What You Should Know About Cosmetic Allergies

By Robert Smith

The American Academy of Dermatology has revealed that on the average, adult Americans use at least seven various cosmetics or cosmetic products daily.The thing is that products like shampoos, colognes, deodorants, moisturizers and other cosmetics have become part of people's daily personal routines and they are considered necessities these days. Cosmetics are primarily used to enhance beauty and some people have become so dependent on them that they become part of lifestyles.

Without any further explanation, it is apparent and very much understood that there are several specified ingredients in such cosmetics that function like antigens or trigger substances for allergic reactions, like fragrances and preservatives.Cosmetic allergies are not so common. However, experts and studies found that on the average, about 10% of the country's population is expected to form or experience a form of cosmetic allergy within their lifetime.

There are two major skin conditions that are symptoms of a cosmetic allergic reaction. The two conditions are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Most often cosmetic allergies will cause an inflammation of the skin in the area suffering the reaction. Aside from redness of the skin and some swelling there may also be itching from mild to serious.

The initial, primary symptoms for cosmetic dermatitis can appear immediately or develop after the skin's exposure to the cosmetic product. Symptoms of the allergy begin to be displayed as the skin breaks down following its contact with the harmful ingredients. The irritants begin to injure the outer layer of skin upon contact, which causes the symptoms to appear.

As with other allergies, having an allergic reaction to cosmetics is not a disease. It is actually the immune system's normal response to protect the body from harmful foreign substances.

It would do you no harm if you take several precautions to avoid getting cosmetics allergy. Prevention is much better that treatments. Remember, cosmetic allergy, just like any other allergies, is only treatable, not curable. - 30516

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