Makeup Allergy – Reactions, Types, How to Treat Them
Do you always sneeze when you apply powder on your face or color your hair? If yes, that means you are allergic to the makeup you use. If your skin is sensitive, it will react to certain makeup products you use. Under such cases you have to use makeup products that are not allergic to your skin. Here we will discuss about some allergy free makeup tips and tricks ideal for sensitive skin.
Allergy Reactions – Types:
Allergy reaction is the way the body responds when it comes in contact with something that is not suitable for it or harmful for the body. The body reacts to allergy when it comes in to contact with the foreign substance, which is called antigen, a number of times. So, you may be using a cosmetic product for a long time without showing any reaction and still you can become allergic to it.
The reaction of skin to antigens is of two types, which are irritant contacting dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contacting dermatitis (ACD). The allergy may range from simple rashes and irritations to severe allergic reactions, which may remain throughout your life. ICD is a type of skin reaction in which your skin gets damaged. The symptoms of this allergy are burning, itching and formation of blisters, which takes place mostly when you scratch. ACD occurs due to the immune system.
Beauty Products to Watch Out For:
Allergic reactions are mainly caused with the use of fragrances and preservatives used in cosmetic products. Hair dyes containing p-phenylenediamine and ammonium formaldehyde are also responsible for causing allergy. Body cleansers, antiperspirants, mascara, detergents, moisturizers, eye shadow, nail polish, lipsticks, shampoos and finger nail glue that contain methyl methacrylate monomer are other products that may cause allergic reactions. There are many people who are allergic to sunscreen lotions also. Such people show allergic reactions to almost all types of products that protect you from the sun.
How to Treat or Avoid Makeup Allergies:
Avoid eye makeup:
If you have eye makeup allergy, the best solution is to stop using any makeup on your eyes. If your eyes start getting watery when you apply the mascara, then globs of mascara may smudge your eyelids. This makes you look worse. So either avoid it or apply the mascara only on the upper tips of the lashes. Those who are using contact lenses are advised not to use any eye makeup as the particles in the makeup may cause friction and even scratch the cornea.
[Also Read: How to do Eye Makeup]
Apply fragrances to your clothes:
Fragrances contain ingredients that are sometimes allergic to certain people. If your immune reacts to such ingredients and cause rashes and other reactions on the skin, then you must take care not to apply it on your skin. Apply the fragrances on your clothed instead. This way you can prevent the ingredients from getting into contact with your skin and causing allergic reactions. It is also better if you use a mild fragrance instead of going for strong fragrances.
Don’t be misled:
Often you see packages with labels stating that they contain organic ingredients and are dermatologically tested, so are safe for using. But you must remember that this label does not guarantee you that the product will be safe for you. Some companies may do the testing, while others do not do the test but label as tested. So you must always be cautious and use every product after doing the patch test and making sure that it is safe for you.
Go makeup free:
The simplest way is to go without putting on any makeup. You can show people that you look fabulous and beautiful even without any makeup. This gives you a natural look without any makeup. This is an excellent way to keep your skin safe from various chemicals and retain its natural beauty. You can see a number of people going without makeup and looking all more beautiful. However you must make sure that your eyebrows are kept well groomed so that it properly frames your beautiful face.
Go waterproof:
If you are allergic to makeup products but still you have to apply makeup, then you can choose waterproof makeup products that do not contain any chemicals. Using such products reduces your chances to allergic reactions.
Keep tools clean:
It is important to keep your makeup tools cleaned, especially if you are prone to allergic reactions. Swipe your makeup tools with a cotton cloth dipped in alcohol. This helps in removing all traces of makeup that may accumulate on the tools and also remove dirt and grease. If you do not clean them, there may be a buildup of the makeup on the tools and this can cause itching, irritations and rashes on the skin. If you use an unclean eye curler, you feel itchy and water may come out from your eyes. Cleaning the makeup brushes is very important. You can use a cleaning wipe for cleaning them, like Japonesque Solid Bruch Cleanser. This will clean your brushes within minutes and you need not wait for it to get dry.
[Also Read: Guide to use Makeup Brushes]
Patch test:
Before you buy or use a product, it is essential that you do patch test. To do patch test, you have to take a small amount of the product you intend to smear and place it under your ear or the inside of your elbow. Let it remain there for 48 hours to 72 hours. If you feel any discomfort or if there s any reaction like itching, swelling, burning etc, then you must not use that product as it may cause allergic reactions. Many companies advise customers to do patch test every time they buy a new packet of the product, even if they have done the test earlier. Open application test is also recommended.
If you do not have a cleanser, you can clean it at home by dipping the bristles in lukewarm water with shampoo. You have to dry them well before you start using them.
