How To Perform A Skin Patch Test
Patch testing is a simple method of testing a new skincare product or new ingredient to see if it will work for your unique skin. It's always best to perform a skin patch test before fully committing to a new skincare product if you have sensitive skin or experience hives, especially when using on children.
Even natural ingredients, like herbs or essential oils can cause sensitivity reactions. Please note that although patch testing may help to identify a problem ingredient, it is not always a foolproof test. A patch test is not a guarantee against a skin sensitization in the future. They are especially helpful for people who have allergies or very sensitive skin.
Performing the patch test:
- Make sure the area of skin is washed, dry and clean.
- Choose a time of day where you can leave the patch test in place for at least 24 hours without getting it wet.
- Apply a small amount (about a dime or quarter size) of product in the crook of the elbow.
- Cover it with a bandage (use plastic wrap to cover bandage while bathing).
- If you are sensitive to any of the ingredients, a reaction such as redness, burning, itching, or some form of skin irritation should occur within 24-hours of application.
- If you feel any irritation or see a reaction, remove the bandage immediately and wash the area with mild soap and cool water.
- If you don't see or feel any reaction, the product is probably safe to use.
If you're testing herbs, you want to mix a small amount of herbs with water to make a paste. Apply the herbal paste for the patch test.
If you're testing an essential oil, you want to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil (like grapeseed, jojoba, olive, etc.) for your patch test. Carrier oil to Essential oil ratio, 1/4 tsp:1-2 drops.
Patch testing is a way of identifying a substance that causes contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). There are two types of contact dermatitis: Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: An irritant reaction does not involve the immune system. It is most pronounced immediately after the patch is removed and fades over the next day. Although a substance that causes an irritant reaction may exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema, the reaction will not get worse with repeated exposure to the irritant.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction is due to a substance called an allergen and occurs only in those who are allergic to that particular substance. These reactions involve the immune system.
Note: Since an allergic reaction may take a few days to develop and you're someone who experiences allergic reactions or hives often, it's important to keep watch on the test patch area for a few days after the bandage is removed, before continuing use. The more times the skin is exposed to the substance, the worse the allergic reaction can become. So avoid using completely if an allergic reaction occurs.