My face just started breaking out in an allergic rash. How do I find out what skin care product, make-up, or soap I’m allergic to?
Whenever any adverse reaction occurs, such as rash, skin irritation, swelling, or itching, it is prudent to identify the cause, if possible. One of the best methods for determining what is causing the reaction is spot testing. Spot testing involves testing individual products in small areas on the body and should identify the product(s) that caused the irritation or allergy. It may also help in identifying a specific ingredient that a person is sensitive to.
To conduct a Spot Test, follow these 5 simple steps.
Place a small amount of a single product on the inner side of the upper arm (about a ½ square inch area) between the elbow and armpit.
Apply a different single product in the same manner to the inner side of the upper arm, but in a separate spot. Continue to apply as many products as necessary. Use only a single product in each spot; do NOT layer separate products.
Record which product you applied to which spot.
Continue the Spot Test for a full week, applying products to their original spot with the same frequency as you were applying them to your facial skin (i.e. “twice daily’).
If irritation occurs, discontinue use of that product immediately and contact the manufacturer. Write down the ingredients from the product label of the irritating product.
Allergic reaction and irritation to Therapon products is extremely rare as our company strives to use only ingredients that do not cause irritation or sensitivity. However, if you find that a Therapon product does cause an adverse reaction, please notify a Therapon Customer Service Representative at 1.800.443.7549 or email customerservice@therapon.com.
I used to use hydroquinone and really had irritated skin-it was peeling and when I would go out in the sun my skin burned really bad. So I really try to use only gentle products now