What is A Skin Allergy?

What is a skin allergy?

A skin allergy is a skin rash that occurs when an allergen (called an antigen) that you have been exposed to before touches your skin. Skin allergy does not occur the first time you come into contact with the antigen. You form IgE antibodies and then the next time you are exposed, you have an allergic rection.

This is why you may use a skin care ingredient many times without a problem and then suddenly develop an allergy to it. Skin allergy is not the same thing as skin irritation.

To find out if you have an allergy prone skin type, take our quiz for free here!

A skin allergy often presents itself as a rash, itch, hives, or redness.

Allergic reactions are triggered by antibodies

Some skin types are more prone to allergies than others

How do skin allergies work?

Skin allergy in general is mediated by IgE antibodies in your immune system.

Skin irritant reactions do not involve IgE antibodies.

Both skin irritation and skin allergy is caused by inflammation.

These are the most common skin care ingredients in skin care products that are allergens.

When your immune cells recognize the allergen that you have been previously exposed to, IgE antibodies get involved and cause skin inflammation. Inflamed skin occurs mainly due to a release of histamine from mast cells. This is why antihistamines are used to treat skin allergies. Histamine causes activation of many inflammatory pathways in the skin and dilation and leakiness of blood vessels leading to redness, swelling, and itching.

The inflammation seen in allergic skin rashes increases the production of melanin pigment leading to pigmentation and a disorder called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (PIH) This is why darkening of elbow and knee skin is often seen in patients with eczema.- especially those with skin of color.

What to do if I am allergic to products in my skin care routine?

If you recently began a retinoid- you most likely have a retinoid rash rather than an allergy.

Use only creamy cleansers with no fragrance- stay away from bubbling face washes that hurt the skin barrier.

Use a soothing barrier repair cream or oil to calm the skin.

Here are some good choices:

Why is my skin allergic to everything?

Once inflammation pathways get turned on, your skin begins to react to more things.

Avoid products with fragrances such as essential oils.

Keep in mind that sometimes allergies are not always obvious or clear in terms of their origins. Sometimes, you might believe you’re allergic to an ingredient, but are actually just experiencing inflammation (if you have a sensitive skin type, for example.)

The only way to be positive about a personal allergy is to consult an allergist.

Getting specific information on your allergies can make buying skin care products a less intimidating process.

Science of Skin Allergies (1)

When a mast cell armed with IgE antibodies is re-exposed to an allergen, multiple responses occur, leading eventually to the release of various potent mediators responsible for the clinical expression of immediate inflammatory-hypersensitivity reactions that is commonly called “an allergic reaction” or “hives”.

In the first step of this sequence, antigens bind to the IgE antibodies previously attached to the mast cells. The bridging of IgE molecules with the underlying IgE-Fc receptors activates signal transduction pathways that will translate into three outcomes:

Degranulation allowing secretion vasoactive amines (histamine), proteases (chymase, tryptase, hydrolase), and proteoglycans (heparin, chondroitin sulfate).

Synthesis of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators (Leukotrienes C4, D4, and B4, and Prostaglandin D2)

Synthesis and secretion of cytokines and chemokines

Once these pathways get turned on – other inflammatory pathways can be activated. It is a domino effect. Inflammation causes more inflammation.

Skin Allergy Treatment-

Skin allergies are treated with removal of exposure to the allergen. You must figure out what you are allergic to. Once you know what you are allergic to- you must read every skin care label to make sure the product does not have the ingredient that you are allergic to in it. If you do not know what you are allergic to- try this hypoallergenic skin care brand.

You can treat skin allergy with antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine), corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Our recommendations on the best products for allergic skin are found below. Make sure they do not contain anything you are allergic to in them before using. We are working on a way to recommend skin care products to you that do not have anything in it that you are allergic to, but first we have to collect more data. This is why we ask you in the skin type quiz what you are allergic to. For now, you must read the product label yourself to make sure the product does not have anything YOU are allergic to.

What is the Best Skin Allergy Cream?

There are many prescription corticosteroids used to treat skin allergies. Hydrocortisone is the only corticosteroid cream you can get in the USA without a prescription.

Topical creams using anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe and calm the skin are also used. Many of these have botanical ingredients that are allergens and can make the skin allergy worse.

These soothing barrier repair creams soothe skin and help protect skin from allergens

Best Soothing Natural Oils To Treat Skin Allergy

Many oils have soothing fatty acids like linoleic acid. Our favorite organic and natural soothing oil for skin allergies is Argan Oil.

Some other popular choices that you can read all about on our website are borage seed oil, almond oil, rosehip oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil.

Keep in mind that not all oils do the same things to skin. Check out our blog on the general uses of oils in skin care for more information.

This is one of the best organic oils to treat skin allergies:

Soothing Cleansers

Cleansers that do not have strong detergents and contain anti-inflammatory ingredients and soothing fatty acids should be used to calm allergic skin. Here are some choices but remember- check the label before buying:

Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion

$50.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser

$50.00

Out of Stock

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

$45.00

Add to Cart

SENTE Daily Soothing Cleanser

$34.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$13.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Medature Plantract Cleansing Gel

$11.67

Add to Cart

Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser

$38.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion

$50.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser

$50.00

Out of Stock

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

$45.00

Add to Cart

SENTE Daily Soothing Cleanser

$34.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$13.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Medature Plantract Cleansing Gel

$11.67

Add to Cart

Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser

$38.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion

$50.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser

$50.00

Out of Stock

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

$45.00

Add to Cart

SENTE Daily Soothing Cleanser

$34.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$13.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser

$7.99

Out of Stock

Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser

$49.00

Add to Cart

Medature Plantract Cleansing Gel

$11.67

Add to Cart

Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser

$38.00

Add to Cart

How To Find Out What Is Causing Your Skin Allergy

It is important to identify what you are allergic to in order to properly treat skin allergies. You can either:

Keep a diary of what you were exposed to in the 6-12 hours prior to a skin allergy rash

See your dermatologist for patch testing.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected