Eye Cosmetics:



Mascara and eyebrow pencils contain dyes, alcohol, etc. They may cause allergies or irritation on contact.

Nail Cosmetics:

Nail cosmetics include nail polishes and nail color removers. They contain alcohol and colors (dyes) that may produce different reactions.

Lip Cosmetics:

These include lip-gloss, lipsticks, etc. They contain dyes and other chemicals that may cause allergy.

Skin Cosmetics:

Face creams and other preparations such as body moisturizers can contain dyes, etc. These can cause an allergy or irritation on contact. Lanolin used in many moisturizers can cause allergy.

Astringents:

Astringents are used to remove oil from the face. Most of them contain alcohol and other ingredients such as salicylic acid, etc. Some of these ingredients can irritate sensitive and dry skin.

You may have sensitive skin. Or you may want to use cosmetics that have minimum potential of causing irritation. Here is a brief guide about choosing cosmetics for that.

1. Avoid cosmetics that need solvents for removal. Cosmetics labeled waterproof cannot be washed away with water. They need solvents for removal and that may cause sensitivity. Moreover, solvents also dissolve the natural skin oil- sebum that protects skin from drying and from microbes. The skin gets dry with use of solvents.

2. Any product that may contain latex should be avoided. Latex may cause allergies. Liquid eyeliners may contain latex. Make sure before you buy a product that does not contain latex.

3. Avoid chemical based sunscreens. Use physical blockers. Chemical based sunscreens can cause allergies. Moreover, many users of chemical based sunscreens feel heat, because the sunscreen absorbs UV rays. The physical blockers deflect the sunrays and don't get absorbed by the skin.

4. Use less liquid cosmetics and more powder cosmetics. Powder cosmetics contain lesser preservatives compared to the liquid variety. The probability of irritation is reduced.

5. Throw away old brushes etc. Till you use them, keep them clean. Throw away cosmetics after they expire, start smelling bad, change color or look. If you feel that a cosmetic has turned bad, stop using it and throw it away.

Most of the skin care products and color cosmetics that come packed in beautiful containers and are labeled hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, natural, etc., may cause allergy or irritation to you. These products contain many ingredients, and as per law in many countries, the major ingredient is listed on top and the ingredient, lowest in quantity is at the bottom of the label. If there is an active ingredient, it should come right on top. Sometimes a product may not cause allergy immediately, but after using it for some years. It all depends on your body and how it reacts. Everybody has different reaction to different ingredients. This is a note on what ingredients in the cosmetics can cause dermatitis and how to protect yourself.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.