Recently, I posted a video on YouTube about skincare during a nickel allergy reaction. You can find the video here..https://youtu.be/YmKDxnuZgCw.
The most common places to see nickel allergy reactions are the hands (palms) stomach area, and of course the face. But, they can happen anywhere.
These reactions can last a few days, or a few weeks. Unfortunately, I tend to land on the few weeks side. Your skin may feel dry, irritated, and turn red. Besides not being the nicest thing to look at, they can be downright painful. Unfortunately, the only thing you can really do is wait it out. There are some things however that can make you feel better. Your doctor of course can prescribe you a topical cream, but here are some skincare products you can pick up on your own.
Skintifique
According to the website, Skintifique has the first products that provide protection against allergies to metals such as nickel, chromium and cobalt. This is of course how I first discovered the brand. Their products use minimum ingredients, and are extremely soothing for reactive skin. If you have a nickel allergy, this is a brand that I would become familiar with. I personally have used the following products.
Moisturizing Lotion – https://www.skintifique.me/shop/en/22-moisturizing-lotion-hp.html
Technically for the body, but I have used this on my face. It is very moisturizing. I use this even when my skin is not reactive. Sometimes, if I want a scent, I will use this and use my bath and body cream over it. (Bath and body is not moisturizing enough for me, and I would not use it on reactive skin.)
Hydrating Gel – https://www.skintifique.me/shop/en/20-hydrating-gel-plus-hs-face.html
This is good for dry, very dry or eczema prone skin. (According to the website). I can certainly vouch for very dry. This product looks like a cream but has a gel feel. It is not thick like a cream, it almost turns to water in your hand. It is extremely hydrating.
Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin – https://www.skintifique.me/shop/en/23-cleanser-p.html
If you are a fan of the Garnier one, but you have sensitive skin, I would definitely pick this one up. Just like regular micellar water, it cleanses and removes makeup. However, it also removes impurities, such as…you guessed it nickel. Also, it does not dry out the skin.
Eucerin
Eczema Relief Cream – https://www.eucerinus.com/products/eczema-relief/eczema-relief-body-creme
This one you have probably heard of. You can get it at pretty much any drugstore. Technically, this is a product for eczema. I personally have gotten eczema from allergic reactions. It is also very good on dry skin, and is made with colloidal oatmeal.
Cetaphil
Hydrating Gel Cream – https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Hydrating-Gel-Cream-Hyaluronic-Acid/dp/B07798MG7Q
Speaking of the drug store, Cetaphil was a brand I was originally introduced to through my dermatologist. Since, then, I have heard mixed things. The product that I wanted to point out is the hydrating gel eye cream. It is difficult to find an eye cream for this situation, especially if you are like me and have many reactions in this area. This cream is like a gel, and is very soothing and hydrating. I haven’t really been able to find anything better, however I am currently testing something that I pickup up from Ulta. It is basically a serum made from goat milk. If I think it would be good for this scenario, I will definitely post it in the future.
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream – https://www.sephora.com/product/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407?skuId=1217744
This is a brand I really don’t feel you can go wrong with. It is easily available at Sephora. The stand out product for me though is the hydrating repair cream. I was using this before I discovered Skintifique. I do prefer Skintifique, however this product is nice and extremely hydrating. It’s a little thicker than Skintifique. It’s another one that I sometimes use under Bath and Body. Just make sure that you pick up the non-scented. Not only are fragranced products not good for reactive skin, I personally do not like the fragrance. FYI…this also works at a foot cream.
Paula’s Choice
Hydrating Treatment Mask – https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-hydrating-treatment-mask/280.html
Although the Paula’s Choice line is sold at Sephora, last I checked this product was not. It is available off Paula’s Choice website. Paula’s Choice has always been hit or miss for me. I am definitely not crazy about all the products. However, this mask I think is really special. You basically replace your evening moisturizer with it. Leave it on overnight. You can use it as often as you need too.
Fourth Ray
Face Milk – https://colourpop.com/products/oat-face-milk-moisturizer
You may not expect to see a product like Fourth Ray face milk on a list like this. It doesn’t seem to fit. Fourth Ray is Colourpop’s sister brand. I really enjoy their products, and think they are a little underrated. Honestly, I am not sure what possessed me to use a face milk during a reaction….maybe it just sounded soothing. Maybe because it had the word oat. Who knows. I am however, so glad that I did. They are just so soothing and hydrating, I use them all the time. I would stick the the oat one when you have reactive skin. The scented ones are nice for everyday. FYI – I was very disappointed in the body milks, I don’t think they are anywhere near as good.
Tower 28
Save Our Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray – https://www.sephora.com/product/sos-save-our-skin-daily-rescue-facial-spray-mini-P448853?skuId=2284917&icid2=skugrid:p448853:product
I’m a big fan of the Tower 28 brand in general, so when I heard that they made a spray for reactive skin, I had to try it. The description of this product reads “a simple, but effective 3 ingredient daily treatment spray, that soothes stressed skin, and reduces the look of redness and irritation.” That basically sums it all up. I actually keep a small bottle of this in my purse.
That’s all I have for now. I will of course update this list if I come across anything new.