Sensitivity or a true allergy to a specific ingredient in the product causes redness, swelling, itching, or blisters on the skin. Fragrances and preservatives are some of the biggest culprits. Even products that say they're unscented could contain a “masking agent,” which is a fragrance that covers up chemical scents.
An itchy red rash after using skincare products is a clear sign of an allergic reaction. But sometimes skincare products can cause more subtle symptoms, like dryness and flakiness, pimple-like bumps, and uneven skin tone. This may be due to irritation caused by a certain ingredient.
It takes between 2-8 weeks for the skin to become acclimated to new skincare products, and only then can you start to see results. Initially you may notice a negative effect on your skin, such as dryness, redness and spots. This is part of the skin's natural purging process, and is completely normal.
"Ideally the skin is smooth, supple, and uniform in color," Waldorf said. If your skin feels less bumpy, the size of your pores has been reduced, and you're noticing less marks, acne, and discoloration, your products are likely working.
Stop and soothe.
If your skin reacts badly to a beauty product, stop using it immediately. You can sometimes use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help ease inflammation. In some cases, you might need a prescription-strength cream.
When you start a new skin care routine or you incorporate new products into your current regimen, you may experience breakouts or skin flaking. This process is sometimes called purging. This is a normal, short-term condition where the skin will rid itself of underlying oil, bacteria, or dirt, according to Dr.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction on the face can include: a rash or hives. puffy, raised areas of skin. small, red spots on the skin.
Your skin might burn, sting, itch, or get red right where you used the product. You might get blisters and have oozing, especially if you scratch. The other kind of reaction actually involves your immune system. It's called allergic contact dermatitis and symptoms can include redness, swelling, itching, and hives.
Allergic reactions can range in severity, but may include hives, itchy skin, a rash, flaking or peeling skin, facial swelling, irritation of the eyes, nose and mouth, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Sensitive skin is a common condition and means your skin is more prone to reactions such as redness and itching. Most people who have sensitive skin notice occasional or frequent itching, burning and stinging of patches of skin.
Dr. Jaliman adds that itching, redness, or irritation are signs your skin is simply sensitive to the formula. "If it isn't something that's formulated to help skin turn over and you're breaking out more," says Dr. Nagler, "you should stop."
Skin purging is a process that happens when certain skincare ingredients increase skin cell turnover. This encourages shedding of old, dead cells and growth of new, healthy ones. Unfortunately, this process often makes the skin look worse before it looks better.
“The term 'skin purging' refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate,” Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Healthline. As skin cell turnover speeds up, the skin starts shedding dead skin cells faster than normal.
It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks. Learn more about contact dermatitis causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Rashes/Redness
You may have a rash because you're allergic to an ingredient in your moisturizer, or you need to switch from a fragrant formula to one that's fragrance-free. "Mild, bland moisturizers are best for this category of patients.
Your skin is burning or stinging after application
Sensitive skins in particular are at risk of suffering from this, so choose your moisturiser with care. If you feel like your face is stinging or burning after application – wash it off immediately!
Problem: Burning or Stinging
“When skin burns, it's a pH issue,” explains Dr Marmur. “Skin is naturally acidic, so if a moisturizer stings, it has thrown the pH balance off, which is a sign it's not compatible.”
In short, yes. "A daily moisturizer is necessary to maintain your skin's moisture barrier and to prevent environmental damage to your skin," Weinstein explains.
Obviously, the best results of a good skincare routine leave your skin feeling healthy both inside and out. Soft, smooth skin that feels hydrated (not squeaky) is the end goal here. “Squeaky” skin may be too clean, meaning you've stripped it of all its natural oils that are critical for its defense.
"This can lead to excessive oil production, dryness, and even eczema-like skin conditions. It can also start a vicious cycle of feeling as though you need to apply more products to counteract the effects."
A quick remedy for any sort of inflammation or swelling is applying an ice pack, not only to reduce it, but also for pain relief. Icing also works for heat rashes and stings.