Skin Care Ingredients You Might Be Allergic To

Your skin can be the first clue that you might be allergic to something. Whether it’s an ingredient in your toothpaste or laundry detergent or something you might put on your skin during the day or at night while you sleep. The following five skin care ingredients are common allergens. So if you start breaking out in a rash after using them on your face, arms, legs or anywhere else on your body. It’s time to stop using them! Learn more about these skin care ingredients and whether or not they could be causing you to break out before they cause permanent damage to your skin.

1) Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used in everything from shampoos to lotions and moisturizers. They’re a common skin irritant, and many have been linked to various types of cancer . If you do notice irritation or breakouts after using a product with parabens. You might want to switch over to an all-natural alternative. For example, coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer. Just make sure you don’t use too much. Coconut oil can be comedogenic (meaning it clogs pores) if you don’t use it sparingly.

2) Fragrance

Fragrance is a common skin care ingredient in cosmetics and moisturizers. But it’s also one of those ingredients you might be allergic to. Fragrance can cause allergies and lead to hives, swelling, sneezing,, or watery eyes. If you have any skin care products containing fragrance. Especially cosmetics like eyeliner or mascara. You may want to test them out on a small patch of skin before putting them on your face. Even if you don’t experience an allergic reaction right away.  If you’re using a product with fragrance every day over time it can still cause an allergy. A topical allergy that shows up slowly is less noticeable than an immediate reaction. So be careful when choosing your skin care products!

3) Mineral oil

Most people think of mineral oil as an ingredient in lotions and skin creams. But it’s actually used to make petroleum jelly and paraffin wax. Although products containing these ingredients are typically labeled as moisturizers. They’re also used in antifreeze and motor oil. Mineral oil is safe to use on your skin. While some people can tolerate mineral oil well, others report hives, itching and more when exposed to it. If you experience these symptoms on your skin or in your mouth. After using a product that contains mineral oil or related ingredients such as paraffin or liquid paraffin. See a doctor right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

4) Silicones

According to dermatologist Karyn Grossman, MD, when it comes to silicones in skincare products. More isn’t necessarily better. When moisturizers are heavily loaded with silicones. They can create a barrier on your skin that is thick and impermeable. And prevents other good ingredients from being absorbed into your skin. Silicones can also cause breakouts in some people because they clog pores. Instead of loading up on products containing silicones, she recommends looking for ones with hyaluronic acid instead. The amino acid attracts moisture onto your skin. And is non-comedogenic. Meaning it won’t clog pores or cause pimples.

5) Sulfates

An ingredient that is often found in soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products. If you are allergic to sulfates. You might experience swelling of your skin, lips or tongue as well as difficulty breathing. Sulfates can also cause anaphylaxis. If you think you might be allergic to sulfates It’s recommended that you don’t use any products with sulfates until consulting with a doctor first.