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Q&A for managing allergies
- I feel irritated or itchy no matter what I use – could I have a cosmetic allergy?
- It is very rare for someone to be allergic to every single cosmetic product.
If you feel irritation from all the cosmetics you're using now, stop using them, including makeup.
If your symptoms do not subside even then, it is likely another reason besides cosmetics, so please consult a dermatologist.
Regardless of whether cosmetics are behind your irritation, using cosmetics when you have redness or itching will result in a highly sensitive reaction. Even cosmetics that normally agree with your skin may provoke an exacerbation of symptoms.
The same thing may happen when excessive massaging or face washing causes skin's inherent barrier function to be destroyed.
To determine whether a cosmetic item agrees with your skin or not, the first thing to think about is relieving the symptoms.
- I have serious redness and itching. Is it from cosmetics? Or is it from atopy?
- Even when a skin irritation is triggered by cosmetics, the symptoms are similar to the exacerbation period(*) of atopic dermatitis, so in this case it may be both. In such a situation, it is important to stop using cosmetics and let the skin rest.
If symptoms improve right away, the cause is likely cosmetics. On the other hand, if the condition does not improve with time, it's possible that symptoms may worsen, so we recommend that you see a dermatologist.
To supplement the treatment of atopic dermatitis, it is essential to engage in skin care that incorporates the notion that skin control = hygiene and moisturizing. But this is only during the remission period(*), when skin's condition is relatively stable.
When symptoms are exacerbated, even cosmetic items that normally don't cause any irritation may impose a burden on the skin.
Only use cosmetics after thoroughly consulting with a dermatologist.
*Exacerbation period ･･･ Period when atopic dermatitis worsens and symptoms such as itching and rashes are present.
*Remission period ･･･ Period when symptoms of atopic dermatitis subside and the skin is stable.
- I was told that I'm prone to skin irritation from perfumes in cosmetics.
My condition improved with treatment, but is it better for me not to use cosmetics anymore? - Once you have an allergic reaction, that rejection response usually continues for life.
Even after symptoms subside, you should avoid using cosmetics containing the perfume that caused the allergy.
Even if your skin condition improved with treatment, when you are exposed to the allergen again, the same symptoms will recur, and your skin condition will suddenly worsen. But it's too hasty to think all cosmetic items are off limits.
When it's clear what your allergen is, as long as you don't come into contact with that substance you can use cosmetics just like someone with healthy skin. For example, if perfumes trigger a skin irritation, you can use cosmetics that don't contain any perfumes at all.
In other words, it's important to have a firm grasp on what allergens cause your allergies and how to avoid them in your daily life.
You should be careful about this point not only in terms of cosmetics but in your daily life as well.
- Is it true that at times when you have allergy symptoms such as hay fever, you're more prone to cosmetic irritation?
- Yes. When hay fever or other allergy symptoms are present, the moisture level in the stratum corneum declines.
As a result, skin gets dry and the barrier function notably declines. You may respond more sensitively than usual to irritants.
At times like this, cosmetics that have not bothered you before may become irritants and trigger your allergies.
Trying a new cosmetic item for the first time is best done after hay fever symptoms have subsided.
After choosing a cosmetic item from the many products available, it would be a shame if it actually agreed with your skin just fine but you decided it didn't due to the effects of hay fever. To find the products that are best for you, choose a time when you're less prone to allergies to try new cosmetics.
