SNAIL EXTRACT (MUCUS): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Snail Mucus: As of the latest publications, snail secretion filtrate (also known as snail juice or snail mucus or snail slime) is not on common allergen lists. Depending on the species of snail, snail secretion filtrate consists of 91% to 98% of water plus a small amount of high molecular-weight glycoproteins. However, allergens can change and it is […]
LIDOCAINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Lidocaine: Lidocaine is sometimes used to relieve itching and sunburn but it is on published allergen lists. Pain is never fun and this local anesthetic provides welcome numbness before operations, and to relieve pain from certain skin conditions, mouth and throat sores, or genital problems. But if you are sensitive to lidocaine or have a history of […]
SULFATES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Sulfates: “Sulfates” is a pretty broad term that has gotten a lot of bad press. While some of these bubble-producers are proven irritants, they are not on published allergen lists. Sulfates like SLS (Soduim Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) are fairly well tolerated, but there are more reports of […]
THIURAM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Thiuram: What do onions, erasers, condoms, garden hoses, makeup sponges, balloons, sneakers and swimsuits have in common? Many contain thiuram or thiuram mix, or residue from thiuram sprayed on them. What is frustrating about allergens like thiuram is that they can be in so many things that, besides containing thiuram, don’t seem to have anything to do with […]
TALC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Talc: While there is some buzz around talc, talc is not on published allergen lists. Furthermore, talc is generally recognized as safe for cosmetics. In its pure form, talc is a natural mineral, composed mainly of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Therefore, it is not talc itself but the possible impurities, like asbestos, that are of concern. Asbestiform […]
BACITRACIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Bacitracin: Much as you don’t want to pour gasoline on a fire, you don’t want your wound care to give you a new skin problem! This popular topical antibiotic is an allergen. Bacitracin was even the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s “allergen of the year” in 2003. Importantly, bacitracin has been a regular in the top ten since 1998. While […]
Can I Use Jewelry If I Have Sensitive Skin?
The simple answer? Maybe. Gold is an allergen but it’s nickel that’s the real danger for those with contact dermatitis. Nickel isn’t just an allergen or a top allergen…nickel is frequently the number one most common allergen on published allergen lists. It is difficult to find metals without nickel in them — even if you […]
How To “Dew” Dry Skin Right
Dry skin — anything from generally being acne-free to visible peeling or hypersensitivity — can be something you’re born with or develop over time. Like our muscles or heart, our skins change over time, depending on what we’re eating, where we’re living, how we’re taking care of it, and regular ol’ aging. Being so “out there,” the skin can react to things it’s exposed […]
More “Ow” Than Glow? Skin Allergies Are More Common Than Ever
Sensitive Subject: Make that subjects. Lots of them. 1 in 4 people is allergic to common skin care and cosmetic ingredients. And, like eczema and other allergies, this number is on the rise. Below, we go through skin allergies by the numbers and what you can do to prevent reactions. Want even more details, data and sources? Check out One […]