If it’s a jar of cream, a bottle of serum, or any other skin care product you’ve been pining for, there’s a certain joy about ripping open the wrapping and applying your new cosmetic buy for the first time.
But before you do, let me remind you why patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to skincare: It’s best to patch-test every skincare product before actually using it because there’s always a chance that a new product could have a negative reaction on your skin (think: redness, itching, or swelling).
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Benefits Of a Patch Test Before Using a New Product
Simply explained, a patch test entails dabbing a small amount of a product onto a very small patch of skin and leaving it there for at least 24 hours, preferably inconspicuously on the inside of your arms or behind your ears.
This is done to see if the product or any of its ingredients would cause your skin to show any signs of irritability or an allergic reaction, potentially protecting you from more serious (and irate!) skin concerns.
Patch testing is advised for those with well-balanced skin types as well because some formulations or ingredients might irritate even skin that appears to be resistant to rashes. However, patch testing is definitely essential for people with sensitive skin or a history of product-caused flare-ups. This is due to the possibility that some goods include allergens that can result in “allergic contact dermatitis,” which is typically represented by a red, itchy rash.
Sometimes, whether or whether a certain ingredient in your product is natural, your skin may just not like it. Then there are those substances that are acknowledged to be more likely to result in an adverse reaction, such as scents, artificial colours, preservatives, parabens, and sulfates.
Just a short reminder that some products, like skincare with an acid-base, are designed to provoke a skin reaction in order to work. Formulas with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, are included in this.
These creams, along with those containing retinol, typically result in a little tingling sensation when exfoliation is triggered. Nevertheless, the small discomfort is typical and frequently transient. But if it gets worse over time, it might be advisable to stop using it.
How to perform a patch test
The optimal location for the patch test is close to the actual application site of the product. So, if it’s a face product, you can test it on the side of your neck or behind your ear. You can test body goods behind the knee or on the inner arms. Apply a tiny amount of the product to a clean, dry area of skin.
As allergic responses generally take up to 24 hours to manifest, keep a close eye out for any symptoms of irritability or discomfort. If irritation does develop, cleanse the area right away and discontinue using your new product.
Patch testing for outbreaks, however, could take a few days to a week. Use a tiny amount of the cream on the chin or cheek side, which are typically pimple-prone areas, and reapply on the same area each day for about a week. If you experience a breakout, your product probably isn’t a suitable fit. But if you don’t, you can certainly accept it into your home.
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