Being allergic to makeup isn’t always so obvious. Sometimes an allergy might just present itself as slight redness or a bit of itchiness. You could also have dry patches or a breakout in a certain area, and still, you might 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 out your skin starts causing irritation, it is time to re-evaluate and have a 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 could be likely irritants for your skin.
Common Irritants In Makeup
While there are different brands of makeup, all made using their own formulas, there are common irritants found between 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 as other ingredients, so if you see an ingredient listed 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 certain products that have the same potential irritant(s), you can watch out for and avoid purchasing 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 quite common to be allergic to an ingredient in makeup. This is called allergic contact dermatitis, which is when your skin reacts to a certain ingredient in a product that is 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 and itchy skin will not get better with moisturizing, 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 rash on your face, which can feel and look unpleasant. The best option would be a trip 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 the ingredients to stay away from.
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 treat the symptoms, a dermatologist would be able to pave the way forward.
If you know that it is not your moisturizer 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?
Suddenly becoming allergic to makeup could be a result of your body becoming sensitive to an ingredient in a product that 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 can be harmful to your skin’s health.
Unhealthy makeup practices can also lead to unnatural oiliness, dryness, acne, and premature aging.
It is so important to choose gentle makeup products and to practice a good skincare routine. Always remove your makeup completely at the end of the day, and make sure to use a good toner and moisturizer to keep your skin in the best condition.
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