Allergic reaction?

[Bitsy1968]

I've been really stupid. I normally use Simple products as I have dry, sensitive skin. I've had a tough year so far (my Mum died early in the year and siblings have been horrific to deal with) and my skin is looking and feeling tired and stressed. I saw some stuff that looked the biz - Neutrogena hydro boost wash gel and garnier moisture bomb moisturisers and tissue mask, and treated myself.

First evening felt okay, but the morning after, my neck was bright red and itchy. I assumed I had heat rash and used the products again....I look sunburned. My entire face is bright red, my chin is covered in tiny white pimples that pop with a little pus (sorry) and wet stuff, it's sore, it's dry and it's oozing. My left eyelid is also puffy, although my right is fine, weirdly.

Obviously I'm having an allergic reaction and have stopped using the skin peelers immediately, but I'm left looking like a hormonal 15 year old. I'm nearly 50.

Any suggestions as to how to calm it down and soothe my skin, quickly? I'm using my simple stuff again and it's slowly helping, but I'm in agony here.

[dementedpixie]

Have you taken antihistamines? Cold face cloth and place on your face?

[Bitsy1968]

yes to both. I've never flared up with these wee spots like this before. Like instant acne. It's the discomfort more than anything though. It's not as painful today as it was yesterday but it kind of feels like I've got a tightening face mask on, the whole time.

I'm quite shocked at how violent my skins' reaction has been. I knew it was "sensitive" but this is crazy...

[Wtfdoicare]

Try using the Avene range, or Aveeno cream is fantastic. I would stay away from anything perfumed, which is sounds like the Neutrogena/Garnier products are.

[Wtfdoicare]

Meant to say hope it feels better soon. I find splashing my face a lot with cold water and using a very bland moisturiser to relieve the tightness when I get a reaction helps. I also find that afterwards, my skin tends to peel off where I've had the allergy, so be prepared.

[Bitsy1968]

I've been sitting with a cold flannel held against my face all afternoon and it's helped, a lot. Chin is peeling now so fingers crossed it'll ease off overnight. Thanks everyone.

I'll be sticking to my tried and tested but oh so boring Simple from now on. Now to find someone local to donate this stuff to, so I'm not tempted to try it again. I'm just glad I didn't try that tissue mask as goodness knows what my face would look like after 15 mins exposure.

[mintmagnummm]

Bitsy you can return the products for a refund if you have a reaction.

[Bitsy1968]

I can? I didn't think they'd take back cosmetic products...I bought in Boots. Worth a try, I guess...

[mintmagnummm]

Yes 100% u can especially in boots they are great with refunds as long as u have receipt.