Itchy red rashes and skin irritation are sometimes a result of using the wrong beauty products. Sensitivity to skincare products causes dryness, flakiness, and pimples. This means that a particular product doesn’t suit your skin type, or you’re allergic to the ingredients present in the product.
So what are some types of reactions to beauty products?
Allergic Skin Reactions to Beauty Products
When your skin reacts to a product, you will notice an allergic reaction, a rash at first. But how do you know that this reaction is the result of using a beauty product?
There are two types of reactions to beauty products. Irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. But what is the difference between these two?
Irritation
It is also called irritant contact dermatitis and is the most common reaction to a beauty product. It occurs when something damages your skin. Symptoms include redness, burning, stinging, and itching in the area where you applied the product.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin is sensitive to a specific ingredient in the beauty product.
These ingredients could be preservatives or fragrances present in skincare products, deodorants, or shampoos. The reaction can occur on any part of your body, but it often affects the face, ears, neck, and lips.
Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction rash include:
- A red rash
- Blisters
- Itching
- Swelling or tenderness
- Dry, cracked, flaky skin
- Bumps and blisters
10 Warning Signs of Using The Wrong Beauty Products
Here are ten warning signs which indicate that you’re using a beauty product that doesn’t suit you.
Dry, Peeling Skin
When you use a beauty product that does not suit your skin, you’ll experience it dries out your skin. For example, if you have oily or combination skin, using acid-based products could make your skin dry.
Harsh products will strip your skin of essential oils and cause flakiness. As a result of flakiness, your skin will start to peel off, and if you apply anything to your skin, it will sting.
If you usually have dry skin and find that some products such as facial cleansers make your complexion rough, the chances are that strong acids have affected your skin.
An allergic reaction on the face can also make it lose its natural protection against irritants which can further cause damage to the cheeks and forehead.
Skin peeling results from using too many acids or using a combination of salicylic acid with alpha hydroxy acid.
Breakouts
When you use the wrong beauty products, you’ll notice that small red bumps may appear on your skin. This means that your skin is reacting to an ingredient that was present in a product.
Sudden breakouts are a result of harsh products. But you may also get pimples if you introduce a new product to your skincare routine, as it takes some time for your skin to adjust to the changes.
An easy solution is to incorporate one new beauty product and notice changes for a week before using another product.
Red Rashes
Some ingredients in beauty products cause skin redness or inflammation, so if you notice a patch of redness or an allergic reaction rash, it is advisable to discontinue the use of the product immediately.
If you continue using a product that causes skin irritation, it could also lead to unwanted pigmentation. Applying a hydrocortisone cream may help reduce itching.
Extra Oily Skin
If your skin isn’t naturally oily, but you notice that it seems to have become more oily than usual, the chances are that your product’s formula is affecting your skin.
The natural layer of oil works as a protective barrier for our skin, and over-exfoliation or using harsh products strips this layer of oil.
As a result, our glands produce more oil to protect the skin, and excess oil causes breakouts. So to combat this issue, try using less oil-absorbing products and see what works best for you.
Skin Inflammation
If bumps start to appear on your face overnight, then you’re using a product that affects your skin negatively. Inflamed skin is a result of an allergy to an ingredient.
Skin inflammation is a form of dermatitis, and you can manage it by discontinuing the use of products that contain vitamin C or vitamin A. Besides that, avoid using products that have oxybenzone as they are allergens. Also, try to use mild cleansers.
Burning Sensation
When you use harsh facial cleansers and masks, they are likely to cause a painful tingling or burning sensation. Besides that, the active ingredients in these products can make your skin appear rough.
If strong chemicals are used on sensitive skin, you’re more likely to have a burning sensation lasting for a few seconds. So be cautious while purchasing products that contain active chemicals.
Itchy Skin
If you have an allergic reaction rash that causes severe itching, you need to consult a dermatologist immediately. It could be a result of a beauty product that contains fragrances or preservatives.
Itchy skin after using a product indicates that you’re allergic to one of the ingredients present in a beauty product. Check your product labels for any fragrance as it is the most common cause of skin itchiness.
Tight Skin
If you experience skin tightness or skin irritation, then it indicates the use of the wrong cleansers. Using a harsh face wash can also strip your skin of protective oils that will cause dehydrated and irritated skin.
To combat this issue, you can use pH-balanced products that will gently cleanse your skin and nourish it with essential oils. Unfortunately, skin tightness also causes skin impairment which results in excess oil production.
Brown Spots or Allergic Reaction Rash
If you notice brown spots on your skin, it could be a sign of long-term sun exposure or using the wrong sunblocks. To combat this issue, you need to use suitable sunscreens under your makeup when you go out.
Sun exposure can also cause uneven pigmentation, so you should purchase sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.
Uneven Complexion
When the skin’s surface is rough, dull, or bumpy with irregular scars and grooves, it can cause an uneven complexion. The scars and bumps are a result of a harsh exfoliator or sometimes over-exfoliation.
If you’re using an exfoliator with crushed walnut shells, it may cause micro-cuts in the skin leading to an uneven complexion. So, if you notice an uneven complexion, it is time to replace your exfoliator.
Beauty Products That Cause a Skin Reaction
Here is a list of beauty products that can cause adverse skin reactions:
- Antiperspirants
- Makeup wipes
- Walnut-shell exfoliators
- Strong bath soaps
- Chemical glyceryl monothioglycolate containing lotions
Final Words
If you notice any of these warning signs, then discontinue the use of beauty products. In addition, the appearance of an allergic reaction rash or skin irritation can cause prolonged discomfort, so you must consult a dermatologist before using a new product.
