Cosmetic allergies to the skin that you need to know

Definition

What is a cosmetic allergy?

Cosmetics, ranging from powder to perfume, can indeed increase the user's confidence. However, not all cosmetic products are suitable for use by everyone.

Some people may develop allergic reactions after using certain cosmetics. There are many things that cause this condition, such as chemicals and this is the first time using cosmetics.

How common is this condition?

Generally, it is estimated that women use at least seven types of cosmetics every day on average and allergic reactions to these products are quite common.

The prevalence of cosmetic allergy in the general population is unknown. However, research shows up to 10% of the population will experience some skin reaction to cosmetics throughout its life.

This number may be higher because there are many symptoms of allergies on the skin that are mild and treated without the help of a doctor.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a cosmetic allergy?

Symptoms of a skin allergy, especially for cosmetics, may vary from person to person. Some people may develop symptoms some time after cosmetic use.

Meanwhile, not a few also experience signs of allergies a few days or years after use.

The characteristics of a cosmetic product allergy or skin care (skin care) varies, depending on the severity and the area exposed, such as:

• itchy rash,
• rash,
• peeling and blistered skin,
• swollen face and eyelids,
• irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth (conjunctivitis), and
• there is pus in the lump.

Apart from some of the symptoms already mentioned, allergies to skin care products can also affect the respiratory system. The reason is, cosmetics are available in various types, including perfume and lipstick

Perfume allergy symptoms

For those who are allergic to perfume, they may experience the following symptoms considering the product is in the form of vapor and can be inhaled. This condition is more common in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and viral respiratory infections.

• Hard to breathe.
• Feeling suffocated.
• Cough with phlegm.
• Colds and nasal congestion.
• Headache.
• Chest tightness.

Symptoms of a lipstick allergy

Not only on facial skin and other body parts, users of cosmetic products on the lips, such as lipstick, can also experience allergic reactions.

Lipstick allergy, lip balm , and other lip products can cause inflammation of the lips (cheilitis). If someone has an allergy to lipstick, it is possible that their lips are experiencing a reaction:

• lips feel itchy and dry,
• the mouth area looks reddish, and
• swollen lips.

When should I see a doctor?

If the allergy gets worse and is not treated promptly, you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, namely anaphylactic shock. If you experience some of the signs below, consult a doctor or emergency room immediately.

• Hard to breathe.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness and chest pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Feeling limp.

Cause

What are the causes of cosmetic allergies?

Causes of skin skin allergies due to use of cosmetics and skin care quite a variety. However, most cases indicate that an allergy to these skin care products is caused by a chemical being an allergen.

So, what chemicals can cause skin reactions after using cosmetics?

Parabens

Parabens are one of the most common chemical substances in cosmetic products, especially lipsticks. You may be able to identify it with methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and parahydroxybenzoate.

For those of you who have sensitive skin, of course you need to be careful with products that contain parabens. The use of cosmetics containing parabens can cause allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis.

The appearance of allergy symptoms sometimes does not occur in one use. However, allergic reactions can occur due to repeated use of cosmetics.

Here are some products that often use parabens as their main chemical:

• foundation , powder, and concealer ,
• cosmetics for the eye area, such as eye-liner ,
• lipstick,
• face makeup remover,
• sunscreen (sunscreen), and
• Moisturizing skin lotions and creams.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide allergy is actually not a common thing. This is because many people find it difficult to distinguish allergy symptoms from the side effects of benzoyl peroxide.

According to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (the equivalent of BPOM in Indonesia) there are 131 reports of serious allergic reactions due to benzoyl peroxide in acne medications.

This report comes from consumers and manufacturers that occurred between 1969 and January 2013. In general, allergy symptoms will get worse until the user stops using drugs or cosmetics that contain allergens.

Certain fragrances

Some people may not be aware that the cosmetics they use contain fragrances that can cause a number of allergic reactions. In fact, more than 5000 different fragrances are contained in cosmetics and skin care .

For example, fragrances in perfumes, powders, and lipsticks can cause allergies. In order to cause an allergic skin reaction, a small amount of the fragrance needs to penetrate the skin and stick to the skin proteins.

When this happens, the immune system will react and perceive fragrances as a threat. As a result, the body also shows allergy symptoms.

Several types of fragrances can indeed bind directly to skin proteins. However, there are also some types of fragrances that need to be changed chemically before they stick to skin proteins.

This transformation occurs in the reacting skin and fragrances. For example, when exposed to air, sunlight, or under the skin after reacting with skin enzymes.

This is what makes fragrances in cosmetics a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

Other chemicals

Apart from some of the chemical compounds mentioned above, there are other substances that can cause allergic reactions, namely:

• Oxybenzone,
• 4-isopropyl-dibenzoylmethane,
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid),
• Esther,
• Avobenzone, and
• Cinnamates.

Risk factors

What factors increase the risk of developing cosmetic allergies?

Basically, anyone can experience allergies to cosmetics. However, there are a number of groups who are at risk of developing this allergy, including:

• Women, because more cosmetic products are used by women than men.
• Have a family history of experiencing cosmetic allergies, especially sunscreen .
• Have sensitive skin.
• Atopic dermatitis sufferers.
• Using cosmetics or skin care on broken skin or open wounds.

Keep in mind that not having any of the risk factors listed does not mean that you are free of allergies. Therefore, you still need to be careful in choosing cosmetics and skin care in order to avoid allergies.

Medicine and medication

What are the medications and cosmetic allergy treatments?

One of the things that needs to be done in dealing with cosmetic allergies is to stop using these products when an allergic reaction occurs.

You may find it difficult to determine which product is the culprit, especially when using multiple products.

Therefore, the best way to treat cosmetic allergies is to stop using all products until the reaction improves. Generally, this will take about a week.

Here are several options that can be used as a skin allergy medicine for skin care products, such as lipstick, sunscreen , and others.

• Mild topical steroid creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone.
• Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.
• Cetomacrogol cream for moisturizing dry skin.
• Antihistamines.

Before using the drugs mentioned, you should first check with your doctor. If you are using over-the-counter drugs, be sure to follow the rules of use.

How to diagnose this condition?

Cosmetic allergies are usually detected by performing a skin patch test (skin patch test).

Diagnosis will likely involve an allergy skin test to several different chemicals. This is because there will be many chemicals that may be allergens in cosmetics.

Home remedies

What lifestyle changes need to be made to treat cosmetic allergies?

Apart from taking medication and taking the treatment your doctor recommends, home remedies are no less important for treating cosmetic allergies. Here are some natural ways to help relieve allergy symptoms, based on the type of cosmetics.

Lipstick allergy

• Compress the lips with an ice cube wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes.
• Compress the swollen area with a refrigerated tea bag.
• Apply aloe vera which helps reduce swelling.

Other cosmetic allergies

• Read the list of cosmetic products.
• Apply the freshly purchased cosmetic sample on the wrist and observe it for 1-2 days.
• Choose products that contain few ingredients.
• Look for products that are labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic.

If you have any questions, please consult your doctor to find the right solution for you.