How many of you perform a patch test on your skin whenever you’re using new skin care products or cosmetics? I have never but I’ve been increasingly worried about my readers getting allergies due to my recommendations. I don’t do patch tests because I am lazy but I know skin allergies are possible even with natural products or ingredients. Well, I’ve developed rashes from using mineral powder which is supposed to be all natural!
So how do you conduct a skin patch test? Is it possible to do it at home, in DIY style? The answer is yes, although you need to be aware that this may not be as reliable as the actual patch testing done by a dermatologist. But it should suffice unless you have a weak immunity system or your skin is overly sensitive.
DIY skin patch test
First, choose an area you want to conduct the patch test and ensure it’s clean and free of lotion. Usually, the recommended spots to conduct a patch test is the inside of your wrist or inside of your elbow. Next, simply apply small doses of the product to the inside of your wrist or elbow, leave the product on for at least 24 hours. Do not wet the area or wash it off. Finally, check regularly to see if any irritation occurs such as itchy rashes, swelling, soreness, redness or burning sensation on the skin. If so, wash the area thoroughly with running water. Do not scrub! If by the end of the test period, there are no visible signs of allergic reactions, then the product is most probably safe to use on your skin.
Patch test is important for those with sensitive skin
I think skin patch test is important for those with sensitive skin, or are proned to skin allergies. Although I have not done a real patch test, but increasingly, I’m more careful about applying new stuff on my face by dabbing on small doses to a define area first. I know this is not the best course of action especially since I’m risking having allergic reactions on part of my face, but it sure beats having the whole face itchy or red.
Patch test is necessary for hair dyes
When it comes to hair dye however, it’s important to perform a patch test 48 hours prior to use. The same testing process applies and if there are no burning, itching or stinging sensations, then the dye should be safe to use.
Come to think of it, nobody does a patch test for me when I color my hair at the hair salon. In fact, they don’t even ask me if I’m allergic to anything and I’ve always trusted my hair with them. But if they do, it’ll mean I need at least two days to have my hair colored!
Nikki
13 Nov 2008 at 8:03 pmYou are so right about salons not asking if you’re allergic to anything, I find that most sales people dont’ ask anymore because they just wanted to..uhm..SELL! 🙂 I always make sure to tell what I’m allergic to even if they didn’t ask! I think that’s very important 🙂 Thanks for this post
Nikki: Hey you’re welcome! Yeah, you’re right. They want to sell and they’re not trained to ask questions like that.
prettybeautiful
14 Nov 2008 at 10:06 amim guilty of this! i nv do any patch test on skin and im always with new skincare. and true that, the saloon nv asks or test the color on us. it happened to me once when i colored and rebonded my hair. my scalp was flaking ALOT after i colored my hair..and i dare not do anything to my hair till one year later. i just dyed my hair last month and thank god nothing happened this time
prettybeautiful: I think a lot of us are guilty. And with the excitement of using new stuff, we tend to forget too!
Ms. Blacklace
15 Nov 2008 at 3:39 amDid a patch test with the primrose oil for two days and no problems. Lol…
Ms Blacklace: Haha…that’s good. Did you like the EPO on your skin?
akiki
15 Nov 2008 at 10:55 pmi don’t do it as i don’t have sensitive skin..so do my hair… just so lucky never breakout~~:)
but it’s safe for those who are not sure if they allergy to unknown ingredients…
akiki: For the luckier ones who don’t have sensitive skin, usually this step is forgotten. But for those with sensitive skin, I suppose it’s a different story…
Edith
16 Nov 2008 at 1:48 amIf I am trying something new at the salon then I usually ask. I find it is better to ask and they really appreciate this as they have a satisfied customer. Afterall, who likes trying to find a new hairdresser.
Edith: Yeah, it’s a good idea especially with something you haven’t experienced before.
Ms. Blacklace
16 Nov 2008 at 2:51 amit smells kinda funky but i like the “light” feeling it has. Feels nice!
Ms Blacklace: You mean the EPO? I like it especially the morning after.
Donna
17 Nov 2008 at 8:04 pmI rarely got irritated by any products but I do skin patch test with every new product.
Tine
23 Nov 2008 at 7:15 pmSadly, I don’t do skin patch tests. All due to sheer laziness and impatience. Think I’ve been cutting it really close with hair dyes and new skincare products. Yikes.
Tine: Well, you’re not alone! But at least a comforting point is you don’t have sensitive skin.
Monica Swearingen
6 Apr 2016 at 9:17 amI never done a skin patch test in my life and its because i never had any problem with anything that i put in my skin. But i think ill have to do a patch test before I get a hair color since it will be my 1st time.
Roger
6 Nov 2017 at 4:44 pmThanks Sesame for your sound info.Who doesn’t want to look smart?But choosing the best skin test to look beautiful requires some serious brainstorming to determine the best outcome. I have tried a lot of research on my skin but the outcome was not satisfactory.I found your article more interesting and useful as a tool which could help me to choose the best methodology about skin care.