Even the natural ingredients can be allergic to. If allergic to any of the ingredients, patch test is recommended. By performing a patch test at home, a person can determine if a product contains ingredients that may cause a skin reaction.
A patch test refers to a diagnostic exam that people can use to determine whether specific products result in skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
How to perform a patch test
- Apply the product to a small patch of skin where a person is unlikely to accidentally wash or rub it away. Good areas may include the inside of the arm or bend of the elbow.
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Apply the product to a quarter-sized patch of skin. A person should apply the product as thickly as they would when using it regularly.
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Leave the product on the patch of skin for as long as it would normally be on the skin. If a person is testing a product that they would usually wash off, such as a cleanser, they should keep the patch on for 5 minutes or as long as 2 hrs.
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Repeat the patch test twice a day for between 7–10 days. A reaction may not happen immediately, so it is important to continue applying the product for this length of time.
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If a person’s skin reacts to the product, they should wash it off as soon as possible and stop using it. A person can use a cool compress or petroleum jelly to relieve the skin if needed.