All I wanted was a basic facial cleanser and moisturizer. I stood in Sephora for probably an hour, comparing foaming cleansers to oil cleansers and debating between gel or lotion moisturizers. For some time, I had been using Sephora's branded skincare line and while it kept my face moisturized I was really wanting something more. I had started reusing some leftover Ole Henriksen products I had from last year and was really happy with the outcome, but sadly Sephora didn't have them in stock. Since I work outside in the elements and jet fuel emissions I needed something ASAP. I decided on Philsophy's Purity Made Simple cleanser and their cult-favorite Hope in a Jar. Shortly after using them for the first time on Sunday morning, I broke out into a mass of hives. I had a horrible bumpy, itchy, and scaly red rash all over my face and neck and even parts of my body that I had touched while getting dressed.
Most of the hives are gone now, but I still have some rash on my forehead and cheeks that I'm worried might scar. From what i've read, this rash could stick around for another few weeks. Great, fantastic, WONDERFUL. But, this isn't so much a story about a product that didn't work out for me. This is more of a story about how I was an idiot and didn't do things properly that could have avoided this whole hives episode.
I usually see it on the instructions of hair dye, but you should always try new skincare or cosmetics on the back of your hand or your forearm instead of just slathering it on your face. I'm pretty positive it was the moisturizer that cause the hives, since I've used Purity Made Simple in the past with no problems. I have even sampled it on my arm in two places before I decided to purchase it. In one area, I had two small bumps that resembled tiny ingrown hairs and on the other spot I had nothing happen. I didn't even notice the two tiny bumps until I was trying to figure out what had caused the reaction.
I don't have sensitive skin or allergies so I've never worried about having reactions before. Now I'm mildly terrified of breaking out again. I've let my skin rest all week, only washing it with Cetaphil. When I returned the Philsophy products I was sort of scared to buy any skincare even if it was meant sensitive skin. In the end, I purchased to the Ole Henriksen products I should have bought in the first place. I've used them before and was happy with the results I got the second time I used them. I did do spot tests on the inside of my arm the night before I started using them and thankfully, no hives.
But take care next time you're looking at new skincare or cosmetics. Let my itch and rash be a cautionary tale for everyone.
