Cosmetics Are You Using Them Carefully?

We think of cosmetics as something that will make us look good and young miraculously. We forget to remember that a cosmetic is made of many chemicals. Any of theses chemicals can cause problem to our skin rather than repairing it. A cosmetic now days contains so many ingredients that it is becoming difficult for a user to find out what might have caused the problem. The problem with any cosmetic results in dermatitis. Let us find out how to prevent dermatitis because of cosmetics use.

Dermatitis types

The most common dermatitis problems that may be caused by cosmetics are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by the contact with any substance that hurts the skin. On an extreme side think of getting burnt by any acid or alkali. That is irritation due to contact. But even substance such as water may cause irritant contact dermatitis if the contact remains for a long time. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused when you are allergic to any substance. The allergy need not show immediately. It can show even after using the same product for years. For example, you love using a product and are using it for years with great satisfaction. One fine day you may find inflammation on the skin and to your horror, you find out that your favorite product is causing that now because of allergy.

Cosmetics - safeguards against dermatitis

Try to use cosmetics that contain very few ingredients. Try to write down what causes reaction to you and avoid using that. Slowly you will be able to prepare a list of products that cause problem to you. Cosmetics are there to help you and not cause more problems. You spend money to look good and not to get itches and red patches or blisters. Safeguard yourself.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

To learn more about allergies click here =>Allergic contact dermatitis.

The author C.D. Mohatta writes articles on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. For more information about how to have good skin that looks young and blemish free, please visit http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/ You will also find solutions to wrinkles, scars, facial rejuvenation, latest laser treatments, skin blemishes and spots, hair care and hair loss and about keeping healthy nails. This site is dedicated to make you look good. For keeping yourself looking good find out more about the skin care products.

The Downside to Cosmetics - Cosmetic Allergy

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.
Tip! Knowing how to read and interpret the ingredient label on cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products is a powerful shield. But the manufacturers are fighting back.

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.
Tip! The Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics line is actually becoming quite well known for their fragrances. The Opium Parfum retailing for $100 has become very popular and is known as a rich, fragrant scent that is neither to heavy or too light.

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.
Tip! In many countries colours in cosmetics are listed as colour index numbers. C.

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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Charlene J. Nuble 2006.

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about cosmetic allergy, please go to: http://cosmetic-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ or go to: http://allergyanswers.net/