As more and more people become extremely conscious of their appearance, cosmetics and skin care products have inched their way into the regular morning routine---becoming an essential part of an individual’s daily grooming habits. An average adult, for one, uses at least seven products a day. This includes shampoos, conditioners, skin cleansers, fragrances, moisturizers, sunscreens and deodorants/antiperspirants among others.

While most people do not experience allergic reactions or irritation from these cosmetics, some people encounter problems either with the first few applications or even after several years of use. Normally, cosmetics that trigger these reactions are easily identified, but in some cases, one needs the expertise of a dermatologist in order to spot the problem.

Depending on the condition of the skin, reactions to cosmetics and skin care products include simple irritations or real allergies that involve the immune system. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common problem associated with cosmetics.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when dry or injured skin comes in contact with an offending agent. Oftentimes, burning, stinging, itching or redness may be signs that a product is irritating the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, occurs when a person who is allergic to a certain product becomes exposed to the same offending agent. Signs include redness, swelling, itching and fluid-filled blister.

Below is your guideline on the things you need to wary of when it comes to cosmetics and skin care products:

Hair sprays contain harsh chemicals that may trigger itching and allergic reactions. When used often or when left on the hair too long, it can result to hair breakage and scalp irritation.

Ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, silicone, glycerin, propylene glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins and some vitamins may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in nail polish that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Red nail polish can cause yellow discoloration of the nails.

While long-wearing lip cosmetics are the current trend, they have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis. Saliva is also known to trigger irritant contact dermatitis.

Scrubbing or vigorous rubbing to remove eye cosmetics may cause irritation. Eye cosmetics should never be shared and should be replaced every 4-6 months to avoid possible bacterial contamination.

While shampoos rarely cause allergic reaction, hair dyes should be tested on a small area of skin behind the ear or inside the elbow for 24 hours before using to avoid possible allergic reactions.