How To Use Test Patches To Avoid Skin Reactions
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” —Confucius
Raise your hand if you’ve ever found yourself diving headfirst into something you came to regret later. Who hasn’t? This year pandemic hair fails are a whole thing on TikTok with people trying to trim their own bangs. So whether you’re considering experimenting out of boredom or necessity, how can you avoid making skin fails a thing? We’ve got some tips for how to use test patches with skincare products to avoid skin problems.
If wisdom lies in reflection, imitation, and experience, let’s break test patches down by reflecting on the benefits and imitating a few easy steps to give us a more positive experience when trying new products or making changes to your skincare lineup.
Reflecting On The Benefits
If you are worried about a small reaction from test patching, ask yourself whether you’d rather have a short-term isolated reaction or risk not trying a product that could actually be your tonic for a long-time issue?
And you don’t want to dive into a new product either, using it all over your face before realizing it’s not compatible with your skin or makes your issue worse.
The wisest approach is to test patch for anywhere from 24 hours for potential allergies to a few days for irritation or acne.
Where & How To Do A Test Patch
Where you test can help determine what you want to know.
First of all: Start small!
What can happen if you don’t test patch
While we use all-natural skincare products at Jalan in our treatments and for sale in our Online or Retail Shop, sometimes products — especially those chemically-based — can cause allergic reactions or make skin issues worse. Test patching is a way to avoid a full-face issue with a new product.
Use only a small amount of product at first. You can always add a little more to see if it creates a reaction, but although this is a test patch, you still don’t want to use way too much product and have a more negative reaction than you need to learn what products work well for your skin.
Allergies: If you’re potentially allergic to a product, use a small amount behind the ear.
Irritation: If you’re worried about irritation, test a small amount in the area you’re most sensitive.
Clogs or acne: If you experience clogs or acne, test the area where it tends to occur most frequently.
Better Long-Term Outcomes For Your Skin
Test patching will not only help you prevent a face-wide reaction by baby-stepping into a new product instead of diving headfirst, but can also help you experiment with new products that could end up being perfect for your skin.
When you book a facial at Jalan Facial Spa, your esthetician will give you feedback about your skin and recommend products for your skin type. We also provide skincare guides with recommendations for every step of your routine: cleansers, mists for prep, eye creams, restorative serums, hydrating oils, creams, and moisturizers, UV protection, and exfoliants.
You can order some of our all-natural plant-based skincare lines from Jurlique and Elemental Herbology from our Online Shop or visit the spa to shop these along with CBD products, books, crystals, jewelry, gift ideas and more in the Jalan Shop.
Be sure to ask about our skincare guides next time you’re in the spa. There are recommendations for acneic & oily skin, combination skin, dry, sensitive, and redness, and pigmented skin.