How to Perform an At-Home Patch Test to Avoid 3 Possible Skin Reactions

It’s exciting to try a new skincare product. However, if you dive right in without patch testing it first, you could cause a negative reaction. That’s why I always suggest performing an at-home patch test before using a new skincare product—especially if you have extremely sensitive skin.

In this post, I’ll share how I perform an at-home patch test to avoid three possible skin reactions. These include an allergic reaction, sensitivity (irritation), and clogged pores. I’ll also share additional insight from Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a Board-Certifed Dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

What Is a Patch Test?

Before we talk about how to patch test skincare products, let’s talk about what a patch test is and why it’s necessary. In dermatology, a patch test is a diagnostic test used to determine which ingredients cause an allergic reaction in a patient’s skin.

“Patch testing is a procedure where patches containing different allergy-causing ingredients are applied to the skin to determine which one causes a reaction,” Zeichner says. “Oftentimes, it is difficult to determine which specific ingredient you are sensitive to, so patch testing helps with the detective work. You may not be able to tolerate a product simply because of a single ingredient it contains.”

At-home patch testing is slightly different. It involves applying a small amount of a new product to a specific area of the skin to see if it causes a reaction. This is important since you can rarely tell if a product is compatible with your skin until you try it. The last thing you want is to use it all over your skin and experience a negative reaction. And while traditionally a patch test is used to test for allergies, it can also be used to test for sensitivity and even clogged pores.

Should I Patch Test Every New Skincare Product I Use?

Experts recommended patch testing every new skincare product. However, I realize this is quite cumbersome. Plus, statistically speaking, the risk for an allergic reaction is pretty low. The majority of the population doesn’t have allergies or sensitivities. So, at the very least, I recommend patch testing any product that contains active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and vitamin C. These ingredients are actively working on the skin and are more likely to cause reactions.

With that being said, sometimes there’s no shortcut. If you know you have super sensitive or allergic skin, I recommend patch testing every new skincare product. The last thing you want is to cause a full-blown allergic reaction!

You should also patch test every new skincare product if you know you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, like fragrance. Even if a product is labeled as “fragrance-free,” it can still cause a reaction. That’s because, in the United States, fragrance allergens don’t have to be listed on the label. Plus, many products contain botanical extracts that contain the same potential allergens that fragrances do.

The same goes if you’re allergic to certain preservatives since there may be cross-allergies to other preservatives. Also, in the United States, brands aren’t required to list processing aids and impurities on the product label. In other geographies, like the European Union, brands are typically required to show sub-preservatives.

How Do I Patch Test for an Allergic Reaction?

To patch test for an allergic reaction, apply a small amount of product to the side of the face. I suggest applying it above the jaw or behind the ear. Make sure your skin is clean. This ensures there is no residue or oil impeding contact. It’s typically recommended to leave the product on for 24 hours. Then, observe your skin for another 24 hours. This is because it could take your immune system up to 48 hours to respond to the allergen. It can show up sooner than that, too; it all depends on your immune system and the severity of the allergy.

While 24 hours of contact is the standard, I only patch test new products for that long if they’re supposed to be left on the skin (like moisturizer or serum). If they’re wash-off products, like cleansers or masks, I only patch test them for as long as they’re supposed to be on the skin. So, for cleansers, I keep them on for about a minute. For masks, I keep them on for about 15 minutes.

After applying the product to clean skin, keep an eye out for 48 hours for signs of an allergic reaction. This could manifest anywhere, as an allergic reaction is a systematic (not localized) response. It could show up as a skin rash, severe itchiness, swelling, or burning.  It might go without saying, but if you experience any of these things, don’t use the product. I would also suggest consulting a dermatologist to determine which ingredient caused the allergic response.

How Do I Patch Test for Sensitivity (Irritation)?

To patch test for sensitivity, follow the same protocol as patch testing for an allergy. The difference is irritation will appear immediately, whereas an allergic response can take hours to days to appear. Also, irritation is localized, meaning it appears wherever you applied the product. An allergic reaction, on the other hand, is a systematic response.

It’s also worth noting that the skin’s barrier can differ in different areas. That means a product could cause irritation on your neck even if it doesn’t cause irritation on your face (or vice versa). While I suggest patch testing face products by applying them near the jaw, you might consider patch testing a product like a neck cream on the neck. Basically, when it comes to localized irritation, you want to patch test on the area you’ll actually be using the product.

Note: If you’re patch testing a product that contains exfoliating acids, it’s normal for the skin to appear pink. This should subside within 10-15 minutes, especially once a moisturizer is applied.

How Do I Patch Test for Clogged Pores?

This one is tricky since there’s technically no standardized way to patch test for comedones (clogged pores). There’s also no set timeline for when comedones will appear. It’s dependent on the individual, the product, the ingredients, and the skin’s microbiome among other things.

“Comedogenicity refers to the ability of a product to clog pores,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Traditional testing was performed on animal models like rats or rabbits. With a movement against the use of animal testing, many brands are now evaluating comedogenicity through its use on human skin. Some companies may even be making claims about comedogenicity based on the use of ingredients that do or do not block pores.”

With that being said, if you’re particularly prone to clogged pores (like a Skin Type 1, 2, or 3) you can still perform your own at-home test. The cheek (close to the nose) is a good place to perform this kind of test. That’s because there is a higher concentration of oil glands and pores in this area.

If a product is going to cause breakouts, it isn’t going to happen after one use. To truly test for breakouts and clogged pores, consider testing a small area for 7-10 days to be cautious. If all goes well, you can proceed to use the product on your entire face.

The Bottom Line

Performing a patch test is the best way to avoid an unnecessary reaction from a new skincare product. It’s worth noting that it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to something you’ve used before. The reason for this is unclear, but it’s certainly possible. If you think you’re experiencing an allergy to a certain product or ingredient, consult a dermatologist to get to the bottom of it.

It’s also possible to experience irritation from a product/ingredient you’ve used before if your moisture barrier is compromised. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re barrier is strong and intact before introducing any new products to your routine.

Next, learn how to quickly calm red, irritated skin!

The post How to Perform an At-Home Patch Test to Avoid 3 Possible Skin Reactions appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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