Creams, make-up products, and cleansing gels as far as the eye can see: the modern range of cosmetic products is almost unlimited. However, there are two dangers that you should not underestimate. On the one hand, cosmetics may contain substances that can have a negative impact on your health. On the other hand, allergies in connection with skincare and make-up products occur again and again.

Fire Red And Chalky

Like all allergies, those that affect the skin are an overreaction of the body. If one comes into contact with a substance to which he is allergic, the following symptoms may occur:

• Redness.
• Oozing or secretion.
• Severe allergic shocks with asthma.
• Desquamation of the skin.
• Blistering.
• Itching.
• Redness as well as itching in the area of the eyes.

Most of the time, such reactions are relatively harmless. However, if the affected areas become inflamed, it is essential to do something about it. A visit to your family doctor or dermatologist should be a matter of course for you in any case.

This Is How It Continues

Most of the time, however, the whole thing heals without leaving any scars. Nevertheless, it is necessary to get to the bottom of the matter if it is not yet known what exactly has triggered this reaction. An allergy test at the dermatologist can help. In addition, you should write down which products you use and when unpleasant reactions occur. Such records make it easier for your dermatologist to make a diagnosis.

This in turn means that you will know more quickly which ingredients you cannot tolerate. It goes without saying that you should give these substances a wide berth. Sometimes, by the way, it is not an allergy that is diagnosed, but a skin disease. If you have contact dermatitis, for example, you will be given soothing creams or medications for it.

Once you have been diagnosed with an allergy, you should get an allergy card. It is important to carry this with you at all times (e.g. in your wallet). It tells you exactly which substances you are allergic to. This is the only way that doctors can know which medications are suitable for you and which are not. If, for example, you have an accident and are unconscious, you will not be able to give any information yourself. The allergy card is available for this purpose.

Kids and young people with sensitive skin should therefore always read the product description together with the list of ingredients. As an allergy sufferer, you need to know what you are putting on your face (or body).

This Is Not Good For You

There are some substances that particularly often lead to allergic reactions. These include:

• Fragrances, perfumes.
• Nickel sulfate.
• Turpentine.
• Mercury.
• Cobalt chloride.
• Wool wax alcohol.
• Thomersal.

In principle, it is recommended for people with sensitive or diseased skin to resort to cosmetics that are as simple as possible. Some creams can be made from just a few ingredients. Recipes are available in books or on the Internet. The ingredients are available in pharmacies. Most pharmacies also mix their own creams, which you can get ready-mixed in a jar. A discussion with a dermatologist or pharmacist on the subject of low-allergy creams can be helpful. In the case of acute symptoms, natural products such as calendula ointment and the like can provide relief. However, because you can also be allergic to them, you should ask your specialist or pharmacist beforehand and show your allergy card if necessary.

Basically, it is quite difficult to say in advance which creams you will react well to and which not. So you have to try them out. The best way to do this is to perform a small test in the crook of your arm. If the skin reddens there, you can immediately throw the product away, return it or give it away. Because then it is not a good idea to use it on other areas of the skin.

Apples And Pears

Back to the subject of the allergy card. Unfortunately, it is the case that the designations on cosmetic products are sometimes not mentioned in German. It is as if the product says “pear” on it, although it is actually an apple. This can be quite confusing at times.

Most of the time, you will find a chemical name on the back of the packaging, which sometimes sounds completely different from the German term for it. Usually, however, there is additional information on the sales stand or from the staff. If in doubt, the only thing that helps is to be annoying and ask.

Basically, you should never forget this tip regarding the list of ingredients: At the beginning of the list are always the substances that are present in large quantities. At the end of the list are substances that are only present in very small doses. This should always be your first point of reference.

Worksheet For The Text

Answer the following questions:

1) What symptoms can occur if you cannot tolerate a cosmetic product?

2) What should you do if you notice redness or a rash?

3) What is an allergy card good for? Why should you always carry it with you?

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