Define an allergy, and where it begins?
Allergic reactions begin in the immune system. Occasionally the immune system reacts to a harmless invader, and this reaction is known as an allergy.
What are some symptoms of a respiratory reaction?
- Rhinitis
- Hay Fever
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Asthma Symptoms
- Bloodshot eyes
- Runny eyes
What are symptoms of a nervous system reaction?
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Clumsiness
- Hyper activity
- Speech difficulty
- Unable to concentrate
- Sleepiness
What are some types of skin reactions?
- Burning
- Itching
- Scaly skin
- Eczema
- Vesicles
- Erythema
- Urticaria
- Mouth cankers
- Sty
- Loss of lashes
What are some types of digestive reactions?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Gas
Define an allergen
Environmental substances that a person may be hypersensitive to, triggering an allergic reaction.
Explain a hypoallergenic product.
A hypoallergenic product does not necessarily mean that you will not have a reaction. It simply means that it is fragrance free and nickel free and other common irritants are not added in the product when manufactured. There is no such thing as a non-allergic product.
What is toxic and is often overlooked in a cosmetic as a cause of a reaction?
Mold and bacteria
- May cause a reaction that is confused with an allergic reaction.
How can you avoid mold and bacteria in your cosmetics?
- Keep all make-up and applicators clean
- Store properly and avoid hot humid areas
- Never share your cosmetics
- Use a spatula to remove products from their jars; never fingers.
If a client reacts during a facial, what are the procedures you would follow?
- Remove the aggravating substance
- Apply a cold compress
- If not severe continue facial using products designed for sensitive skin.
- If more severe - stop the service, apply topical Benadryl, advise client to take an antihistamine (ADVISE ONLY)
- If very severe - seek medical attention.
How would you help your client choose the right products and avoid an allergic reaction?
- Obtain a medical history asking about specifics regarding allergies - check ingredients in products chosen for the service.
- Clients with hyper sensitive skin - offer samples for the client to try, suggest a trial make up application or facial, suggest mineral makeup and products that are free of perfume.
- Avoid costly experiments by purchasing small trial size skin products.
- Important to always heal the skin before trying other substances.
Does a sensitivity to a substance involve the immune system?
A sensitivity or intolerance to a substance does not involve the immune system. A food sensitivity for instance involves the digestive system, not the immune system. A substance that is not suitable for an individuals skin may cause sensitivities such as hives, itchiness, redness and in severe cases dermatitis.
Who is to blame for a reaction to a product?
In all cases of allergies, the product or manufacturer is not to blame, but rather the individual themselves. It’s the result of that individuals own idiosyncrasy or sensitization that brings about the reaction.
If you have a reaction on your eye area what may be the cause besides your make-up?
- Make up remover
- Eye drops
Can you develop an allergy to a product after using it for 2 years?
Yes, you can. The reaction of the individual may not be immediate upon the 1st exposure but rather a delayed sensitization, after repeated exposures the body develops a lack of resistance to the allergen.
How often should you tell a client to disinfect her brushes and sponges?
- Wash brushes weekly
- Wipe off the top layers of your shadows or lipsticks with clean tissue
- Sharpen lip and eyeliner pencils
- If a product smells rancid, goes watery, separates or has black fungus; throw it away!
What is allergic dermatitis?
- Extreme persistent itching with thickening scales of the skin in patches.
- Caused by a number of different factors:
food
substances in the air
objects such as jewelry
cosmetics
What is atopic dermatitis?
- Also known as eczema
- Common in children, but can occur at any age.
- Chronic, may be accompanied by asthma
- People with asthma and atopic dermatitis are at higher risk to develop allergies.
What is dermatitis venenata?
- Medical term applied to dermatitis that occurs as the result of external contact with a substance such as poison ivy.
- Severe form of dermatitis with vesicles and extreme itching.
- 85% of the population is allergic to surface oil abundant in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac - urushiol
What is urticaria?
- Medical term for hives
- An acute inflamed break out that may be caused by an allergen.
What is dermatitis medicamentosa?
- Medical term for dermatitis that occurs after an injection or oral use of medication such as penicillin.
What disease can you contract from lipstick?
Chelitis
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the lip
- Specific type of dermatitis
- Affects the lips and surrounding area
- Usually due to contact with a chemical substance or bacteria on the lipstick itself.
What ingredient along with UV exposure can cause increase in pigment and what is the disorder called?
Riehl’s melanosis is the medical term given to a particular dermatitis that increases pigmentation of the skin.
- Due to photosensitivity of perfume or chemicals added to a cosmetic and exposure to sunlight.
Define acne punctuate and list the cause
- Resembles adolescent acne, clogged follicles - result in comedones/acneic eruptions.
- Caused by comedogenic or occlusive ingredients
- May be found in skin and hair care products
- Results in breakouts around the hair line.
