COSMETICS, TOILETRIES AND SKINCARE: BASIC ADVICE
Cosmetics, toiletries and skincare products cause reactions by contact and by inhaling. They are common causes of sensitive skin, asthma and itchy eyes. They can also cause nasal symptoms, headaches, and wider symptoms such as joint and muscle aches and mental symptoms.
A wide range of chemical ingredients in grooming and beauty products cause sensitivity and allergy, the most common being perfumes and preservatives. Natural plant extracts or oils are no less allergenic than synthetic chemicals and are not automatically safer.
Hypoallergenic (low-allergen) products exclude the most allergenic substances. This does not mean that they are totally safe, but the major sensitisers are absent and most people tolerate them well.
Sensitivity to skincare products is highly idiosyncratic. You may not be able to tolerate one brand of products, but could tolerate another brand, or selected products within a range, quite well. If you react to a hypoallergenic product, do not therefore assume that you will react to any low-allergen product or brand. Try another with care and see how you go.
If you want to know how medical treatments can help you cope. If you know that you are sensitive to cosmetic and skincare products, your best advice for avoidance is to:
• Use unperfumed products where possible
• Try low-allergen products (details below) until you find some that suit you
• Use as few products on your skin, hair and body as you feel able to. Reducing the load will help your system cope
• Use perfume, cologne or aftershave as seldom as possible
If you suspect that you are sensitive to cosmetic and skincare products and want to find out,
Either
• Switch to low-allergen products and see if you see any improvement
or
• Reduce the amount that you use or cut out certain products or
• Stop using products altogether for one week. Use low-allergen soap and shampoo only, then reintroduce products one by one, at intervals of at least a day and preferably one a week. Use either your previous products, or low-allergen brands. Monitor any symptoms carefully.
Caution
You may feel worse before you get better when you stop using things you have used regularly. This is a form of withdrawal and new symptoms can result.
You can also use the Sniff Test and the Patch Test (see pages 88) to test a small amount of product to see if it upsets you. If you want more detailed advice about sensitivity to cosmetics, toiletries and skincare products.
Avoid using fragrance-free products if you are very sensitive to perfume. These are legally allowed to contain one perfume, usually for the purpose of masking the smells of other ingredients. Use unperfumed products in preference – these cannot contain any perfume at all.
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