I don't know about you, but before I learned the importance of patch testing, I used to get some pretty epic fails on my face after trying a new skincare product...
Once, after hearing about the wonders of rosehip oil, I slathered it all over my face for 2 days straight. It was then that my dermatologist uncle introduced me to concept of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It's characterized by a delayed allergic reaction 48-96 hours after exposure. In my case, the unhappy facial rash appeared after 48 hours. A month later, I think I was finally rash-free.
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| Image: Vanicream |
Once, after hearing about the wonders of rosehip oil, I slathered it all over my face for 2 days straight. It was then that my dermatologist uncle introduced me to concept of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It's characterized by a delayed allergic reaction 48-96 hours after exposure. In my case, the unhappy facial rash appeared after 48 hours. A month later, I think I was finally rash-free.
But as much as I like to think those days are past me, sometimes I'll be feeling really good about my skin and the hubris will creep in:
"Maybe you can try that higher concentration of Vitamin C you were looking at," the devil on my shoulder will say to me.
Like a moth to the flame, I push my skin into treacherous territory. And predictably, I make my skin regress, or worse, exacerbate my existing issues: a rosacea flare, darkening of the melasma on my cheeks, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation...you name it.
At those times I'm forced to cut my losses, and retreat into the arms of my standby favorites. Like an old friend, they are always kind and always help me feel better. Some are old, some are relatively new, but they have all been safe harbors for me:
- Vanicream's entire product line - They are the original hypoallergenic godsend, and I am so thankful I found their products when everything else wasn't working. My dermatologist uncle originally recommended them when I had ever-present seborrheic dermatitis on my face that was making me itchy and miserable. Although I wish their lotions weren't petroleum-based, which is why I generally de-emphasize them nowadays, they make some really wonderful stuff. Vanicream products are not only affordable, but their average EWG ratings are quite good, and some of their products like their Aluminum-Free Deodorant and Moisturizing Cream are staples in my life.
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| Photo: Vanicream |
- La Roche Posay's Toleriane line - My dermatologist was the first one to recommend La Roche Posay's (LRP) Toleriane products to me when my rosacea was acting up. I'm happy to see the US market is becoming more aware of LRP, as the brand is considered a high-end derm line in Europe that you can only buy in pharmacies. LRP's pricing reflects that reputation: in the US, Toleriane products range from $11.99-$29.99 for a relatively small amount of product. I really love their clean, safely-rated products, however, so it's a price I've been willing to pay. I only wish LRP added more Toleriane products. It makes me so sad when I see the ingredients on their other product lines. It will read like a great list of components until I get to the last ingredient and see "parfum/fragrance." Nooo whyyy.
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| Photo: Toleriane |
- Attitude's Sensitive Skin Collection - especially their "Extra Gentle" products. A lot of their stuff is EWG verified, which I love. They are relatively new to me, but products like their Extra Gentle Shower Gel have become instant classics in our house.
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Photo: Attitude
- Beautycounter's Baby products - Although Beautycounter has been coming out with some exciting fragrance-free options for makeup and sunscreen (reviews coming!), traditionally my safe space on their site has been the baby section. I do find their products to be on the pricey side, but I appreciate their great EWG ratings and their focus on sourcing safe ingredients. Dismal sourcing and lack of proper screening of ingredients is sadly all too common in the beauty industry, so it's a relief that Beautycounter makes clean beauty a top priority. I also love that they lobby in Washington DC for stricter safety standards in the beauty industry.
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| Photo: Beautycounter |
Do you have any all-star products you can't live without? I'd love to hear!
Disclaimer: I not a dermatologist or skin expert. I'm just a consumer that likes to share what has worked for me. Every person is different, however, and should follow proper patch testing protocol with new skincare products. I find The Ordinary's Patch Testing Guide helpful.
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