Why is my skin reacting to everything all of a sudden?

Sudden skin reactions to skincare products can result from various factors, such as the introduction of new allergens, shifts in skin sensitivity, and the cumulative impact of product usage. Understanding these responses involves examining the allergens in cosmetics, the mechanisms behind skin reactions, and the influence of individual skin conditions.

Types of allergens in skincare products

Fragrance and preservatives: Common allergens like fragrances such as hydroxyisohexyl-3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, and preservatives like formaldehyde, parabens are frequently associated with allergic contact dermatitis (White & Groot, 2011). These ingredients can sensitize the skin over time, making it more reactive with continued exposure.

Hair dyes: Ingredients such as p-phenylenediamine, often found in hair dyes, can cause allergic reactions, including redness, swelling, and itching around the scalp and face (White & Groot, 2011).

Plant and Animal Derivatives: Natural components derived from plants and animals can provoke skin reactions, especially in sensitive individuals. Examples include lanolin, often derived from sheep's wool, and botanical extracts (Verhulst & Goossens, 2016).

Alcohols and Acids: Alcohols and exfoliating agents like glycolic acid or salicylic acid are popular in skincare for their renewing properties. However, they can irritate sensitive or damaged skin, causing redness and burning sensations (Verhulst & Goossens, 2016).

Mechanisms of skin reactions

Immediate Contact Reactions: Some people experience Contact Urticaria Syndrome (CUS), where symptoms such as wheals or redness appear within minutes of exposure to a certain substance (Giménez-Arnau et al., 2010).

Cumulative Sensitization: Repeated exposure to certain allergens can lead to cumulative sensitization, where skin that initially tolerated a product begins to react adversely over time (Wolf et al., 2001).

Skin Barrier Dysfunction: A compromised skin barrier, due to over-exfoliation, dehydration, or pre-existing conditions becomes more permeable to irritants and allergens, increasing the risk of reactions (Engebretsen & Thyssen, 2016).

Individual Factors Influencing Reactions

Skin type: People with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea are more prone to adverse reactions to skincare products. These conditions make the skin barrier more fragile and reactive.

Age and Hormonal Changes: Aging skin or hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can alter the skin's physiology, making it more sensitive and less resilient.

Environmental Stressors: External factors like climate changes, UV exposure, pollution, or high stress can exacerbate skin sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Most cosmetic products are considered safe for use, and proper diagnostic tools, such as patch testing, play a crucial role in identifying specific allergens and distinguishing between allergic and irritant reactions, enabling effective management and prevention strategies (Lazzarini, Duarte & Ferreira, 2013). Understanding the intricate mechanisms behind these reactions is essential for maintaining skin health.

References

Engebretsen KA, Thyssen JP. Skin Barrier Function and Allergens. Curr Probl Dermatol. 

2016;49:90-102. doi: 10.1159/000441548. Epub 2016 Feb 4. PMID: 26844901.

Lazzarini R, Duarte I, Ferreira AL. Patch tests. An Bras Dermatol. 2013 

Nov-Dec;88(6):879-88. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132323. PMID: 24474094; PMCID: PMC3900336.

Wolf, R., Wolf, D., Tuzun, B., & Tuzun, Y. (2001). Cosmetics and contact dermatitis. 

Dermatologic Therapy, 14(3), 181–187.doi:10.1046/j.1529-8019.2001.01025.x 

White, Jonathan & De Groot, Anton - Ton & White, Ian. (2011). Cosmetics and Skin Care 

Products. 10.1007/978-3-642-03827-3_32. 

Verhulst L, Goossens A. Cosmetic components causing contact urticaria: a review and 

update. Contact Dermatitis. 2016 Dec;75(6):333-344. doi: 10.1111/cod.12679. Epub 2016 Sep 4. PMID: 27593503.