Most of us think of laundry soap when it comes to fragrance and dyes but have you ever really thought about allergies from the type of cleanser you use on your face or your face cream? What about when it comes to breakouts? Could that be caused by a fragrance or dye in a product?

Many people think so-called "natural" ingredients will not cause allergic reactions. Unfortunately, you can be allergic to any ingredient – natural or not. Fragrances and dyes are added ingredients that are more likely to cause reactions, so you are much more likely to be safe with products that avoid these ingredients.

If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using a new product. Place a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 48 to 72 hours. If you have redness, swelling, itching, or burning, immediately discontinue use of the product.

If you do have a reaction to a product, taking an antihistamine or an over the counter hydrocortisone cream may help ease the redness, bumps and inflammation (always consult with your doctor first if you feel that you have had a reaction to something). In some cases, you may need a prescription medication.

You don't need a chemistry degree to figure out which products to use; DERMAdoctor has done the research for you. All DERMAdoctor products are allergy tested, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and dye-free!

By Jen Mathews
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

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The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.