If you often encounter redness, itching and tingling after using cosmetics, it is likely that there are ingredients that cause allergies or irritate your skin. We have collected in this material the most common types of cosmetic allergens.

???? Fragrances
Fragrances give the product a pleasant smell or mask unpleasant. They are added to any cosmetic products. Fragrances are also available in vegetable oils, such as clove oil or tea tree

How to detect in the composition.
Perfume refers to more than 2600 components. Their composition is usually referred to as fragrance or perfume. 26 most allergenic fragrances European regulation requires the composition to be specified by separate names

Incidence of allergies.
32 out of 100 complain of respiratory distress, skin rash or mucosal inflammation due to perfumes in cosmetics

How to reduce the risk.
Read the composition on the package and choose means without perfumes or means where perfumes are listed near the end.

SURFACTANT
Thanks to the surfactants foam. They are added to soap, shower gels, shampoos

How to detect.
Alkyl glucoside, decyl glucoside and other glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Incidence of allergies.
Alkyl glucoside causes various allergic reactions in 22 people out of 1000, decyl glucoside - in 21 out of 1000, cocamidopropyl betaine - in 16 people out of 1000. SLS does not cause allergic reactions, but 41 people out of 100 can cause skin irritation

How to Reduce Risk.
Give preference to formulations where the surfactant stands in the middle or at the bottom of the list, or choose means where there are several surfactants: in this case, the concentration of each decreases and is less likely to cause allergies

Colorants
Dyes are used to dye the skin and hair. They are contained in decorative cosmetics, but their highest concentration is in hair paints, shaded shampoos, henna

How to detect in the composition. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), toluene-2,5-diamine (TDA)

Incidence of allergies. Approximately 11 out of 100 people experience redness, burning or itching during coloring

How to Reduce Risk.
Before applying paint, shade shampoo or henna on the entire surface of the hair, apply the product to a small area of the skin and see if there is an unpleasant reaction.

Herbal Ingredients
Herbal ingredients have different properties and can be part of any cosmetic product
How to detect in the composition. Propolis, lanolin alcohol, ylang ylang oil, tea tree and other plant components

Incidence of allergies.
The plant ingredients contain many different chemical compounds, each of which can cause an unpleasant reaction. For example, according to the American report on contact dermatitis, the most common cause of redness, itching or burning cosmetics with Lanolin alcohols - in 4 people out of 100, with propolis - in 23 out of 1000, with Ylang-ylang oil - in 13 out of 1000

How to reduce the risk. Choose products without herbal ingredients or products where they are listed near the end.

Preservatives
Preservatives inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Can be part of any cosmetics

How to detect in the composition. Methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), lodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), Methyldibromoglutaronitrile (MDBGN) and Ingredients - Folmaldegid Releases

Incidence of allergies. Redness, burning and itching from MI occurs in about 13 people out of 100. The rest of the ingredients on the list are reacted by 1 to 8 people out of 100

How to reduce the risk. Do not avoid all preservatives, without them cosmetics will quickly deteriorate, and the skin will suffer from fungi and bacteria. If you have an unpleasant reaction to the products with listed preservatives, choose products with benzoic acid, phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid. They cause allergies least of all other preservatives.

Metals: Nickel and Gold
Gold is added to serums and creams to attract the attention of buyers. Nickel may not be added to cosmetics, but its traces may be in lipstick pigments, carcasses and shadows for the eyes

How to discover in the composition of. Gold, colloidal gold. The possible traces of nickel are not written on the packages, but sometimes they have the inscription «nickel tested» or «nickel free», which indicates that there are no traces of nickel. True, it’s more of a rarity

Incidence of allergies. Nickel salts cause redness, burning and itching in 17 people out of 100, gold - about 10 people out of 100

How to reduce the risk. In fake cosmetics often more heavy metals, so do not buy means if you doubt the authenticity. For example, if a product has a significantly different price, type of packaging and manufacturer information.

More about medicine - in telegram 3-J
We tell you how to treat economically, choose a doctor who does not prescribe fuflomycin, and squeeze the most out of CHI and DMS policies. All from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine

Even if your skin does not cause you unnecessary inconvenience, it does not harm quality care.

Scientific journalist with impressive experience of successfully fighting acne Asya Popova answered several readers' questions about skin care. Put the answers together.

How do I determine what care the skin needs?

Anton Krutov is interested in the algorithm of selection of care
Are there any generally accepted standards that determine the need for care procedures and facilities? The task is abstract: to look the best possible and to have as little age-related changes as possible.

In the event of illness - yes, there are certain standards and protocols for treatment. If there is a problem that a person wants to solve, such as wrinkles or pigmentation, the doctor can select a list of procedures and remedies to reduce their visibility. If a person does not worry and does not want to change, in this case, the doctor can hardly prescribe something. Cosmetology is now capable of quite a lot, but it is a question of desire and budget, of course.

Here, for example, is a note from the society of dermatologists. In general, the main thing - mild cleaning, moisturizing, protection from the sun. The skin and for this has already said a lot of thanks. Many are hammered in the sun, and this is the main factor of aging and trigger many skin diseases. So good prevention is good sun protection. If we talk about the active ingredients, then with wrinkles work means with retinoids - retinol or retinal - and peptides. Sensitive retinol skin, though, can be irritating, mind you.

Is it possible to use the cream with glycerin for a long time?

Anna Vladimirovna doesn’t want to dry her skin.
Somewhere I read that the high content of glycerine in the cream provokes dryness in the long term. Is this true?

Glycerine is an ingredient that pulls moisture into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of these ingredients.

Let’s say we apply serum or gel to the glycerine and the hyaluronic. They will attract to the upper layer of the skin moisture from the surface or from deeper layers of the skin. In the second case, there will be a feeling that the product dries the skin. Therefore, such gels and serums, in which there are no emollient and moisture-protecting ingredients - enamelants or occlusives - recommend applying on wet skin and covering with cream.

When glycerine or hyaluronic is contained in the cream, they pose no threat, as in addition to them, there are various softening ingredients that lock moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating. So creams with these ingredients will not dry the skin.

Is it true that glycerin dries the skin?

Tatiana Silina worried about the alcohol content in cosmetics
We must not forget that glycerin is still alcohol, glycerol. Its moisturizing effect remains the effect, because glycerin primarily degreases the skin, right?

Glycerine is still triatomic alcohol, and it is not quite correct to compare it with monoatomic. Indeed, with very dry air, glycerin will be difficult to attract water from the air. But in such conditions, any cream will be difficult to replace the humidifier. So first it is better to understand the level of humidity in the room. Still, I couldn’t find any evidence that glycerin dries the skin. A double blind examination at low humidity showed that the glycerin cream improves the moisture content of the skin.

Is it true that acne is better to wash with micellar water?

Miss Snork suffers from oily skin
I heard that acne better replace washing with gel with micellar water. Does it really work?

Micellar waters are good because they have no charge and do not irritate the skin. This is a good cleansing option for sensitive skin. As for acne, treatment of this disease is often accompanied by increased sensitivity and irritability of the skin. And purifying with micellar water can calm her. But everything is individual, and the stages of acne are different: it may be that purification of micellar water is not enough for oily skin, on which there are many active rashes.

There is no consensus among dermatologists whether to flush micellar water or not. But I prefer to flush, even if there was no makeup - I use it in times of heightened sensitivity. And yes, it’s probably not enough to take off the long makeup.

In general, I have micellar water raises many questions in terms of use. I would still trust the opinion of a dermatologist who treats acne.

How to pick up cosmetics for rosacea?

Anton Krutov struggles with the choice of means
I have sensitive skin, plus rosacea, and I have a headache. Is there some kind of independent mechanism that can help you pick up a cosmetics that is specific, especially if you’re a man?

In the case of a disease, you must consult a dermatologist and select funds from a specialist. It is more effective and will save more money in the end than you will spend on care yourself, trying to cure the disease or go into remission in the case of chronic. If for some reason this option is not suitable for you, you can see the recommendations for the treatment of rosacea. However, you need to be sure that you have it. This disease can be confused with others. Here’s an example of a recommendation for patients in the American dermatology society. And another thing - for rosacea it is important to avoid triggers: sun, extreme stress, temperature difference, spicy and hot food. So it’s not just about leaving.

What substances help keep moisturizing?

Xenia Korinets looking for the right ingredients
What ingredients are softening and protecting against moisture loss?

Enamels and occlusives. They are many different. These are fats, oils, silicones, fatty acids. Of the enamelants, dimethicone is very often found in creams. And ceramide, cholesterol, shea butter.

Do I need to use a tonic?

Maria Pavlova resents
Since when did toning become an optional part of care?

Toner was recommended to be used earlier when soft cleaning agents were not available on the market, but were alkaline ones with high pH. Now that there are many soft detergents, it is no longer necessary to restore pH after them. If you look at the recommendations of the American society of dermatologists, there is no mention of toner as a mandatory stage of skin care. But mild cleansing and moisturizing of the skin - yes.

Until I was 25 years old, I thought pimples were the problem of teenagers, and not everyone. Once I had to make sure the opposite.

Asya Popova does not shy of acne
Author profile
Two years ago, I first had rashes on my face. In spring, during the self-isolation mode, pimples and stains from them became more numerous. I started looking for information about acne in adults and learned that there is age-related acne.

See a doctor
Our articles are written with a love of evidentiary medicine. We refer to reputable sources and seek comments from doctors of good standing. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and the attending physician. We do not write prescriptions, we give recommendations. It’s up to you to rely on our point of view or not.

What is age acne
Acne is a disease that manifests as inflammation on the skin. They look like black dots, colorless or red bumps with or without pus. Red inflammation on the skin is also called pimples, although this is not a medical term.

Age Acne in Women - Uptodate

The most common inflammation is formed on the face, neck, chest or back. Age is considered acne, which appears in people older than 25 years. It can occur at the age of 40 or 50.

There is no precise criterion as to how many comedones or pimples must be on the skin to diagnose the disease. The onset of the disease is the appearance on the skin of colorless bumps, black dots or pimples that do not pass independently or pass longer than usual.

Acne Research Review - Nature

The mechanism of acne formation. Normally, the secret that secretes the pores, goes through their mouth to the surface of the skin, moisturizes it and prevents it from drying. With acne, this process is disrupted. The secretion is larger and its composition is different. Creates a beneficial environment for the bacteria that feed on it. If the time is covered with skin particles, the secret accumulates, and the bacteria begin to multiply, which leads to the formation of inflammatory elements.

In the skin, several processes occur simultaneously, due to which pimples are formed:

Skin produces more secret than usual.
Dead skin particles cover the pores.
Bacteria that feed on the secret begin to multiply.
It triggers an inflammation reaction.
The oily type of skin gives off more secretion than others. Therefore, owners of this type of skin are predisposed to the appearance of acne.

Types of acne inflammation
Acne is accompanied by various types of elements on the skin. They are commonly divided into non-inflammatory and inflammatory. The first are open and closed comedones: colorless bumps on the skin or black dots. The second - red pimples: papules, pustules and knots.

Closed comedones look like colorless bumps on the skin. They can be invisible to the eye, but will feel to the touch. Such comedones are formed when the pore mouth is closed by skin cells.

Open comedones are those whose mouths are visible on the surface. Their apex is oxidized by air and contains the skin pigment melanin, so such comedones are also called black dots.

Papules - small red inflammation without visible pus. When there are many, the skin looks uneven, like a grater with small holes.

Pustula is a red inflammation with a visible white or yellow head on the skin.

Nodules and cysts - inflammations that lie in the deep layers of the skin. They slowly mature and painfully pass, and after may remain scars

Usually the appearance of the element indicates the stage of its development. First, a microcomedon is formed - a small comedon that is not noticeable on the skin. It then grows into an indoor or outdoor comet that grows into a papoula, pustule, or knot. However, this is not always the case. Some papules, pustules and knots are formed immediately from an invisible microcomedon.

Types of acne rash. This is what is often called pimples, although it is not a medical term;
Types of acne rash. This is what is often called pimples, although it is not a medical term
In teenagers, acne usually manifests as comedones in the T-zone area: on the forehead, nose and chin wings. In adult acne is more often located on the cheekbones and chin. In this case, the inflammatory elements predominate, but there is also a comedonal form of acne, as in teenagers. Teenage acne is more common in men and in women.

Inflammation can also occur in other skin diseases, such as rosacea and dermatitis. Only a doctor can distinguish one from the other and make a correct diagnosis. Usually examination is sufficient for this, but if the specialist suspects other related problems, he can prescribe tests. Or advises you to contact a specialist endocrinologist or gynecologist.

Rashes that do not refer to acne
Miliums are small cysts that are under the skin and consist of keratin. Most often, miliums are formed in the area around the eyes. They’re like closed comedones, but they’re not.

Greasy threads are channels through which the secret of the skin passes. Normally, we don’t see them, but when the skin starts producing more secretions than usual, the pores can get wider and the greasy filaments darker. It makes them look like black dots. The main difference is that they do not form a cork, and they are smaller and lighter than black dots.

Acne Causes
The appearance of acne depends simultaneously on different causes.

Endogenous causes. One of the main ones is changes in the hormones or receptors in the skin to which they are attached. When the level of male sex hormones increases in the skin or the sebaceous glands become more sensitive to them, the sebaceous glands begin to produce more secretion, which increases the risk of developing acne. At the same time, levels of sex hormones in the blood in most cases remain within normal limits and dermatologists rarely recommend that acne patients check them.

What we can learn about the development of acne from genetics disease - Pubmed

Prospective Study to Evaluate Common Acne and Acne with Signs of Hyperandrogenism in Adult Women - Pubmed

The work of skin cells and tissues also depends on genetics. If parents, brothers or sisters have acne cases, the risk of this disease is higher.

Exogenous causes. Stress, nutrition, smoking, inappropriate skin care are factors that can worsen the course of the disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne - Journal for American Family Therapists

In addition to the stages of development, acne is also divided by the type of available rashes. If the patient has many closed or open comedones, this type of acne is called comedonal. If many papules and pustules - papoulo-postulosic, and if nodes and cystic - cystic. Most often in patients there are mixed types.

What happens if you don’t treat acne
Acne can both worsen and remain at the same stage for a long time, but the probability of progression is still high. The disease affects a person’s mood and psychological comfort. People with acne have a higher risk of clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety. The longer acne is left untreated, the higher the likelihood of emotional stress and self-esteem problems.

Scarring Acne: Who Gets and Causes - American Dermatology Society

Acne and risk of depression and anxiety - meta-analysis in the journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Scarring and pigmentation. If you delay acne treatment, the risk of scarring in place of nodes increases over time. Scarring occurs if the inflammation penetrates deep layers of the skin and damages them. When the inflammation passes, the skin cells try to repair the tissue with collagen protein. If collagen is produced too much or too little, a scar will be visible at the site of the pimple.

Acne can affect not only your skin - American Dermatology Society

Pigmentation in the case of acne - red or brown spots that remain on the pustule or node after they pass. According to surveys of acne patients, pigmentation can disturb a person even more strongly than the pimple itself, as it is noticeable on the skin and passes for a long time. Spots after acne can remain a year or several years.

Incidence and characteristics of hyperpigmentation due to acne - Pubmed

I’ve only had a comedian uniform for a few years that wasn’t too uncomfortable. Over time, comedones began to become inflamed, and papules, pustules and knots appeared more and more frequently on the skin. They took a long time, and after them there were red spots. During the visit to the doctor, I was diagnosed with «moderate acne».

How did I know I had to see a doctor
My acne developed slowly. Two years ago, closed comedones began to appear on my cheeks. Sometimes they became inflamed, but it did not cause much discomfort. Gradually comedones and inflammations became bigger.

I tried various cosmetics in the hope of dealing with acne on my own. When I realized that nothing was working and my skin was getting worse, I decided to consult a specialist.