy, it is recommended to conduct application tests to identify the allergen.

Cosmetics that do not cause allergies

Allergy-free or hypoallergenic cosmetics are intended primarily for people prone to this type of disorder. However, it should be noted that such products only reduce the risk of developing an allergic reaction and are not a 100% guarantee of its absence. It is obvious that different people may have completely opposite reactions to the same product, so even clinical trials cannot fully guarantee that you will not have an allergic reaction. Therefore, hypoallergenic cosmetics are only a conventional name for a certain group of cosmetic products that contain substances that cause a minimal risk of developing allergies. As a rule, hypoallergenic cosmetics do not contain fragrances and coloring agents. When choosing cosmetics, be sure to study the label describing its ingredients. Before directly applying cosmetics to the face and neck, it is recommended to conduct a preliminary test by smearing a small area of skin on the elbow bend. In case of skin redness or other undesirable reactions, the cosmetic product should be washed off immediately, and then an antihistamine should be taken. Further use of such cosmetics should certainly be abandoned.

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