Sensitive skin? Constantly blowing up your nose and hiding a sneeze when colouring your hair? The reason could be you are allergic to your makeup. Whether you have irritation or have an allergy, read the few important allergy free makeup tips and tricks we have compiled for your sensitive skin.
Allergy Reaction is more or less like body’s way of responding to an invader (in this case an ingredient of the cosmetic). Though the immune system is supposed to be fighting against infections, it still gets the wrong target. For the body to react to an allergy, it has to be exposed to the foreign substance, called an antigen more than once, and usually repeatedly. This means that you can still become allergic to a cosmetic which you have been using for years without problem.
With two types of skin reactions – irritant contacting dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contacting dermatitis (ACD) – problems range from simple rashes to full-blown allergic reactions which once developed, can stay for life-long. ICD occurs when your skin gets damaged – symptoms include burn, itch, and blisters especially if you scratch. And ACD is something which is caused due to immune system.
Fragrances and preservatives are universal ingredients in cosmetics that causes allergic reactions. The other beauty products include body cleansers, hair dyes (containing p-phenylenediamine and ammonium persulfate) antiperspirants, detergents, mascara, eye shadow, moisturizers, shampoos, lipsticks, nail polish (especially those that have formaldehyde), and fingernail glue containing methyl methacrylate monomer.
Many people are also sensitive to sunscreen lotions. For them, approximately all types of sun-protection products can cause an allergic reaction.
A perfect time to show the world that you still look gorgeous sans makeup, you can also go for a natural or makeup free look. Keep your brows groomed though to help frame that gorgeous face of yours.
Do a patch test before buying or using any product. Place a small amount under the ear or on the inside of your elbow and wait 48 hours to 72 hours. If any kind of discomfort or any reaction swelling, itching, or burning takes place, don’t use that product. Another recommendation is an open application test.
Just in case if you can’t do without makeup, opt for waterproof makeup or products with chemical-free ingredients that’s built to last. This way there are lower chances of a reaction.
If your immune reacts to certain ingredients that can cause a rash then remember: there aren’t any safe fragrances around. Hence, apply fragrance to your clothes, and not to your skin. This can help reduce the risk of skin reaction.
Just because a label reads organic or dermatologist tested, there is no guarantee that the product will be safe for you to use. Remember, some companies do the testing, others don’t.
Regularly swipe your makeup tools with an alcohol pad. You can notice that at times there are buildup of makeup on your eye curler which can make your eyes feel itchy. Also clean your makeup brushes with a cleaning wipes like this Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser. It instantly clean your makeup brushes.
The best way to avoid eye makeup allergy is to simply avoid eye makeup. If your eyes tend to get watery, you certainly don’t want a huge globs of mascara smudged on your eyelid. So either use it only on the upper tip of the lashes or skip it completely. Contact lens wearers should avoid eye makeup. The lustrous particles can flake and cause enough friction to scratch the cornea.
Do let us know about your makeup allergies and makeup routine in the comment box below!