How and why should I do a patch test?

Beauty and skin

 A patch test is a method to know the sensitivity of your skin to a specific substance . An individual with very sensitive skin is normally prone to skin irritations. Skin allergies are caused when a specific allergen comes in contact with the dermatitis and disrupts its function. 

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In our daily life cosmetic reactions are quite common as our skin is exposed to at least 6 to 8 types of cosmetics each day.  your bath soap, tooth paste, shampoos,  skin and hair care products are some of them.

The kind of irritation and its severity depends on ones body immunity level. Every substance reacts differently on different individual.Choosing the right product is the matter of great concern. Beauty and personal care products must be chosen with great care.Your cosmetic should not contain any active drug, which can irritate your skin.However many products available in market contain drugs to  compete the purpose.

You can easily understand this by taking the products like anti dandruff shampoos and acne treating beauty products. A shampoo is intended to cleanse the scalp but in anti dandruff shampoos certain drugs are used to treat the scalp for itchy dandruff.

What are the common symptoms and reactions to a cosmetic? 

• Itching,burning,inflammations,swelling and redness on skin.
• patchy or scaly skin.
• Blisters and redness in case of a scalp allergy due to a hair product.
• Runny eyes and redness.
• skin break outs
• Reactions due to the allergen in hair dyes can be fatal.
• Reactions occurs sudden or over a course of period, depending on how mild or strong the allergen is.
• Your facial skin is fairly sensitive thus more likely to have a cosmetic allergy.

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What are the skin allergens in cosmetics?

Phthalates are widely used chemical in cosmetic industry as a fixing and a fragrance agent.It is used as a plasticizer in products like nail polishes. You can see this chemical in hair sprays-as a fixing agent,body washes and other hair care products.

Their cheapness and versatility make them familiar in cosmetic world. DMP and DBP are most common phthalates in cosmetic products.Even the infants are not excluded from the exposure to phthaltes . You can see this chemical in the ingredient list on baby shampoos and baby lotions.  

According to European Union phthalates are toxic to aquatic organs.Health Canada says extended usage of phthalates can cause reduced sperm count, endocrine disruption,health effects such as liver and kidney dysfunctions. However according to FDA evidence phthalates does not pause any known skin allergies in humans, but definitely a matter of concern.

Fragrance ingredients are frequently used in  shampoos, bath soaps body lotions and perfumes. Fragrance allergy can cause nausea,vomiting, head aches and runny eyes.On most beauty products it is  just labelled as fragrance,but not the exact ingredient used . one or multiple chemicals are used to bring the desired fragrance to the product.The main purpose of using fragrance agents is  to neutralise or hide the unpleasant smell of  other chemicals used in the  cosmetic.

Natural and pleasant fragrance can be used for therapeutic purpose.

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 Synthetic colours  are toxic to skin. drinks and in many other eatables. They are absorbed to skin and can cause skin disruptions.Many of the synthetic colours are carcinogenic . Check for synthetic colours like red3,green-3,FD&C yellow-5,Yellow-6 in your cosmetic products. Other than cosmetics, synthetic colours are also used in food products like ice creams,cold drinks and in many other eatables.Extended use of synthetic colours can cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors. They are used directly or as a byproduct .When linked with other chemicals can cause skin cancers and other relevant skin irritations.

PPD-para phenyl enediamine  is an ingredient used in permanent hair colors. It is a permitted hair colour by European Cosmetic Derivative 76/768/EEC. It is oxidative in nature , under oxidation it brings darker and permanent shade to  hair. The usage or PPD is strictly regulated and only up to a maximum of 2% to 6% concentration when applied to hair. According to European Cosmetic Derivative this chemical can only be used in hair dyes. The illegal use of PPD is widely  observed in black henna for temporary tattooing. PPD can be sensitive if you apply it directly on the skin in high concentration.It can cause swollen , sore, red burns on the skin. The reactions can be severe and long lasting. It is found that the concentration of PPD in black henna is higher, up to 29.5%. Just note the safest concentration mentioned above. The black henna available in market is completely synthetic and chemical laden, as natural henna extract is orange red in colour.

What can I do to avoid skin irritations?

• Choose skin friendly organic products with fewer ingredients.
• All natural beauty products are not completely organic as they claim. Scan the ingredient list before purchasing them .
• Go for drug free hypo allergic products. Such products are unlikely to cause any skin allergy.
• Look for a fragrance free  product.
• Do a patch test before experimenting a new product.

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  How should I do a patch test?

Patch tests are done for many reasons.The procedure is done under the supervision of a dermatologist . But if you are doing it to determine the sensitivity of your skin to a new beauty product you bought, then it is simple and can be done at home. 

Apply the product on a small sensitive area like inner arm or under the ear and leave it, In case of a chemical treatment wash the area after at appropriate time .In case of a facial product apply it under the ear as the skin there is more sensitive than inner arm.Some allergens react with in minutes.If  itching, change in skin colour or inflammation occurs , wash the area immediately with plain water.    If no symptoms noticed, still wait for  24 to 48 hours to proceed with your new product.

There are so many studies and reports that reveal the ugly side of cosmetic industry.Though you cannot avoid all the synthetic products completely ,as they are part of  your daily life in m maintaining your look and personality, but can at least limit their  use by choosing skin friendly organic products. 

Wellness tip

Rub ice cube gently on face to bring an instant glow.It is an effective remedy for open pores. This remedy improves the blood circulation,and you enjoy a glowing face. It is a great tip to do before going to a party or any other celebration.  Never rub the ice cubes directly on the face, instead wrap it in a cotton piece of cloth and rub on.

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