How to Perform At-Home Patch Test to Avoid Any Possible Skin Reactions

Nothing good comes out of comfort zones. Especially when it is about skincare, you are bound to upgrade your usual routines for the pursuit of happier and better-looking skin.  Sometimes, the experiment with new products is for reducing wrinkles, lightening discolorations, soothing acne, or maybe just to get a fresh complexion: no judgments there, anything for the skin’s wellbeing. But let’s face it, we all are more conscious and careful before any transformation. 

However, while trying new skincare products, you don’t have to be afraid of possible risks of allergies. You have a choice to avoid the potential of skin sensitivity and irritations with an easy and simple patch test at home. And yes, a patch test is imperative for all skin types. You never know which ingredient or formulation leads to cause adverse reactions and undesirable issues. 

Here is a step to step guide to do a patch test at home for allergic reactions, breakouts, and essential oils usage: 

Patch Test Procedure to Avoid Skin Reactions

• Chose a patch of skin to do the test. Make sure the skin area you choose can remain untouched for 24 hours. The spot around the crook of the elbow (upper part of your inner arm) is most convenient to do a patch test.
• Make sure your skin is immaculate and dry before applying the product for the test.
• Apply a generous amount of the new product you want to test. 
• Let the product absorb fully, and then cover it with a bandage.
• If you feel sensitivity, irritation, itchiness, redness, or burning sensation within the next 24 hours, remove the bandage and wash your skin thoroughly.
• If you don’t feel any irritation or sensitivity on the patch test area within 24 hours, the product you were checking is safe and suitable, and you may continue with its use.

Patch Test Procedure to Avoid Breakouts

• This procedure is different from the one used for allergic reactions. Choose an area on your face to check if the new product you are using causes acne breakouts. Preferably on the chin, forehead, cheeks, or any other spot prone to irritation.
• Ensure your face is free of impurities and dirt before performing the test. 
• Do not apply any other product after washing the face. 
• Apple the product you are testing on a chosen area of your face daily for a week. 
• If you notice a breakout, inflammation, redness, itchiness, or sensitivity within a week, discontinue this product’s usage right away.

Patch Test to Prevent Skin Sensitivity From Essential Oils

Considering the popularity and versatile benefits of essential oils for skincare, it is understandable if you want to incorporate them into your beauty regimen. However, you have to stick to a proper application procedure with essential oils. You should never use an essential oil without dilution. They are concentrated, highly volatile, and evaporative liquids that have the potential of causing skin sensitivity. But worry not. Before essential oil application, you can do a patch test to avoid adverse reactions. 

You may also learn 7 Tips on How to Extend the Shelf Life of Essential Oils.

• Select an area of your skin to do the test. 
• Apply diluted essential oil on the patch of the skin you have chosen. For dilution, mix one drop of any essential oil ( lavender oil, frankincense oil, lemon oil, or others) with one teaspoon of carrier oil of your liking.
• Massage the skin with the oil and allow it to absorb completely.
• Place a bandage to cover the skin.
• Leave it on for 24 hours.
• If you feel sensitivity, irritation, itchiness, redness, or burning sensation within the next 24 hours, remove the bandage and wash your skin thoroughly.
• If you don’t feel any irritation or sensitivity on the patch test area within 24 hours, the essential oil you were checking is safe and suitable, and you may continue with its use.

That’s all for now. Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with changing your skincare routine and trying out new products. If anything, you never know, this experimentation and exploration may take you to the most suitable products that put an end to your skincare woes. Only, do a patch test to avoid adverse reactions. In case you are looking for organic, pure, and undiluted essential oils, we have just the thing for you. Visit our shop for essential oil blends, aromatherapy sprays, and more.