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Hazardous Cosmetics-recall These Before Purchasing

Looking good can be hazardous to your health. There are certain cosmetic products such as makeup, skin cleansers, soap, moisturizers, sunscreens, deodorants and perfumes that people with Asthma and Allergies cannot use. The problem lies with the allergic reaction they receive when using these products. I have one client who cannot use any form of makeup or she ends up in the Emergency Room. She looks good without makeup anyway.

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.

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.

There are two types of cosmetic allergies that can occur with the most common being “irritant contact dermatitis”. This is when the part of the skin that comes in direct contact with the product develops a rash, skin patches or blisters which are very itchy and can be further aggravated by scratching to the point where they may ooze.

The second type of cosmetic allergy is known as “allergic contact dermatitis” which is when the individual is allergic to a specific substance or ingredient in the product. This can cause an individual to break out in hives which typically appear on the facial area and neck, but can occur in other places on the body as well.

It is always wise to consult your doctor, but it will help him to help you if, in the early stages, you try this simple but effective preliminary test. Rub a little of the cream, lotion, lipstick, or other preparation which you suspect may be unsuitable for you in a small area just below or slightly behind one ear (in the place most hair stylists normally use to test your reaction to any permanent hair coloring before they go ahead with the first application). Do not wash this part of the skin for at least twenty-four hours unless you start to feel some reaction such as burning or itching. When there is any sign of reaction, immediately sponge the skin with warm water and baby-mild soap.

So here are some tips on how to take care of your make-up kit and everything inside of it:

1. Check your make-up for expiration dates. Yes, makeup do have expiration dates like canned goods do. And to use them after they have lapsed, is risking yourself to the hazards of skin allergies and immature aging. Every cosmetic has a shelf life and whether you agree or not, they are not allowed to lurk in your make-up forever. So get your make-up kit right now, and see the following shelf life spans for various makeup: Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months, Concealer: 12-18 months, Blush: 2 years, Powder Eye shadow: 2 years, Eyeliner: 2 years, Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months, Mascara: 3 months, Lipstick: 2 years, Lip gloss: 18-24 months.

2. Buy new make-up tools every now and then. Judging from the shelf-life of the mentioned make-ups, you must always make sure you have new items, not just because it can be exciting to be buying new ones, but also because they can be healthier for the skin. If you still have that mascara that you bought back in High School, throw it away… NOW! It will not just clutter your kit, but it must have developed all sorts of bacteria all these years.

3.Always keep your make up kit dust-free and always clean up after use. Although make up kits are sealed and closed, there are makeup that you might leave on top of the drawer while you were in a hurry to leave for the office or the party. Always keep them after use, as they can accumulate bacteria through dust or air-borne pollutants that may cause you allergies or irritations in the future.

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