Have sensitive skin that is allergic to various cosmetics? Or do you face allergic reactions after undergoing a skincare routine? Don’t worry. You are not alone. Nearly 10 to 15% of people are allergic to cosmetics. But, you can’t let your allergies stop you from glamming up yourself before hitting the club! Enter hypoallergenic skincare products. Let’s find out more about them.
What Are Hypoallergenic Skincare Products?
Your allergies are your body’s reaction to certain chemicals or ingredients in cosmetic products. These ingredients are called allergens. Essentially, hypoallergenic skincare products do not contain any of the known allergens that cause allergic reactions. This makes them safe for the most sensitive skin types. It also reduces the chance of you experiencing allergic reactions while using them. So, if you have sensitive skin, you should switch to hypoallergenic skincare products right now.
How Are They Different from Natural Cosmetics?
Natural skincare products are often marketed as being safe for the skin. But the truth is, many natural ingredients can also be allergens and cause skin issues. So, the two concepts are quite different. Natural cosmetics are made from 100% naturally sourced ingredients. They may or may not be hypoallergenic, depending upon the ingredients. On the other hand, hypoallergenic products do not cause allergic reactions. These products may or may not be made from naturally sourced materials.
Can You Trust Hypoallergenic Products?
Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate cosmetics for being hypoallergenic. This means many brands may falsely market themselves as being 100% hypoallergenic, which is often not true. There is no set industry or legal standard for products for being classified and labeled hypoallergenic.
Does that mean you should not trust the labels?
No, you can trust the labels, but we ask for you to be a bit cautious. If a product claims to be hypoallergenic, it does not contain any known allergens. Yet, some ingredients can still be an allergen for you if you have a specific or rare type of allergy.
How to Buy the Right Hypoallergenic Products?
Even if a company’s product claims to be hypoallergenic, it is still a good idea to err to the side of caution. After all, precaution is better than cure, especially for your skin care and overall health. Here’s how to choose actual hypoallergenic products:
Step 1. Make a List of Products Have Caused Allergic Reactions
The first step is to make a list of all the cosmetic products you have used in the past year that have caused allergic reactions. This will help narrow down exactly what kind of ingredients are causing your reaction. You can then decide which products to buy and which should be avoided.
Step 2. Shortlist the Common Allergens
Next, you can refer to various sources to find the common ingredients listed in the products that have caused allergic reactions in the past. It would be best if you also referred to the FDA’s list of common allergens found in cosmetics. You can add the common ingredients from the same products to your list. This will give you a general idea of all the ingredients that you need to avoid in the future.
Step 3. Read the Labels
Next time you go to order hypoallergenic cosmetics, don’t just go by the label. The labels are a good starting point, but you need to do more to protect yourself from allergic reactions. Use the ingredient list you’ve made in Step 2 and avoid the ones that contain any of the allergenic products from the list. This will help you find the hypoallergenic cosmetic skincare products that actually work for you.
Step 4. Visit a Good Dermatologist
While going through the above three steps can help you find safe, hypoallergenic products, nothing beats professional advice. If cosmetic products seem to give you allergic reactions, it may be time to visit an actual dermatologist. They will help figure out why you suffer from such skin reactions. While choosing a dermatologist, look for an experienced and reputed one instead of considering an economical professional. A good dermatologist can also help you know which treatments you can have, such as a thermage treatment or a chemical peel.
Whether you are merely buying a chic eyeliner or opting for simple skincare products, it is always the safest option to choose skincare solutions that suit your skin. Everyone has different skin. And if yours is sensitive, you should start trying out hypoallergenic products first. Just make sure you go through the right steps to choose the right hypoallergenic cosmetics. Don’t fall for marketing tricks that some cosmetic brands seem to use to fool customers.
