What To Do If You Have An Allergic Reaction On Your Face
Written by Kerry Benjamin
Written by licensed aesthetician Kerry Benjamin.
The short version: Soothe it with hydrocortisone mixed with aloe, cool it with ice, take an antihistamine, and strip your routine back to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer until it heals. If it isn't better in 3–5 days, see a dermatologist. If your lips, eyes or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing, get emergency care right away.
Even if you don't have sensitive skin, you've probably had a skin reaction or two. Maybe you were so excited to try a new product that you skipped the patch test and ended up with an itchy, red rash. Sensitive skin reacts more often, and sometimes it doesn't even take a new product.
When you're covered in little red bumps or itchy hives, all you want is to get rid of it fast. Here's what to do.
1. Soothe It
As soon as you notice a reaction, reach for an anti-inflammatory cream with 0.5% hydrocortisone. Mix it with equal parts aloe vera gel and apply twice a day to the affected area. Hydrocortisone calms inflammation, while aloe cools and hydrates for quick relief on hot, itchy skin.
2. Cool It
Gently roll our Ice Roller over the area, or hold an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth on it. The cold helps reduce redness, swelling and discomfort.
3. Treat It
Take an antihistamine like Benadryl as soon as you notice the signs of an allergy on your skin. Skin allergies happen when your body releases histamine, which causes inflammation and rashes. Antihistamines help block that response to relieve hives, itching and redness.
4. Go Basic
Irritated skin is extra sensitive to everything you put on it. Put away your serums, peels and tools for a few days. Use a gentle cleanser and a simple moisturizer like Cetaphil until your skin is completely healed.
5. Give It Time
Rashes pop up fast, but they take time to heal completely. If you're in a lot of discomfort, or you don't feel better in 3–5 days, see a dermatologist.
Get emergency care right away if your lips, eyes, tongue or throat swell, or if you have trouble breathing.
Find the Cause
Finding out what caused your reaction is just as important as treating it. Write down your habits and look for patterns. What did you eat that day? What did you put on your skin? Did you switch laundry detergents?
Bringing Your Products Back
Once your skin has fully healed, add your products back one at a time, a few days apart. That way, if you react again, you'll know which product caused it.
Always patch test anything new on a small area first.
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About the Author
By Kerry Benjamin, California Licensed Aesthetician (Lic. #Z98459) & Founder of StackedSkincare. Kerry created the StackedSkincare Method — built on the belief that real results start with accelerating cell turnover and renewal, not adding more products. Her three-step approach — Speed it up. Slough it off. Protect it. — is the foundation of everything on this site. Featured in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and Who What Wear.