Allergies and Skin Care

Skin allergies are not only just a physical condition. It has emotional as well as social implications too. People who are suffering from skin allergies can face problems like scaling or itching or swelling etc., which can make them feel embarrassed in front of other people. Sometimes people suffering from this problem, don’t want to go in public places because of their allergies. Because of this ailment, various manufacturers have launched several allergy free skin products.

Prevention:

Prevention is really something you need to know when it comes out on your skin. If you have a family history of this type of problems, then you should go for an allergy test, to make sure if you are allergic & to recognize allergens, which can create such ailments, so that you can prevent them from coming in contact with your skin. While you are buying any skin care product, make sure you read the ingredients list carefully to know whether its contain any of the allergens you are sensitive to or not.

When people keep having the problem due to peanuts, then they become curious as to whether their skin care products containing peanut oil would cause a reaction or not. However, there is no clear answer, because sometimes people having these problems can easily use the skin care product that contains peanut oil, on the other hand, people sometimes face this problem because of other skin care products which do not contain peanut oil.

Usually, if you consider the ingredients in any kind of skin care products, then initial two or three ingredients are the major things. When it comes to peanut oil, it comes in 6th or 7th position, hence it might not contain that much amount of peanut oil. Nevertheless consulting a doctor would be the best option.

Allergy patch test is something that you can go to get a confirmation as to whether your skin care product is good for your skin or not.

Procedure:

• Apply a small amount of the item you are testing on the upper part of your inner arm (at the crook of the elbow).
• Cover it with a bandage.
• Choose a time of day when you can leave the patch test in place for least 24 hours without getting it wet.
• If you are sensitive to any of the ingredients, a reaction such as reddening, burning, itching, or other irritation, should occur within twenty-four hours of application.
• If you don’t see or feel any reaction, the preparation is probably safe to use. (See note under Allergic contact dermatitis.)

According to a patch test conducted by Davis’ & Mayo, they have found almost seventy-three allergens in their research. Among them, few are very common in skin care products or cosmetic, like Neomycin sulfate, Myroxylon pereirae, Formaldehyde, Thimerosal etc.

Though patch test is always recommended, however few other options are as follows:

Susan Van Dyke (founder & dermatologist of Van Dyke Laser & skin in Paradise Valley, Ariz) have proclaimed that Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash. She found that this soft cleanser does not remove the oils that protect our skin when you use it. For people having eczema dry skin as the main problematic area, after taking your shower you need to feel comfy & soft too. You don’t need to feel strident fresh after your shower.

Here are some notable allergen free skin care products that you can use:

Facial Moisturizer:

Van Dyke is a great believer of Cetaphil moisturizer.  As per her experience, this is a hypoallergenic option, which is safe for excessively sensitive skin also. This fragrance-free product can help your skin to get back to normal after allergic bumps.

Body Lotion:

As per Sonia Badreshin Bansal (MD, a University of California, San Francisco, clinical instructor and a dermatologist in Danville) names like Cera Ve, Aveeno, Curel, Cetaphil, Eucerin etc. can be used on your dry & sensitive skin. These are applicable for all skin types & they are oil free too. She also advised green tea with Topix Replenix moisturizers in case you have excessively sensitive skin.

Facial Cleanser:

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash is a great option according to Dr. Baumann if you are suffering from skin allergy. Some other product she believed in are Shea Terra Organics Moroccan Argan & Wild African Honey Hydrating Facial Cleansing Elixir & Burt’s Bees line of facial cleaners.

Shampoo and Conditioner:

According to MD, a dermatologist and CEO of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami, Leslie Baumann, Burt’s Bees skin care & hair products are the best. They are affordable & they are a great believer in going green. However, she also warned people with a specific type of allergies using these natural products forever.

PDI Sani-Hands Instant Hand Sanitizing Wipes, Papoutsanis Pure Olive Oil Soap & Galderma Excipial Urea Hydrating Healing Lotion has been identified as coconut, nickel, lanolin, preservatives, gluten, MCI/MI, paraben, fragrance & topical antibiotic free, so they might give you some soothing relief from your sensitive skin.

Featured Image by Pixabay