The underside of your jaw is another sensitive spot where you could apply the product, but don’t accidentally wash it off when you clean your face.
For instance, if you’re checking for a reaction to a new facial cleanser, rub a coin-sized amount onto your skin and wash it off after 5 minutes. If you’re testing a face mask or product that you’re supposed to keep on for a specific amount of time, leave it on for as long as the manufacturer calls for.
If you react quickly to something in a product, you have irritant contact dermatitis. If you develop a reaction over several days, you have allergic contact dermatitis. Keep in mind that some ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid will irritate your skin with consistent exposure. It takes at least 4 days to determine if you have allergic contact dermatitis, which is why repeated applications are super important. [4] X Research source
Redness Itchiness Swelling Dry, cracked, or scaly skin Burning or tenderness
Apply a cold compress and fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin afterward to help soothe it. If your skin is still itchy, rub a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream on the area and take an over-the-counter antihistamine. [7] X Research source Read through the ingredient list on the product and compare it with other products that bother your skin to try to identify what caused the irritation.
You might realize that you’re reacting to fragrance in skincare products. By switching to fragrance-free items, you can prevent future reactions.
If you suspect a specific product is causing a reaction, bring it with you to the dermatologist. The dermatologist will go over your patch test results, so you know what substances, like a specific ingredient in a cosmetic, to avoid in the future.
