The American Academy of Dermatology has revealed that on the
average, adult Americans use at least seven various cosmetics or
cosmetic products daily.

The thing is that products like shampoos,
colognes, deodorants, moisturizers and other cosmetics have become part
of people’s daily personal routines and they are considered necessities
these days.

Cosmetics are primarily used to enhance beauty and
some people have become so dependent on them that they become part of
lifestyles.

Without any further explanation, it is apparent and
very much understood that there are several specified ingredients in
such cosmetics that function like antigens or trigger substances for
allergic reactions, like fragrances and preservatives.

Cosmetic
allergies are not so common. However, experts and studies found that on
the average, about 10% of the country’s population is expected to form
or experience a form of cosmetic allergy within their lifetime.

But it would be logical to assert that women are more prone to experience cosmetics allergy than men.

Symptoms of cosmetic allergy

Basically,
there are only two major skin reactions that will clearly indicate the
onset of cosmetics allergy. These are allergic contact dermatitis and
irritant contact dermatitis.

The most common manifestation of
allergies from cosmetics is inflammation in the infected skin area. The
affected spot would exhibit redness and swelling, and most of the time,
those two symptoms are carried out with mild to severe itching.

Basic
and primary symptoms for cosmetics dermatitis immediately show up or
develop after the skin has taken contact with cosmetic products.

Symptoms
for cosmetic allergy occurs when the skin breaks down after contact
with identified harsh substances. Upon contact, those substances or
allergens immediately and directly affect and injure the skin’s outer
layer, thus the onset of symptoms.

Like any other form of
allergies, cosmetics allergy should not be considered a disease. Rather
it is just a normal reaction as the body’s protective immune system
throws out or rejects foreign and harmful substances.

Treatment of cosmetics allergy

Creams
and ointments specifically manufactured to treat cosmetics allergy are
available without prescriptions through retailers and drug stores.

Most
of these medications contain cortisone in the form of hydrocortisone
acetate and hydrocortisone. Cortisones help curtail redness, swelling
and itching during the onset of cosmetics allergy symptoms.

In
severe cases, doctors prescribe extra-strong medications and ointments
that can effectively and immediately relieve the allergy. Antibiotics
are needed if blisters in the skin, which is caused by cosmetics
allergy, cracks and becomes infected.

How to prevent cosmetics allergy

There are some recommended measures that can help you prevent contracting cosmetics allergy. Take note of the following ways.

-
Before using any cosmetic products, read its labels. Look out for
active ingredients that can obviously trigger an allergic reaction to
your skin. Find products or alternatives that do not contain such
ingredients.

- Perform mini-patch tests to determine if a new
cosmetic product is too strong for your skin. It is done by rubbing your
wrist with the products and observing for any redness or recatio within
24 hours.

- When buying cosmetics, pick up those that contain very simple cosmetic formulas.

- When wearing perfume, apply it on your clothes, not in your skin.

It
would do you no harm if you take several precautions to avoid getting
cosmetics allergy. Prevention is much better that treatments. Remember,
cosmetic allergy, just like any other allergies, is only treatable, not
curable.

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