Can I Wear Makeup with Hives?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns. The safety and effectiveness of consumer products & natural products can vary, and individual needs may differ.
If you've experienced hives on your face before, you know it's uncomfortable. Not only do hives feel uncomfortable, but you may also be uncomfortable with how they look.
But Can I Wear Makeup with Hives?
You might think that wearing makeup will help cover the hives! But is applying makeup on irritated skin a good idea? This is a tricky question.
The short answer is yes and no. Ugh, I know! What do I mean by that? Red Apple Lipstick explains this in this article. Keep reading.
Unraveling Hives: A Closer Look at Your Skin's Alarm System
Ever wondered why your skin suddenly turns into a canvas of red, itchy welts? Welcome to the world of hives, nature's way of sounding the alarm that something's not quite right.
Hives Explained: Your Body's Red Alert
Hives are like little red flags that your skin raises in response to irritation or an allergic reaction. Think of them as your body's way of saying, "Hey, I'm not okay with this!" Whether it's something you've touched, put on your skin, or even eaten, hives are your body's response to an unwelcome guest.
The Science Behind the Itch
So, what's really going on beneath the surface?When your body encounters something it perceives as an invader, it releases histamines. Basically, it's allergies.
The result? Those distinctive welts that can be either small and round or larger in size and random in shape. They can be red, swollen, and itchy. They can also, however, be the same color as your skin and not itching at all.
Contact Dermatitis vs. Food Allergies: The Hives' Origins
When it's a direct reaction to touching something, it is called contact dermatitis. Hives, though, can also be caused by eating something your body is allergic to.
The Two Types of Skin Reactions
There are 2 main types of skin reactions:
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis - the skin comes in contact with a substance that causes irritation. May experience inflammation (redness or itchiness) and dryness (peeling or flakiness). Think soap, detergent, acids
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis - when the skin makes contact with a substance, even if it's only a small amount, that it does not like and is allergic to. Jennifer Mancuso, a board-certified dermatologist, says this means an allergic response involving cells in the skin that are part of the immune system.
Is it possible to be allergic to makeup?
Makeup allergies are a real thing. Some makeup and skincare products contain ingredients that can irritate your skin or even cause allergic reactions. It's no wonder many experience skin allergies and flare-ups. This is why I recommend a gentle makeup brand.
Why Do These Ingredients Still Exist in Makeup?
You may be wondering, “Why do cosmetics companies keep using these triggering ingredients?” Well, not everyone will experience these skin reactions and symptoms when using these beauty products. So, companies don't see the need to remove them. Plus, many ingredients have been used for decades, and it's hard for companies to reformulate - a lengthy and expensive task, with sometimes bad results.
Know Your Ingredients
If you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions, it's crucial to know what's in your makeup. Ingredients like fragrance, alcohols, and essential oils are common irritants. Watch out for any rash, redness, or swelling – these could be signs of contact dermatitis.
Try A Patch Test, Seriously.
I know it sounds like a hassle, and it is, I'm with you on this one. But seriously, do a patch test. It's a simple step that involves using a small portion of your new makeup product in a small spot or area of your body, face, arms, or thigh.
It's a great way to check if any beauty products will cause allergic reactions or skin irritations before applying them to your face.
Common Ingredients That May Trigger Hives
Everyone's skin is different, but some ingredients more commonly cause trouble. Keep an eye out for:
- Fragrance
- Alcohols
- Essential Oils
- Mineral Oil/ Petrolatum
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Talc
- Preservatives
- Formaldehyde
- Gluten
Should You Wear Makeup While Experiencing Hives?
The big question is, can you safely doll up your face while it's experiencing a hive breakout?
My immediate answer is no - at least, not at first, if you can help it. I prefer to let the skin heal and reduce inflammation. I believe the skin needs to breathe, especially when the reaction initially occurs. The primary concern with hives is further irritating your already sensitive skin.
I suggest you concentrate more on skin care when this happens. Keep it simple, though, using fewer products is best when dealing with inflammation and stressed skin. Steer clear of any products containing harsh or irritating ingredients in them, especially fragrances.
If your hives are due to food allergies, you may choose to continue applying makeup as usual. Just make sure that the cosmetics you use won't aggravate your skin any further.
Wear Makeup, But Choose the Right Products:
You may genuinely have a need to wear makeup sooner than the hives can clear on their own (which could require days to weeks). If this is the case, have no fear, just be sure it wasn't your current makeup that caused the problem in the first place. You'll know right away if it was.
If you decide to wear makeup, your product choice is crucial. Look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. These are less likely to cause irritation or clog pores, which is vital when your skin is sensitive. Mineral-based makeup is often a good choice, as it's usually free from fragrances and synthetic preservatives, common irritants in many cosmetic products.
Avoid beauty products that contain ingredients that can trigger hives. This applies to those with skin conditions such as eczema, or atopic dermatitis.
Be aware of ingredients that can cause flare-ups. Among some of the best tips a doctor or a dermatologist will give is to always look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and if possible, dermatologist tested.
When to Skip Makeup:
There are times when it's best to give your skin a break. If your hives are particularly severe, painful, or if you're experiencing a new reaction, it might be wise to skip makeup entirely and consult a dermatologist.
Ingredients to Seek
Because you may be dealing with dry skin or dry patches, you want to look for ingredients that will add moisture to the skin. Moisturizing products can relieve itchiness, reduce swelling, and reduce redness.
It's also nice to have ingredients known to be gentle and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Here's a list of quality cosmetic ingredients known for their low allergenic potential:
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful hydrator, it helps to retain moisture in the skin without causing irritation.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera is great for calming and moisturizing the skin.
- Shea Butter: A rich emollient, shea butter is excellent for deeply moisturizing the skin while being gentle.
- Squalane: Derived from olives, squalane is a lightweight moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural oils, making it less likely to irritate.
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts water, glycerin is great for hydration and is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Ceramides: These lipid molecules help strengthen the skin's barrier and retain moisture, reducing the likelihood of irritation.
- Zinc Oxide: Often used in mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide provides sun protection without the common irritants found in chemical sunscreens.
- Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral sunscreen ingredient, it's gentle on the skin and provides effective UV protection.
- Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal, in particular, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
- Allantoin: This compound is known for its soothing and healing properties and is often found in products designed for sensitive skin.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors while being gentle.
- Jojoba Oil: Similar to the skin's natural oils, jojoba oil is hydrating and less likely to cause reactions.
- Argan Oil: Known for its nourishing properties, argan oil is gentle and effective for moisturizing the skin.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This vitamin works to soothe skin, reduce redness, and improve the skin barrier function.
- Calendula: Often used in natural skincare, calendula is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
- and coconut oil.
Remember, even ingredients known for being gentle can cause reactions in some individuals. It's always a good idea to do a patch test before using a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.
To Conceal Skin Redness
Alternatively, if you only want to conceal redness, you can just go for something lighter and more natural. A tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen is a great option.
Avoid drying and irritating ingredients when dealing with reactions due to a skin allergy, such as swelling and inflammation. Not everyone's skin will react the same to these ingredients, but in general, avoid products that contain fragrance and drying alcohols as these are very drying and irritating for the skin.
Along with looking for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic makeup, keep an eye out for preservatives. Certain preservatives can be irritating, so be aware of these. Parabens, formaldehyde, and SLS/SLES are some of the most common ones that should be avoided.
Keep in mind you can develop an allergy to ingredients that wasn't a problem before. Constant exposure to irritating ingredients can develop into allergies with time, which is why it's best to avoid them now if possible.
These tips will be very helpful when dealing with hives and skin reactions. Always consult with your doctor or a dermatologist, though, if your symptoms do not clear up within a reasonable amount of time or if they worsen.