When you and your skin aren't speaking the same language, it's bad news for your complexion.
But the beauty of skin is that it's a super-intelligent organ on the
frontline of our immune system, and thus, it has some pretty exemplary
communication skills. You just need to understand the Rosetta
Stone-level basics.
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Here, dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD,
breaks down four telltale signs your skin doesn't like whatever it is
you're slathering on it (yes, even if the package is really pretty or
Gwyneth Paltrow swears by it) to avoid a lifetime of discomfort and skin damage.
1. Itching
The most basic of signals, itching can be indicative of an allergy — even before you notice any visual changes. "If
you feel your skin itching as soon as you apply a product, immediately
discontinue and speak to your dermatologist about possible patch-testing
to check for contact allergy," Dr. Nazarian advises.
2. Pain
"If
you're feeling stinging, this is your body telling you that there's a
lot of inflammation — possibly even broken skin or infection," Dr.
Nazarian explains. "Many people with underlying conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, may feel pain when applying a product."
However, pain doesn't mean you should automatically halt use of a product — and that's where things get tricky. Although discomfort is often a signal that an ingredient is too harsh for your skin, there are exceptions. "Occasionally
when the skin barrier is repaired, and the baseline condition is
calmed, you may be able to continue using the product," Dr. Nazarian says. "Discuss with your dermatologist to clarify and treat the situation."
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3. Redness
Inflammation
will often follow with pain or itching, but sometimes it can indicate a
serious isolated issue. "It can be the aftermath of prolonged use of
products that are inducing inflammatory markers in the skin, leading to
broken blood vessels," Dr. Nazarian explains. "Stay away from any
products or skincare habits that make your skin too flushed and red."
4. Bumps
Needless
to say, all bumps are not created equal. Some are just plain bumps, but
others are major red flags that your skin is unhappy. "If a product is
causing acne bumps, triggering allergic blisters, or getting so inflamed it's producing pustules, stop immediately," Dr. Nazarian advises.
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