GARLIC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen…and a Photo-Allergen! Garlic Might explain why vampires avoid it (and have such smooth complexions)! While garlic is delicious and has a long history of being used as a natural remedy, it contains allicin and diallydisulphide, which are both allergens. Garlic poultice (garlic made into a moist mass that is spread on cloth or skin) […]
On Contact Dermatitis, Sensitive Skin, and Patch Testing: Interview with an Expert
Is a rash a skin allergy or an irritation? What is a patch test and why would I need one? How can I prevent rashes? To get clarity, we spoke to Jenny Murase, Chair of the CAMP Optimization Task Force of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, and Director of the Patch Test Clinic at the Palo Alto Foundation […]
Wave The “Wipe” Flag: Why You Should Give Up On Makeup Removing Wipes
Wipes are neat and quick…but for sensitive or acne-prone skin, they may not be worth the downsides. For Sensitive Skin, Residue Is a Resi-“Don’t.” Wipes cannot clean as well as makeup removers or cleansers, and usually leave residue. In addition to the acne/irritation risk, this residue normally includes leftover dirt. Wipes can rub you the […]
Summer Skin Tips: Sunscreen & Bumps
Many acne-prone people who live in very hot, humid, tropical climates wish they could skip the sunscreen to prevent major breakouts. It’s not an option, however: choose the right sunscreen to prevent bumps but don’t ever skip the sunscreen. Skin cancer is a real risk for all ages and all skin tones. Alex Goldyn is a […]
I “Dew”: Julie’s (Hypoallergenic!) Bridal Beauty Success Story
“Most bridal magazines say that wedding planning should include a skin regimen. My very first facial was at the VMV boutique in New York City. Holly, my VMV esthetician, was just amazing! I knew my skin was in great hands. After my 6-month wedding bliss facial package, I couldn’t be any happier! From experience, VMV […]
Allergy to Fragrance: Understanding Fragrance Additives and Choosing Products
by Rajani Katta, M.D. What do you think of when you hear the word “fragrance”? Many of us think about perfume or cologne. If you’re allergic to fragrance, though, it doesn’t stop there. If you’re allergic to fragrance, you should definitely avoid perfumes. But fragrance is found in MANY other products. In fact, the vast majority of personal […]
THEOBROMINE in Chocolate: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Theobromine (in Chocolate) Bromine is a halogen, which is a type of chemical that is found in several foods and other substances that can cause skin problems. Despite the similarity in the name, however, theobromine is not a halogen (it has only carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, no bromine), and is not a common skin allergen. […]
VIBRANIUM (Wakandan): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Vibranium This metal may be fictional, but it provides a great opportunity to look at what makes a substance more or less likely to be an allergen. Based on what we know of vibranium, we’d stand by: not a common allergen. Our first justification is that vibranium is extremely rare, found almost […]
MANDELIC ACID: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Mandelic Acid Not only is this multi-beneficial alpha-hydroxy acid not a published allergen, it is the least irritating of all the AHAs, which is part of what makes it really special. Mandelic acid’s molecular size is larger that other AHAs, meaning it penetrates the skin less, which is something you want for hypoallergenicity — as a […]