Is it a skin irritation or an allergy? What is going on?! You’ve just slathered on your new moisturiser and next thing you know, your skin is burning off. It stings. It itches. It turns redder than a tomato.
You’ve never been allergic to anything before, but I guess there’s always a first time. Or maybe it’s just a bad cause of irritation. Problem is, when you react badly to a skincare product, it’s hard to tell. Irritation and allergies often have the same symptoms. How can you figure out what you’re dealing with?
How To Tell If You’re Dealing With A Skin Irritation
What Causes Skin Irritation?
Here are the most common culprits:
- Citrus extracts
- Essential oils
- Fragrance
- Harsh weather
- L-Ascorbic Acid
- Mint extracts
- Overcleansing
- Overexfoliatin
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Vitamin A (retinol, tretinoin, etc)
If you have sensitive skin, avoid everything on this list. They’re a sure recipe for irritation.
Everyone else, be careful. A lot of people can take these extracts in small doses. It’s too much of a good thing that makes it bad.
Want to know what ingredients you really need to avoid in your skincare products? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Skincare Ingredients To Avoid” cheatsheet:
Related: 7 Natural Ingredients That Can Irritate Sensitive Skin
What Are The Symptoms Of A Skin Irritation?
I’m sure you have a fairly good idea of them already, but here we go:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Burning and stinging
- Chapped and scaly skin
How Do You Recognise A Skin Irritation?
If you’re experiencing a skin irritation, the symptoms will develop within a few minutes after one single exposure – and only on the area that was in contact with the culprit.
How Do You Treat A Skin Irritation?
If you’re dealing with a skin irritation, here are the best ways to treat it:
- Ditch the product: A given, I know, but I had to say it anyway.
- Wet cloth/ice pack: Apply it on the irritated area for 5/10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
- Take an oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe any kind of irritation, redness, and itching.
- Moisturize: Use a basic, fragrance-free moisturiser like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion.
Related: Why Colloidal Oatmeal Is A Must For Sensitive, Irritated Skin
How To Tell If You’re Dealing With A Skin Allergy
What Causes A Skin Allergy?
An allergy occurs when your immune system becomes hypersensitive to a substance. It can happen at any time.
You may have been using something for decades, without any problems whatsoever, and then, one crappy day, your body decides it’s an enemy and starts producing antibodies to fight it. Next thing you know, you’re dealing with a nasty rash.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Skin Allergy?
Unfortunately, they’re mostly the same as those of irritation:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Burning and stinging
- Chapped and scaly skincare
- Hives
How Do You Recognise A Skin Allergy?
While an irritation shows up on the area that came in contact with the culprit, allergy symptoms can develop anywhere on your body. Oh, and the itchiness is so much worse.
How Do You Treat A Skin Allergy?
If the worst has happened and you’re dealing with a skin allergy, here’s what you need to do to treat it:
- Avoid the trigger: I know it’s obvious, but I’ll say it anyway. Throw the offending product away and don’t use anything else with the ingredient that triggered your allergy.
- Cool compress: It can calm down a bad rash. Make sure you moisturise afterwards.
- Take an oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe allergy symptoms.
- Use an anti-itch cream: Apply an OTC hydrocortisone or calamine lotion helps relieve the itching.
Related: Calamine: The Secret For Soothing Irritated, Sensitive Skin
Tips For Managing Skin Allergies
- Patch Test New Products: Always test a small amount of any new skincare product on a hidden area of your skin before applying it widely.
- Check Labels: “Hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free” mean nothing. These products can still contain natural essential oils that trigger irritation. Instead, check the label for any ingredients you know you’re allergic to.
- See a Dermatologist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist for proper treatment.
FAQ
1. How can I tell if my skin reaction is an allergy or irritation?
Irritation shows up almost immediately after exposure and is confined to the contact area. Allergies, on the other hand, can develop hours to days later and can spread beyond the initial contact area.
2. Can skin irritation lead to allergies?
Prolonged exposure to irritants can sometimes increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to allergic reactions over time.
3. Can stress make skin reactions worse?
Stress doesn’t directly cause irritation or allergies. But, it can make existing skin conditions, like eczema or hives, worse.
4. Are natural products always safer for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Ingredients like essential oils or botanical extracts can still trigger irritation or allergies. That’s because these extracts are made up of tens of thousands of compounds. Some are very moisturising, soothing, or anti-aging. Others (usually, the compounds that make them smell good) are insect-repellants – and they can cause irritations in human too!
5. How long does it take for skin to heal?
Irritations often heal within a few days after stopping exposure. Allergies may take longer, especially if treated late.
The Bottom Line
Reacting badly to a skincare product can be frustrating (and painful!), but knowing whether you’re dealing with an irritation or an allergy can make all the difference. The quicker you identify the problem and treat it, the faster your skin can get back to looking and feeling its best. Remember to patch test new products, keep an eye on ingredients, and don’t hesitate to ask a dermatologist for help if things get out of hand.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
