CAN NATURAL COSMETICS CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTIONS?

Do natural cosmetics cause allergic reactions?

Allergens, or factors that trigger a nonspecific defensive reaction of the immune system, can be found everywhere, even in the foods and medications we take. Sometimes they are also found in cosmetics – they cause allergies, among others, silicones, parabens and other chemical detergents contained in most drugstore cosmetics. Natural cosmetics are much safer in this respect, but even they can occasionally cause an allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

If we are allergic to one of the ingredients of a cosmetic, the first symptoms will most likely appear within a few minutes of its application. At first, it will be tingling, excessive dryness and tightness of the skin, and a slight burning sensation. Then, the following may also occur:

• reddening
• swelling
• itching

These symptoms are very unpleasant and bothersome, especially if they occur on the face, but fortunately they disappear after some time when the skin loses contact with the allergen, so the unlucky cosmetic should be washed off immediately after the first disturbing symptoms appear in the place of its application.

HOW IS IRRITATION DIFFERENT FROM ALLERGY?

Allergy resembles a common irritation that sometimes occurs on the skin when we use natural cosmetics in an inappropriate way, for example in too large quantities. However, irritation usually causes less severe symptoms and lasts shorter, while allergy can even lead to blisters on the skin and often lasts for a few or a dozen hours. In addition, irritations are usually one-off - it is enough to use the cosmetic according to the recommendations, and unpleasant symptoms will not occur again. Meanwhile, an allergic reaction occurs every time the skin comes into contact with a cosmetic containing an allergen that is harmful to it.

WHICH INGREDIENTS OF NATURAL COSMETICS CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC IRRITATION?

Honey, among others, has strong allergenic properties. Many people are allergic to it and therefore cannot take it in any form – neither as food nor as a cosmetic. Other ingredients of natural cosmetics that cause allergic reactions in some cases include: propolis, chamomile, aloe and yarrow. Fragrances are also sometimes allergenic, including rose, lavender, cinnamon, jasmine, mint and eucalyptus oils.

HOW TO AVOID ALLERGIC REACTIONS?

To avoid allergic reactions caused by some natural cosmetics, you should always read the labels of the products you buy carefully and check if they contain any substances you are allergic to. If you reach for natural cosmetics containing ingredients that you have not encountered before and therefore do not know how your skin will react to them, it is worth conducting an allergy test, i.e. applying a small amount of the preparation, for example, to your forearm and observing whether any disturbing changes appear there. Such precautions will allow us to protect ourselves from the unpleasant consequences of allergic reactions.