COLLAGEN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Collagen Neither the protein abundantly found in your body that gives skin its elasticity and strength nor the supplements derived from fish or cows (and other sources) is currently a top contact allergen. But supplements and collagen in skincare might also not be doing much for your skin. In topically-applied products, collagen […]

MINERAL OIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Mineral Oil Not a top contact dermatitis (which is impressive considering how common it is in so many products), this oil is a favorite among dermatologists due to how safe, soothing, moisturizing, and occlusive (prevents water loss) it is and its usability on several parts of the body, including the mucosa of […]

SKIN or FACE BASTING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen … IF … Skin or Face Basting A recent trend on social media due to its “miracle effect” of leaving the skin impressively soft and smooth, skin basting is basically applying zinc oxide thickly on the face and leaving it on for several hours. IF you face baste with pure zinc oxide […]

GLUTATHIONE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Glutathione This “master antioxidant” is one of the most important and is found in every cell. Its efficacy when topically applied on skin has not been adequately studied. While it is not a top contact allergen, when using a product with glutathione as an ingredient, do be wary of other allergens that […]

RABBIT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Rabbits, Bunnies Bunnies can get skin diseases and some people can be allergic to rabbits’ saliva, which is transferred onto fur during grooming, or to their dander (dead skin cells naturally shed by Fluffy). This is an IgE-mediated allergy, however, and isn’t the same as a contact allergy (which is T-cell mediated). Because the […]

BAGOONG (Fermented Shrimp Paste): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Bagoong This fermented shrimp paste (pronounced bah-goh-ong) is a local delicacy in the Philippines. While it’s mostly made with shrimp it can also be made with fish or krill. And while food allergies to shellfish are not uncommon, they’re actually less common as contact allergies. Food allergies (type B cells are involved) […]

MUSHROOM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen Mushroom Shiitake flagellate dermatitis is a thing but the distinctive rash of streaks that look like whip lashes (hence the name) only happens when those who are sensitive to shiitake mushrooms eat it raw or lightly cooked (reactions are not known to occur when they are ingested well cooked, above 145°C (293°F). […]

LAB SAFETY GEAR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Lab Safety Gear You won’t see goggles, masks, face shields, or gloves on a patch test but they do tend to have enough top contact allergens to warrant caution. Important: you could be exposed to strong chemicals or other risks in a lab setting so do not forego the safety equipment. Some top contact […]

OAT MILK: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen … but can cause allergic reactions Oat Milk Oats and oatmeal aren’t top contact allergens (oatmeal is a traditionally popular ingredient to help manage atopic and contact dermatitis and other skin problems). There have been some reports of contact dermatitis and contact urticaria to oats and oatmeal, but if you, in particular, aren’t […]