A makeup allergy could be the cause.
Here are a few things to look for if you think you might have a makeup allergy.
Allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh, M.D.
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It appears as a red, itchy, dry, or flakyrasharound the area where you applied the makeup.
In extreme cases, an allergic reaction can even cause blistering or swelling.
This throw in of allergic reaction is very similar to poison ivy, says Parikh.
It can present as a weeping, blisteringrashon many different skin tones."
In most cases, the immune system has become hypersensitive to the chemicals over time.
On the flip side, it could also occur from something new you incorporate into your makeup regimen.
For makeup allergies, the reaction often shows up over 24 hours later.
So the glitter eyeshadow you used on Saturday night could be the source of the Monday morning itch.
In the first exposure it takes a couple weeks to mount, says Palm.
If its the second time, the reaction could happen almost immediately or in the first several days.
Preservatives like parabens and methylisothiazolinone are high on the allergen list, too.
They can be found in everything from face wipes to hair products.
And fragrance mix is another irritating ingredient to look out for on cosmetic and personal care labels.
While these ingredients typically arent life-threatening, they could cause a reaction for someone withsensitive skin.
And Palm warns that just because a product is natural doesnt mean it is totally free and clear.
Just because something is organic or an essential oil doesnt mean you wont react to it, she says.
Parikh says the biggest mistake people make is assuming the reaction is the result of an expired product.
So they buy the same product again.
The first step to managing the rash is to stop using the product that you think is the cause.
She also tells her patients to suspend exercise and alcohol use until the rash is healed.
Palm says another way to pinpoint the culprit is to use the elimination technique.
We stop everything one by one.
Both experts recommend Almay as a makeup option for sensitive skin.
Clinique and Neutrogena are also trusted brands, according to Parikh.
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