What are other skin patch testing considerations?Updated a year ago
There are some questions and complications that can come up with patch testing, so here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Skin-renewing products such as retinoids and exfoliating acids can lead to irritation when they’re used too frequently, or they might cause temporary tingling. Experiment with frequency during your patch test, to figure out how often you should use them for best results.
- You can patch test multiple products at once if needed. You can apply one product on one arm and the other product on another arm, for instance.
- You can develop allergies at any time, including to products or ingredients you have used for years. This is incredibly common, and unfortunately, not something you can test for easily.
- Even after patch testing, only introduce one new product to your skin at a time. New products may interact with each other, so this gives you more controllable information.
- If you already have other active or renewing products in your routine, consider taking a break from them while you introduce any more high-powered products.
Stay safe with a patch test
A skincare patch test might not save you from an allergic reaction, but it’ll help minimize its repercussions. In a perfect world, it would be standard practice for every person and with every new skincare product. In practice, we know it’s easy to forget, especially if you change your routine often. But if you have sensitive skin or the new product you’re introducing contains any potential irritants, skin patch testing is a must.
At Protocol Lab, we make it a point to keep our product line gentle and fragrance-free but still transformative. Both our Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum and Vitamin C Superserum are preservative-free, thanks to our space-age packaging system that keeps them fresh and potent for longer. If you’d like to try Protocol Skincare, our SMOL collection comes with a 30-day supply that’s perfect for your trial run.