Preventing adverse reactions to skincare products
We have all been there: on payday, we treat ourselves with a new skincare product. The joy is overwhelming, but then you realize that the product is not for you and you develop adverse skin reactions over time or perhaps immediately after use.
You may wonder why this happens and may think it is your own fault, but surprisingly, there are several reasons for these reactions, which we will now share with you.
What causes skin reactions to products?
1. Using products that are not suitable for your skin type – The most common problem is using products that are not suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have a dry skin type, using oil-controlling, oil-free formulas can cause your skin to become dry, tight, and sometimes even red. The same is true for oily skin types who use heavy creams that clog their pores and cause breakouts. It is best to fully understand your skin type before purchasing skincare products.
Allergies to formula ingredients – Another common problem is allergies to specific ingredients in a product’s formula. This reaction is individual, has to do with your skin, and does not mean that the product itself is poorly manufactured. This also doesn’t mean the more money you spend on a product, the better, as allergies to an ingredient or mixture of ingredients can still be present on the skin. An easy way to find out which ingredient might be the culprit is to compare the ingredient list to the product you already use to check for differences. If you have further concerns, a visit to a dermatologist may also be helpful.
Using a facial scrub that is too harsh for the skin – Some people react to facial scrubs by causing redness and sometimes minor nicks and cuts on the skin. If this happens, stop using the product immediately. Facial scrubs are made in a variety of ways, many of which use natural sources such as fruit kernels and nut shells. They are great for removing layers of dead skin cells as well as any dirt and grime. They can have sharp, jagged pieces that can damage the skin. White pumice is a safer option as the particles are smooth and gentler on the skin.
Using strong products too often – When it comes to anti-aging, we sometimes go overboard with strong products. Retinol is an ingredient that can often cause a lot of problems. If you don’t gradually incorporate it into your skin care routine, reactions such as redness, burning sensations, and flaking can occur. To prevent this reaction, you should use this product once a week in the evening. Then increase your skin’s exposure to this powerful product over time. This method can also be used with other ingredients like vitamin C and salicylic acid.
The product may be poorly formulated – Formulation is everything in skincare products, and using a product with too many irritating, skin-resurfacing, heavily scented ingredients can cause a number of problems. You may find that you start out great with the product, but over time, a skin reaction may develop. While scented skincare products are great to use, using too many of them can have adverse effects on the skin, causing dryness, redness, and pain.
Finally, your skin may simply be allergic – some people can easily tell that their skin is allergic, while for others, it may come and go, sometimes causing problems and sometimes not. If you feel your skin is allergic, it’s best to do a patch test 24 hours before using any product, especially before using it all over your face.
How to Prevent Unwanted Skin Reactions
Here are some tips to prevent adverse reactions to skincare products:
Do the following:
Take the time to understand your skin type and choose products that contain the right combination of ingredients to nourish and benefit your skin.
Write down the types of reactions you notice when using new skincare products. Over time, you will be able to identify which ingredients are not suitable for your skin.
Slowly introduce powerful ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinols into your routine. This gives your skin enough time to adjust to it without any reactions.
Do a patch test for at least 24 hours on any new product to make sure it is safe to use on all of your skin.
Try to self-examine your daily habits to find out which products may be causing a reaction. First, don’t use a cleanser, then a serum, then a moisturizer, etc. This will make it clear which products may be causing the problem.
Don’t do the following:
Don’t focus too much on the price of the product. The more expensive the product, the higher the price, which is best because it still may contain ingredients you are allergic to.
Don’t forget to check that your daily SPF is not causing any reactions.
Don’t panic if you suddenly have an allergy to a product you have been using for a while, sometimes the skin just needs a change.
Don’t continue to use something that caused a reaction based solely on other people’s reviews or results.
Preventing adverse reactions to skincare products is not easy. It takes a lot of effort and time to find the right products and formulas that will benefit you and give you the skin you’ve always desired. Similar to a cake recipe, you need to combine the right ingredients to create a masterpiece!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
