“I care for my skin with natural products – and yet I still get allergic reactions. How is that possible?” Since 48grams received eight “Very Good” ratings from dermatest, we've been exploring this question even more deeply. It sounds paradoxical: How is it possible to provide your skin with the best active ingredients and follow all the skincare tips – yet still not achieve the best results? Even though, for example, test series confirm intolerances. Skincare guru Bernd Kuhs personally gave us the answer: “We achieve optimal tolerability with our products – but being natural also means that there will always be a small group of people who experience an allergic reaction to minute amounts of certain substances or combinations. This can never be completely ruled out.”
Transition phase from chemistry to nature
Before we use this blog post to explain Bernd Kuhs' statement and shed light on the complexities of skin genetics, an important point to note: Anyone switching from – let's call it conventional – facial care (by which we mean anything based on chemicals or enriched with chemical ingredients) to natural skincare may experience skin reactions. Redness, areas of severe dryness, or even irritation are not unusual – they are simply evidence of the skin's adjustment. It needs time to get used to the new ingredients. In exceptional cases, this phase can last up to a month (!). This might not be pleasant – but it's a small price to pay for renewed freshness, fewer wrinkles, and improved health. If you wanted to compare this to the problems and risks of surgical anti-aging treatments… no… we simply don't want to.
When the immune system rebels against nature
Now, let's move on: Not everyone can be a dermatologist, but everyone should be able to understand how their skincare products work. Generally speaking, when we talk about "natural ingredients," we're referring to plant extracts. These have a demonstrably positive effect on the skin, soothing or even completely eliminating irritations. They also provide moisture that, due to the structure of their molecules, can penetrate deep into the tissue. Strengthening the important skin barrier, regenerating cells, and supporting skin health—all of this is made possible by the aforementioned "natural ingredients." Nevertheless, in rare cases, the immune system may react. This usually manifests as redness, swelling, or pimples—precisely the opposite of the effect the products are intended to produce. We cannot stress this enough: In such cases, a visit to a dermatologist is essential. Only a dermatologist can identify the culprit and recommend a treatment.
Over-care – also possible insidious allergies
There are two types of allergies that can occur: contact allergies and cosmetic allergies. The former has an immediate effect at the site where a product has been applied. The emphasis here is on "immediate." The latter takes considerably longer. It can take hours or even a day for the substances used in skincare products to reveal their (negative) effects. However, both types of allergies have the same starting point: the immune system reacts to an ingredient and releases antibodies. The result is an allergic reaction.The whole truth is, however, that if a product hasn't caused any adverse reactions for years, that can suddenly change – without any changes to the formula. Overuse (keyword: over-care) may have triggered a gradual form of allergy – and then the pimples or pustules appear seemingly out of nowhere. Overuse (keyword: over-care) may have started as a creeping form of allergy – and then the pimples or pustules appear as if from nowhere.
The fewer ingredients, the better.
When it comes to triggers, we can only speak in general terms – after all, this is a blog, not a medical journal. But for a basic understanding, here are some fundamental points: If products are advertised as "hypoallergenic," "plant-based," or "natural," it's usually just clever marketing. Checking the ingredient list should always be mandatory when making a purchase decision. The fewer active ingredients, the better for your skin. This is one of the reasons why we at 48grams use the fewest possible active ingredients in our formulations – essentially the recipes in our cream kitchen. However, no substance is completely safe for everyone. Therefore, Bernd Kuhs, the developer of 48grams products, has gone a step further. All our creams and masks utilize the principle of so-called skin-identical fats – our revolutionary biomembrane technology. We also use oligo-hyaluronic acid, another substance that every body is very familiar with. Thus, the allergenic potential is reduced to a maximum.
A self-test that provides greater security
One last little tip: If you're prone to developing pustules or irritations, it's best to do a patch test before using any new skincare product (this applies to both conventional and natural products). It sounds more complicated than it is. Simply apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your elbow or wrist. The skin there is just as delicate as on your face. If no irritation appears after 24 hours, it's safe to use. That's good to know, isn't it?
