Skin Reactions
When your skin has had, or is having an adverse reaction to a product this does not necessarily mean you have had an ‘allergic reaction’.
There are two types of adverse responses your skin can have a product when it is applied to your skin; a hypersensitive reaction and an allergic reaction.
Here are some simple and easy ways you can to remember differences between a skin reaction and an allergic reaction. If ever in doubt always seek medical advice
| Hypersensitive Reaction | Allergic Reaction | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Reaction triggered by an impaired Barrier Function of the skin through lack of care or incorrect product usage. | Barrier Function is the skin is impaired through genetic factors where the skin is in a constant state of hyper-reactivity. |
| Reaction Time | Reaction is usually felt and appears instantly | Reaction may take anywhere from 6-48 hours to develop |
| Feels Like | Stinging, burning, itching instantly | Stinging, burning, itching that increases in intensity as the immune system responds |
| Which Skin Types are prone? | Any Skin Type can have a hypersensitive reaction to a product | Sensitive Skin Types prone to flushing, irritation and possible system illnesses such as asthma, hayfever and eczema more likely to have allergic reactions |
| Time it takes for the reaction to subside | Reactions subside within 10 minutes of removal of the product | Allergic reaction can take 6-48 hours to develop and weeks to subside |
| Localised or Systemic | Only appear where the product has been applied meaning it is a localised reaction | May appear all over the body not always just where the product has been applied meaning it is a systemic reaction that occurs |
| Medical Attention | Doesn’t normally require any medical intervention; immediate removal of the product and cold compressing settles the discomfort | Requires medical intervention and attention – anaphylaxis is a risk for some |
| Where to from here? | Avoid the use of the product and reintroduce later when the skin barrier is repaired | Have skin testing conducted by a medical specialist to find the exact ingredient causing the allergic reaction and avoid it for future |
Please note: this chart is designed as a guide only and should not be used as a medical diagnostic tool.
Seek immediate medical attention in the event of anaphylaxis.
Good skin care and a regular routine is always the key to maintaining the health of the barrier function of your skin to prevent hypersensitive – and minimise the chances of allergic – reactions.
S·H·E Reads
Identifying Inflammation by Annet King
Sensitive Versus Sensitized: The Genetic Difference by Dr. Diana Howard
RosaceaNet
A comprehensive online rosacea information resource
National Rosacea Society
A website about the medical condition rosacea
