Why Does My Face Itch When I Wear Makeup?
Being allergic to makeup isn’t always so obvious. Sometimes an allergy might present as only slight redness or a bit of itchiness.
You could also have dry patches or a breakout in a particular area, yet still not be able to tell what the cause is.
If you use makeup daily, it is so important to choose one that works with your skin.
If it doesn’t, it might be incredibly uncomfortable to wear.
Take note of any side effects you might notice when wearing makeup.
Why does my face itch when I wear makeup?
Your face itching when you wear makeup might be a sign that you are allergic to certain ingredients or that there are irritants in the makeup that you are sensitive to.
If the product that is supposed to smooth your skin starts irritating, it is time to re-evaluate and look at what might be causing this. In this guide, we’ll go over some.
Why Does My Face Itch With Makeup?
Why does your face itch with makeup? The answer likely has to do with the ingredients.
You could be allergic or sensitive to some of the key components in your makeup.
Several ingredients in makeup products can irritate your skin.
Common Irritants In Makeup
While there are different brands of makeup, each with its own formulas, there are common irritants across most.
These irritants can cause anything from itchiness to a full-blown allergic reaction.
These are some of the more common irritants in makeup that you should look out for:
- Natural rubber/Latex
- Fragrances
- Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde
- Dyes or color additives
- Metals such as nickel or gold
These common irritants can often be listed under other names.
So if you see an ingredient on the makeup label that you aren’t familiar with, it is best to research it to see what it actually is.
You might be fine using some or all of these chemicals, but you never know how your skin might react.
And if you notice a problem with specific products that have the same potential irritant(s).
Watch for and avoid products with ingredients that seem to irritate your skin.
How To Tell If You Are Allergic To A Makeup Product
Most people do not know that it is pretty standard to be allergic to an ingredient in makeup.
This is called allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin reacts to a specific ingredient in a product applied directly to your skin.
The most common sign that you are allergic to a type of makeup is dry, red, and itchy skin.
This dry, red, itchy skin will not improve with moisturising and will most likely worsen the more you use the makeup product that is causing the reaction.
These symptoms are more common in those who have a personal or family history of asthma, eczema, and seasonal allergies. However, it can happen to anyone.
If more severe, the allergy could present as a facial rash that is both unpleasant to feel and to look at.
The best option is to go to the doctor’s office to treat this.
How To Avoid Allergic Reactions From Makeup
One of the surest ways to prevent an allergic reaction from makeup is to have a simple allergy patch test at the dermatologist’s office.
This will give you a good idea of which ingredients to avoid.
When choosing makeup, it is best to choose one with as few ingredients as possible.
Choose natural products wherever possible, and be sure to remove makeup properly at the end of the day.
How To Treat An Allergic Reaction From Makeup
If you notice your skin is reacting to makeup, then now is a good time to cut out all non-essential skincare products. You need to give your skin some time to heal.
You should also speak to your doctor to see what is best, but you could try a short course of hydrocortisone cream.
This could help to reduce skin inflammation and irritation. If this does not address the symptoms, a dermatologist can help pave the way forward.
If you know that it is not your moisturiser causing the allergy, use it often to prevent your skin from drying out and breaking out further.
Related Questions
Why Am I Suddenly Allergic to My Makeup?
A sudden allergy to makeup could be due to your body becoming sensitive to an ingredient in a product you have been using. This could even be an allergy-inducing product that you have used for ages, that has suddenly caused a reaction.
Can Makeup Cause Skin Problems?
Yes, makeup can cause skin problems. Foundation, mascara, blush, eyeliner, and lipstick can all cause skin reactions and harm your skin’s health.
Unhealthy makeup practices can also lead to unnatural oiliness, dryness, acne, and premature ageing.
It is so important to choose gentle makeup products and to practice a good skincare routine.
Always obliterate your makeup at the end of the day, and make sure to use a good toner and moisturiser to keep your skin in the best condition.
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