We strongly recommend a Patch Test be done before using any new beauty/cosmetic/makeup/skincare item is used in a large area.  Even products that you have used in the past should be put through the patch test .  Because our bodies are constantly undergoing change, a product that we used before

may cause a reaction in the skin.  Even something as "normal" as a season change (for example, going from fall to winter) causes changes in the skin's suseptibiliy to react.

What is a patch test?

A patch test is a simple test to determine if you are allergic to the product.

How do I do a patch test?

1.  Start with a clean area of skin about the size of a silver dollar  (about 2 inches in diameter)

     a. The area chosen should be either on the inside of the crook of the arm or behind the ear.

2.  If the product you are testing is in liquid of cream form,  get a dime size amount of product with a clean cotton swab/cotton ball.  Apply the product to the inside of the arm or behind the ear with the clean cotton swab or cotton ball.

3.  Leave product on overnight.  Wait at least 24 hours.

4.  If your highly allergic, you should react soon after the application of the product.  Burning, itching or discomfort in the site of application is an indication that you should remove the product with a clean tissue and consult a physician.  DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE PRODUCT!!!

5.  If you are mildly allergic, there will be redness, perhaps mild itching, mild burning or mild discomfort.    Consult a physician and  DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE PRODUCT!!!

6.  If you have no signs of redness or any reaction, this is a good sign that you will not react to the product.

7.  If the product you are testing is in solid form such as a bar of soap, cleanse the area on the inside of the crook of your arm or behind your ear with the soap. 

8.  Do not rinse the soap off unless you have an immediate reaction.  In which case, discontinue use of the product and call or consult a physician .

9.  If you highly allergic, you should react soon after the application of the product.  Burning, itching or discomfort in the site of application is an indiation that you should remove the product with a clean tissue and consult a physician.  DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE PRODUCT!!!

10.  If you are mildly allergic, there will be redness, perhaps mild itching, mild burning or mild discomfort.    Consult a physician and  DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE PRODUCT!!!

11.  If you have no signs of   irritation or any reaction, it is  to continue using the product.

12.  REMEMBER, PATCH TEST should be perfomed regularly especially when under stress.  Or new products should be avoided completely until the period of stress is over.