Many of us have experienced the adverse effects of beauty products at one time or another. You try a new eye cream or moisturizer only to find your skin breaking out in hives or the appearance of new acne.

Most often, people with sensitive skin doesn’t go well when exposed to certain ingredients and chemicals found in modern beauty products. Reactions are particularly common  in individuals with sensitive skin. Here are just a few symptoms you may experience.

Most Common Skin Reactions to Beauty Products

• Skin Irritation

General irritation is the most common skin reaction to a beauty product. Often referred to as irritant contact dermatitis by physicians, this type of reaction can cause temporary itching, burning, and stinging of the skin. Redness may also develop where you apply the product. Skin that is injured or overly dry may result in more severe skin reactions.

• Skin Allergies

Skin allergies, typically referred to as allergic contact dermatitis, are true allergies caused by a specific ingredient in a beauty product. Similar to irritant contact dermatitis, skin allergies can cause itching and redness of the skin. In addition, allergies can cause the skin to swell and blister. While any ingredient can cause an allergic reaction, some of the biggest culprits are fragrances and preservatives.

Tips to Choose Skin-Friendly in Beauty Products

It’s not always possible to determine whether or not your skin will react to a certain product. However, you can help avoid or minimize the reaction with a few simple tips:

1. Always check the label and look for products with minimal ingredients.
2. Before you begin using a new product, place a small dab on your skin and wait 2 to 3 days to see if a reaction develops.
3. If you don’t see any itching, redness, burning, or swelling, the product is usually okay to use.
4. If you have an adverse reaction, stop using the product immediately.
5. Also do your research and be careful when choosing beauty products for your face and body. Do not buy just because it’s a high-end brand.

How to Prevent Skin Irritation

So, how to prevent skin irritation to beauty products? By choosing gentle yet nourishing beauty products that are free from paraben, fragrance and alcohol and add it in your daily skincare routine. Here are a few options for you to consider:

Makeup Remover

We know it’s imperative to remove our makeup before bed, but did you know that failing to do so could result in skin breakouts? Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores, especially in those with acne-prone skin. Choose a gentle makeup remover designed for your skin type. Use an exclusive and gentle eye makeup remover for your delicate eye area. Try Ultra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover by Dr. Sylvia Skin Care. This is a light, non-irritating formula that removes eye makeup effectively and is free of oil, alcohol, and fragrances.

Cleanser

Rinsing with water is not sufficient for cleaning your face. The best face wash for sensitive skin is a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that thoroughly removes makeup, oil, and debris. Dr. Sylvia’s Gentle Foaming Wash is great face wash for sensitive skin. It’s also an excellent option for individuals with all skin types including normal, dry, mature, especially sensitive skin that reddens easily.

Toner

Follow up your cleanser with a gentle, alcohol-free toner like the Gentle Soothing Toner from Sylvia Skin Care. This face toner is designed to restore the skin’s natural pH balance and soothe sensitive skin to calm redness and inflammation.

Moisturizer

When used daily, moisturizers can help improve skin’s appearance by keeping it soft, hydrated, and smooth. If you have sensitive skin, try a fragrance-free, color-free, paraben-free formula such as the Ultra Sensitive Moisturizer.

If you discover reactions due to certain beauty products, it may be time to switch to sensitive skin products. Start caring for your skin without the fear of unpleasant reactions by using clinically-proven, gentle skin care products that effectively soothes and nourishes normal to the most sensitive skin types.

Skin specialist Dr. Sylvia Ramirez is the Scientific and Medical Director at Cutis Medical Laser Clinic, an aesthetic clinic in Singapore. Dr. Sylvia is a certified skin specialist in Singapore and has 20 years of experience in medical and aesthetic medicine both in the US and internationally. She is the skin specialist behind Dr. Sylvia Skin Care with a personal mission to enhance each individual’s own sense of beauty and strengthen their self-esteem.