BARTENDING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Bartending You won’t see “bartending” on patch test trays or patch test results but this popular activity exposes the skin to several top contact allergens. Some of the things to look out for include: Many tools (spoons, muddlers, shakers, ice buckets, etc.) are made of metal and most metals contain nickel, which is the […]
GINGER ROOT EXTRACT (Flavor): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Ginger Root Extract (flavor) An ancient spice and folk medicine whose popularity has never waned, ginger is touted for its flavor and anti-inflammatory goodness the world over. Considering how popular it has been for eons, the fact that it is not on published lists of top contact allergens and has but one […]
BOOKS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen (but heads up!) Books Books are life and we love, love, love them. Most classic books — matte white or uncolored paper, plain text — tend not to have many top contact allergens. But there are definitely some things to watch out for. Vibrantly colored covers or papers contain inks and dyes, […]
CARDAMOM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Cardamom This delicious spice (Elettaria cardamomum) is made up of essential oils that include terpinyl acetate, terpineol, terpene terpinene, sabinene, and cineole. Terpinene and terpineol, in particular, are top contact allergens which can be found in compositae (feverfew, chamomile) and mint. Cardamom is well known to cause both localized contact dermatitis (such as on […]
PLANTS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Plants Plants are wonderful, necessary, life-giving, happiness, and all good things. They are food and medicine and oxygen … and many, many, many of them are top contact allergens. We’re not even talking about typical no-no’s like poison ivy or poisonous plants. Skin reactions to plants are so common that there’s a general term […]
What Skincare Is Safe To Use While Pregnant & Nursing?
Q: I’m pregnant or am nursing. Can I still use my favorite VMV Hypoallergenics®products? A: There are no conclusive studies that show that typical cosmetics can affect fetal or infant development. But it is understandable to be extra cautious. Every person (and baby!) is an individual so make sure to check with your obstetrician and pediatrician before following any […]
“Skintimate” Problems: Skin Issues Related to Underwear, Sex & Other Things That Might Embarrass You (But Shouldn’t)
Skin problems can cause embarrassment. This can be especially true for skin problems affecting the “nether regions” — areas of the body that so many of us are taught to think of as shameful, not to be spoken of, or at least extremely private. Of course, they aren’t shameful and we should all know more about skin problems that appear on the […]
Make Up For Past Mistakes
Forget the hot mess that hurt you. This gorgeous is actually good for you! Tying It “Oil” Together: Our clinically-published, coconut-derived monolaurin is in all VMV Hypoallergenics products. Our blush, eyeshadows and lipsticks have our organic virgin coconut oil, too. Far more than a pretty face, this makeup gives you anti-microbial, anti-aging, skin-strengthening goodness in every swipe. What […]
Refrigerate Your Skin Care?
Fan Tip: Chill Your Skin Care! Razor burn? Puffy eyes? Got a reaction that needs calming? Or a pimple that needs flattening? Want to tighten your pores…or just a fabulously cool feel when applying your skincare? “Throw some of your favorite VMV Hypoallergenics products in the fridge, especially in the summer!” – skinthusiast Earl Chad Palacios Estenor Fellow “skintellectual?” […]