Be aware of these five signs of an allergic reaction or ineffective skin care product and tips for how to heal after a harmful reaction, per an article from marthastewart.com.
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Stinging
Stinging can occur from using too many harsh products or too many of a singular product. Skin also gets more sensitive with age, which can result in products suddenly stinging.
Dryness
A compromised skin barrier is typically to blame for dryness or peeling. Irritated skin lacks healthy lipids, which results in a dehydrated skin barrier vulnerable to flaking, peeling and dryness.
Rashes
Allergenic inactive ingredients that add texture and smell in some makeup and skin care formulas can cause rashes, eczema or swelling to develop. Rachel Maiman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, suggests getting allergy patch testing from a dermatologist to determine the offending ingredient to avoid in future products.
Oiliness
When harsh products strip the skin of its natural layer of oil, the body produces more oil to compensate for the dryness, resulting in oilier-looking skin.
Hives
Hives are a more extreme allergy that tends to form quickly after application, according to Maiman. Hives can appear as swollen, red and itchy welts.
How-to Heal
If a skin care product causes an unusual skin reaction, it should be discarded. Mild, hypoallergenic, moisturizing products can heal skin back to normal after irritation or allergic reaction. Maiman suggests using low-potency, OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream twice daily to alleviate harmful symptoms quicker.
