### Tips to Avoid Skin Reactions from Cosmetics 1. **Check the Label**: Choose products with fewer ingredients to reduce the risk of a bad reaction. 2. **Patch Test**: Apply a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow and wait 48-72 hours. If there's no redness, swelling, itching, or burning, it's safe to use. 3. **Apply Fragrance Smartly**: Spray fragrance on your clothes instead of your skin to minimize reactions. 4. **Know Your Skin**: Labels like "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologist tested" don't guarantee no reaction. Pay attention to how your skin responds. 5. **Stop and Soothe**: If a product causes a reaction, stop using it immediately. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help ease inflammation, but sometimes a prescription-strength cream is needed. ### Common Skin Reactions 1. **Irritation (Irritant Contact Dermatitis)**: Causes burning, stinging, itching, and redness. More likely if your skin is dry or injured. 2. **Skin Allergies (Allergic Contact Dermatitis)**: Caused by sensitivity or allergy to an ingredient, leading to redness, swelling, itching, or blisters. Fragrances and preservatives are common culprits. ### Ingredients to Watch Out For - **Hair Dyes**: Especially those with p-phenylenediamine and ammonium persulfate. - **Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)**: Can cause redness, swelling, blisters, rash, or itch, especially in strong products. - **Tretinoin Wrinkle Creams and Serums**: May cause irritant contact dermatitis. - **Sunscreens**: Some people are sensitive to them. Look for sunscreens with few ingredients and physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.