Advice for a Reaction to a Product

A reaction to a product refers to any adverse or negative response that occurs after using a skincare, hair care, or cosmetic product. These reactions can vary in severity and may manifest as skin irritation, redness, itching, burning, stinging, swelling, or other discomforts. The reaction can occur immediately after product application or may develop gradually over time with repeated use.

• With an immediate reaction, it is usually an irritant contact dermatitis
• If the skin reacts after 48-72 hours, it is usually an allergic contact dermatitis

Some common types of product reactions include

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to specific ingredients in the product. Symptoms can include itching, redness, dryness and little red bumps
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This type of reaction occurs when the skin becomes irritated due to direct contact with a product’s ingredients, such as harsh soaps, exfoliating acids and topical retinoids. It can lead to redness, itching, and sometimes, dry, flaky skin
• Photoallergic Reactions: Some ingredients in skincare products can cause a reaction when exposed to sunlight, resulting in red, itchy, and blistering skin

Treatment tips that can help with a product reaction

• Discontinue using the product immediately
• Rinse with cold water or micellar water
• Apply a cold compress or spray with thermal spring water
• Apply a soothing reparative balm or an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day for a few days until it settles
• If irritant contact dermatitis is suspected, consider re-introducing the suspected product gradually
• If you experience reactions to different products, keep a record of the products used and the specific reactions observed. This information can help identify common ingredients or triggers
• Refrain from scratching or rubbing the affected area, as this can exacerbate the irritation and lead to further damage

Skincare ingredients that can help with a product reaction

• Panthenol
• Centella Asiatica Extract
• Allantoin
• Shea Butter
• Ceramide-P
• Cucumber Extract
• Thermal Spring Water
• Bisabolol
• Vitamin E

Skincare products that can help with a product reaction

Cleansing helps to remove any remaining irritants or allergens from the skin’s surface. If the reaction was triggered by contact with a specific substance or product, thoroughly washing the area can help reduce further exposure to the allergen or irritant. Dr Webster recommends:

• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
• SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Targeted treatment for a skin reaction is essential because it allows for a more specific and focused approach to address the underlying cause of the reaction and provide effective relief. Dr Webster recommends:

• Dermaceutic Panthenol Ceutic
• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
• Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask

Applying a moisturiser can create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, shielding it from potential irritants and allergens. This can help prevent exacerbating the reaction and allow the skin to heal. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Barrier Repair Cream
• mesoestetic fast skin repair
• SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair

Sun exposure can worsen skin reactions and cause further irritation. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can trigger or exacerbate skin reactions and lead to sunburn, redness, and inflammation. Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50