Sunscreen Isn’t Just For Summer (And Your Laptop Could Be Causing Your Dark Spots)
Sunscreen isn’t a summer thing. It’s as daily a must as brushing your teeth: both help you look great and prevent serious damage! You’re not out frolicking in the sun? It’s important to remember that sun damage is cumulative — every bit of exposure adds up. Your skin doesn’t “reset” when you’re back in the […]
VMV Detox Skin Fast – Pure Wow
We’ve been recommending our Skin Fast for decades! It’s a never-fail trick for when you’re trying a new product, have just gotten your patch test results, or are experiencing an acne breakout or skin reaction. Check out “A “Skin Fast” Just Might Solve All Your Beauty Problems” on Pure Wow now! HINT: Stay tuned for […]
STEROIDS, CORTICOSTEROIDS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen (or, several are) In what is a particularly cruel irony, many of the steroids used to calm extreme itching and inflammation may cause them. Corticosteroids were the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s “allergen of the year” in 2005. Specifically on the published allergen lists are: Budesonide, Clobetasol-17-propionate, Hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, Desoximethasone, Triancinolone, and Tixocortol-21-pivalate. Steroids can be extremely important […]
NEOMYCIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Not just an allergen, this popular topical antibiotic was the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s “allergen of the year” in 2010. Watch for it in its pure form but also combined with other active ingredients in many common topical antibacterial creams and ointments well as some eye drops, root canal filings and some personal care […]
GOLD: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Many metals are common allergens, and gold is no exception. To be sure, ask your dermatologist for a patch test — you might be sensitive to many other allergens but not this gorgeous one! References: Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (based on over 28,000 patch test results, combined), […]
LANOLIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Lanolin, a fatty substance from sheep’s wool, is actually an alcohol….but that’s not why it is an allergen (“alcohol” per se isn’t an allergen…click here to learn more). Far from being drying, lanolin is a common base in ointments, can be soothing and is frequently used effectively for moist wound healing…but it is lanolin a common allergen. Again, […]
TEA TREE OIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. This ingredient has some wonderful properties, but it is on the published lists of most common allergens. Still, that doesn’t mean you’re allergic to it. To be sure, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. You never know, you might be sensitive to many other ingredients but not tea tree oil! References: Regularly published reports on […]
NICKEL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Nickel Not just an allergen or a top allergen, nickel is frequently the number one common allergen on published allergen lists, and was the 2008 Allergen of the Year of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Watch for it in coins; chromed faucets, handles or armrests; certain eyeglass frames or parts, mobile phones or their cases, laptops and other electronics, […]
RUBBER IN GOGGLES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Rubber is one of the top allergens and can also cause problems in rubberized plastics. Rubber can cause rashes, peeling, itching but also hyper- and hypopigmentations. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References: Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European […]