Skin irritation from cosmetics and beauty products are surprisingly common. In fact, according to a survey by the FDA, 25 percent of people who responded said they had skin irritation from at least one cosmetic product.
Generally, there are two forms of skin irritations that occur from cosmetic uses. Irritant contact dermatitis is something that damages your skin, causing a burn, sting, itch, or red mark. The second form of irritation is allergic contact dermatitis, which will have symptoms like swelling, redness, itching, and hives. Your skin could also become raw. An allergic reaction does not have to appear where the product was used on the skin and could pop up elsewhere.
So what can you do to alleviate these unwanted symptoms and irritations? Try these five ways to cut down on cosmetic skin irritation.
Change Brands
Sometimes you may be allergic to the ingredients in a specific brand. Some brands may use a combination of ingredients that are detrimental to your skin. If you find one brand’s products irritating, try switching to another brand. Hypoallergenic formulas are less likely to cause irritation than traditional formulas.
Moisturize Regularly
Dry, flaky skin is irritable skin. Moisturized skin will typically cause less of a reaction than dry skin. The best way to moisturize is from the inside out. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and eat a good portion of healthy fats, like coconut oil, olive oil, and butter. You can also use an external moisturizer that is formulated for your natural skin composition.
Clean Your Equipment
In some cases, it may not be the makeup that is causing the reaction at all. It could be what you use to apply the makeup. It is important to clean makeup brushes at least once a week with a mild soap and warm water. This will remove any bacteria and other ingredients that may cause skin irritation. Switching to natural fibers can also help reduce skin irritation.
Try Something Natural
If non-organic brands irritate your skin, you may need something more natural. Organic skin care products can often prevent skin irritants because they use fewer synthetic ingredients, fewer perfumes, and a smaller number of ingredients. Try using an organic brand of makeup for a few weeks to see if your skin condition improves.
Go Makeup-Free
The ultimate way to reduce irritation from cosmetics is to stop using them for a while. Nearly any form of makeup will clog pores and upset the balance of your skin. When possible, let your skin breathe and refuse to wear makeup of any kind. This will help your skin balance and you may find makeup less irritating when you put it back on.
With a little tweaking, you will find that it is possible to find makeup that will not irritate your skin. No one likes itchy, irritated skin, which is why it is helpful to know how to care for your skin to reduce irritation. Within a few weeks, you should see improvement in the condition of your skin with or without makeup.
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This guest post was written by Allen Marsh. He is a freelance writer who shares his beauty tips on various blogs.
