You may have heard the term “hypoallergenic” bandied about when reading about skincare products and what makes them unique or better. What does hypoallergenic mean, and why should you look for skincare products that are hypoallergenic?
“Hypoallergenic” refers to a type of skincare product that is designed to minimise the risk of causing an allergic reaction in people who have sensitive skin, or skin that is prone to reacting to particular ingredients.
The word comes from the Greek prefix "hypo", which means "less", and "allergenic", which means "causing allergies".
Hypoallergenic products are formulated without common irritants and allergens such as fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and certain chemicals that can trigger an allergic reaction. Because they exclude known irritants, they’re less likely to trigger your skin into an allergic reaction. So if you have sensitive skin, hypoallergenic products are more likely to be suitable for you.
However, how effective hypoallergenic products are for your skin varies depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and what you might react to. That’s why at Gaia Day Spa, we recommend doing a patch test before you commit to any new skincare product. We’re happy to give you a small sample of our products so that you can patch test at home, or pop a small amount of product on to your skin when you are in the spa so you can test it out and get our expert opinion on whether it’s suitable for you.
Because these products are specially formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions – that is, they’re typically free of fragrances, preservatives, and harsh chemicals – they can help minimise the chances of your skin developing further irritations like a rash, hives, redness, itching, or other forms of irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, using hypoallergenic skincare products can help soothe and calm your skin as they’re usually formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients. In fact, most hypoallergenic products are designed to address specific skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, dryness, or breakoouts.
Using skincare products that are specially formulated for your skin type can help minimise any exacerbation of sensitivity. Speaking to a professional beauty therapist can be helpful, as we can recommend products that are suitable for your specific skin condition and concerns, and help you to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
For personalised skincare recommendations, book in for a free 30-minute skin consultation with one of Gaia Day Spa’s expert beauty therapists here.
