Beauty products can be used safely by the majority of people. However, others suffer ongoing sensitivities or develop an allergy over time to certain products. Allergic reactions are not uncommon and include irritant contact dermatitis with symptoms of itching, burning or redness on the area to which the product was applied. Another type of common reaction is allergic contact dermatitis in which a person may experience swelling, burning and even blistering. This can be quite severe and require medical treatment.

Chemical antagonists

The chemicals that cause the most adverse reactions are the fragrances and preservatives used to give the products shelf life. Common triggers are parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, thimerosal and formaldehyde, to name a few.

Patch testing

If you have ever experienced a skin reaction, sensitivity or allergy it is worth trying to discover exactly which chemical your skin reacted to so you can avoid it in the future. There are allergy clinics within medical facilities which can perform broad-ranging allergy tests. If you are trying a product for the first time, perform a small skin patch test some hours before, either inside your elbow or behind your ear, to see how your skin reacts before you apply the substance to your face. Most products will give procedures recommended for testing if they contain known allergens.

Organic beauty products

There are skin care and beauty products available which are made from plant-based, organic products and are deemed more gentle on the skin as well as the environment. The more natural beauty products tend not to contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and are generally fragrance-free. Remember though, if you are very sensitive, even the most natural products may cause a reaction.

Contact your local beauty salon or ask your beautician about which beauty products they recommend for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.