Question to expert: How to choose cosmetics if you are allergic
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Cosmetic allergy is not a rare occurrence and it may appear unexpectedly. You can avoid unpleasant collisions: you need to find out if you have an individual intolerance to any components, and learn how to choose alternative means. Natural ingredients (champions - essential oils) and synthetic (the most popular allergens - fragrances, dyes and preservatives) can cause irritation. Much depends not only on the presence of the components themselves, but also on their concentrations, and in this case the ability to read the compositions is almost useless. However, the minimum preventive measures before buying a new cream is definitely worth it.
Irina Gunpowder
leading cosmetologist-developer, expert brand "Black Pearl"
All ingredients used in the manufacture of cosmetic products are safe. The funds themselves pass thorough tests for toxicity before release, have a Declaration of compliance with Russian requirements and standards. However, it may contain components that can provoke a negative reaction - for example, if they come into contact with sensitive and delicate areas, such as the skin of the eyelids and eye mucosa. Such a temporary reaction may be associated with the individual intolerance of one of the components.
Plays the role and type of product. For example, cleansing agents come into closer contact with mucous membranes, therefore, more often they cause irritation - this is influenced by the physiological characteristics of the composition of the tear fluid of the eye. In this case, it is recommended to use mild cleansing products suitable for sensitive skin. Also affects the level of acidity funds. In general, the lower the pH of the medium, the higher the likelihood of irritation. Prolonged exposure to an acidic environment can damage living cells and cause their inflammation. Therefore, you should choose products with a neutral pH, as well as with care to use products with a high content of AHA-acids in the composition.
Our skin is an inseparable part of the body, and often its condition becomes an indicator of more extensive processes.
It is recommended to pay attention to the packaging: the component composition is indicated on it in the first place so that you can understand whether there are no ingredients in it that do not suit you. It should contain a list of potential allergens, which, as a rule, are part of the fragrance, a number of plant extracts from plants, essential oils and fragrances and are present in the product above a certain concentration. These substances are listed at the end of the list after the perfume ("Parfum"), separated by commas. That they should pay attention when a negative reaction occurs. To determine the culprit, it is necessary to contact a doctor who will talk with you and conduct special tests. It is useful to keep the label and unsuitable product. In the future, you will be able to compare its composition with a list of components of other products, determining which substances are contained in both of them. So the method of elimination can determine which substance causes the reaction, and be alert.
It is important to understand that our skin is an inseparable part of the body, and often its condition becomes an indicator of more extensive processes. For example, unpleasant reddening and swelling of the skin may appear on the background of a postponed disease or medication. Discomfort can be caused by an abrupt change in the usual diet, contact with potentially strong allergens (for example, paints and varnishes), and so on.
If you regularly encounter hypersensitivity of the skin, it is recommended to carry out a simple test for individual intolerance. Apply a small amount to the inside of the elbow and evenly distribute. If irritation does not appear within 24 hours, then the agent can be used.
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