With all these companies fighting over our attention and doing everything they can to convince us the their product is our answer it is easy to be persuaded into buying things that may not benefit us entirely. Problem is. You won't know until after you've tried it on. What now?
This is where patch testing can be your skin's best friend. Specially when you are switching to or trying new beauty products. But why would you want to patch test to begin with? Well there are a few reasons to patch test. Like;
Allergic reactions/skin irritations - some ingredients might be too harsh for your skin even though it is doing wonders for your best friends. To you it's leaving redness dryness and itching.
Product Compatibility - chances are you are using more than one product in your skin care. It's important to know if all your products play nice with each other and with your skin.
Some things to consider are that you may have delayed reactions when trying new products. For this reason it is best to patch test for 48 hours at minimum. Remember that products with heavy oils can cause clogged pores. And not all skin types react well to retinol and other active ingredients.
But. How do you do a patch test?
Choose a small area of your skin. Preferably somewhere discreet just in case of a reaction you do not want it on your face. Aim for the inner forearm and such. Once you choose the area to test apply a small pea sized amount to the area. Try not to rub it in too much. And of course don't wash it off or put any other products over it.
Now you wait. 24 -48 hours will suffice. You want to check for any swelling, redness, itching or overall irritation. It is always a good idea to reassess the area 48-72 hours after initial test and this will ensure you catch all delayed responses.
It is a smart idea to repeat your patch test. At least a couple of times. To confirm you are good to good. Last thing you want is to waste your time, money and product when something is not going to work. Lastly. Don't patch test if you're currently suffering skin irritations like a sunburn or you just exfoliated.
Patch testing might feel like an extra step, but it’s a simple and essential way to protect your skin and make the most of your beauty routine. By taking a little time upfront, you can avoid unwanted reactions, save yourself the frustration of mismatched products, and build a skincare collection that truly works for you. Your skin deserves the care and attention, so don’t skip this small yet powerful step. Ready to give it a try? Your healthiest, happiest skin will thank you!
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