You Might Be Allergic To Washing Your Face

There’s nothing more frustrating (and scary) than having an allergic reaction to something on your face, especially when you don't understand the cause. You may have suspected, however, that the way you're washing your face might be the culprit. I reached out to a dermatologist to find out the signs you’re allergic to washing your face, what in your routine could be triggering a reaction, and treatment methods for taking care of your skin that should be safe. Take a deep breath and don’t panic if you’ve been struggling. You’re totally not alone and there is help out there!

I turned to Dr. David E. Bank, M.D., FAAD to break down the signs you have an allergic reaction to washing your face. He explains, “Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin redness, tenderness inflammation and itchiness. You may break out into a rash or find that your skin becomes scaly or crusty."

If those symptoms sound familiar, you've got to get to the bottom of what's causing the reaction. To determine what you're allergic to, Dr. Banks says, "You can get allergy testing through an allergist or dermatologist." Before the test, however, Banks suggests trying "a few different cleansers and facial lotions on the inside of your forearm or a small spot on the side of your face [and], to rule out a possible water allergy, a sample of your household supply may need to be tested as well."

If you're experiencing a severe or chronic allergic reaction, you should definitely seek medical help. However, if your symptoms are less intense, consider the following tips from Dr. Banks.

Try A Gentle Cleanser

If your skin is super sensitive, Banks recommends several products that are very unlikely to cause allergic reactions, including:

Cetaphil Liquid Cleanser

Cetaphil Cleanser (Pack of 2), $15, Amazon

Dove Fragrance-Free Soap For Sensitive Skin

Dove Soap (10 ct), $11, Walmart

Don't Forget Moisturizers & Sunscreen

Beyond face wash, your moisturizer or sunscreen could be causing an allergic reaction, too. As for products that would be incredibly unlikely to trigger a reaction, Banks suggests:

Cetaphil Lotion

Cetaphil Lotion, $16, Amazon

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen

Neutrogena Sunscreen, $9, Amazon

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Images: Isla Murray/Bustle; Courtesy of Brands