Cosmetic industries use different chemicals and preservatives in their beauty products. If you experience red itchy rash after topically using them, then you may have cosmetic allergy. Common symptoms include blisters, skin rashes, dry patches, itching and red bumps.
Studies reveal that cosmetic products are incorporated with a chemical called methylisothiazolinone (IM), which showed adverse reaction when applied on the skin. Perfumes, eye makeup, shampoos and beauty creams come under this section.
Ingredients in these products when come in direct contact with the skin, immune system detects them and releases antihistamines, as a result allergic symptoms can be experienced.
You may not see any serious symptoms of cosmetic allergy until second or third time. Chemical ingredients in these creams will not just strip natural moisture from the skin but result in red blisters.
However, this is not the case with everyone. According to studies, 23% of women and 13.8% of men experienced adverse reaction when used cosmetic products.
Cosmetic Allergy Symptoms
Reaction triggered after applying any substance if often termed as contact dermatitis. Rashes aren’t contagious or life-threatening, but may ruin your physical appearance. As mentioned above, in most cases rash develop after a time period or in some case blister appear at once.
Cosmetics, jewelry, plants, soaps and poison ivy are common substances that trigger contact dermatitis. To treat contact dermatitis, experts recommend avoiding the particular substance that triggered the reaction. (1)
Mild cosmetic reaction includes irritation contact dermatitis. Break outs or hives can be seen around neck and face.
Symptoms include:
- Dry patches on skin
- Blisters
- Inflamed red bumps
- Itching
- Rashes
- Hives
- Swelling of face or eyelids
- Tearing, thick discharge and itchy eyes
- Oozing of bumps
Preventing and Diagnosis
At least in case of allergies, this is must. Without avoiding allergens you can treat cosmetic allergy. Consult allergist for diagnosis. He will conduct skin prick test and prescribe medication accordingly.
Ask allergist about the specific substance that is causing allergic reaction in you and avoid products that include such ingredients.
Patch test before applying the cream or lotion; while using perfumes, apply it on clothes instead of your skin.
Instead of using cosmetic products, try to use natural creams and lotions if possible. Even if you aren’t allergic to cosmetics, studies show that your skin will slowly lose its elasticity.
With natural remedies you can relieve from rashes and inflamed bumps. But, patch test them too; because you may be hypersensitive to raw substance in the oil.
Cosmetic allergy includes eye makeup allergy, face cream allergy, nail polish allergy and deodorant allergy. Stay away from all products that include irritant.