Allergic to pure nature – not a paradox

"I only use natural products - and still get allergic reactions. How can that be?" Since 48grams was rated "Excellent" eight times by the German dermatest institut, we have been looking into the aforementioned question even more. After all, it sounds paradoxical: How is it possible that one spends the best active ingredients on the tissue and heeds all the care tips – but still does not achieve the best results. The answer was given to us by Skincare Pope Bernd Kuhs: "We achieve optimal compatibility with our products – but nature also means that there is always a small group of people who show an allergic reaction to tiny amounts of certain substances or compositions. That can never be completely ruled out."

Switching from chemical to natural

Before we use this blog entry to explain Bernd Kuhs' statement and thus shed some light on skin genetic issues, an important note beforehand: If you switch from - let's call it conventional - facial care (we mean everything that is based on chemistry or enriched with chemical ingredients) to natural skincare, you can expect skin reactions in some cases. Redness, dry patches and irritation are not unusual, but are evidence of a change in the skin's condition. It must first get used to the new ingredients. In exceptional cases, this phase can last up to a month (!). This may not be nice - but it is a small price to pay for a new freshness, fewer wrinkles and better health. If you want to compare the problems and dangers of operative anti-aging... no... we just don't want that.

When the immune system rebels

But now let's move on: not everyone can be a dermatologist, but everyone should be able to inform themselves about the modes of action of their skin care. Basically, when people talk about "natural ingredients", they mean plant extracts. And these have a very positive influence on the skin, ensure that irritations are relieved or even disappear completely. They also provide moisture, which, due to the nature of the molecules, can penetrate deep into the tissue. The strengthening of the important skin protection barrier, the regeneration of the cells but also support in the recovery of the skin... all this is made possible by the mentioned "natural ingredients". Nevertheless, it happens in rare cases that the immune system gives an alarm. Most often this manifests itself in the form of redness, swelling or pimples. In other words, exactly the opposite effect that the products are supposed to trigger. We can only say it with all urgency: The visit to a dermatologist is obligatory in case of emergency. Only he is able to convict the "culprit" and suggest a treatment method.

Overuse - creeping allergies also possible

There are two types of allergies that can occur: the so-called contact allergy and the cosmetic allergy. The former has an immediate effect on the area where a product has been applied. The emphasis here is on "immediate". The second type takes much more time. It can take hours to a day for substances used to reveal their (negative) effect. However, both types of allergy have the same starting point: the immune system resists an ingredient and releases antibodies. The result is allergic reactions. But the whole truth is also: if a product has not triggered any intolerances for years, this can suddenly change - without any innovation in its formulation. Too frequent use (keyword: overuse) may have started a creeping form of allergy - and then the pimples or pustules come out of nowhere.

The fewer ingredients, the better

When it comes to triggers, we can only stay very general - because we're writing a blog here and not for a medical journal. But for understanding, here are some basics: If products are advertised with the words "hypoallergenic", "plant-based" or "all natural", this is first of all nice marketing in case of doubt. A look at the list of ingredients should always be mandatory when making a purchase decision. After all, the fewer active ingredients, the better for the skin. This is one of the reasons why we at 48grams only use the lowest possible number of active ingredients in our formulations - which are, so to speak, the recipes in the cream kitchen. Nevertheless, there are no substances that are absolutely harmless for really everyone. That is why Bernd Kuhs, the developer of the 48grams products, has gone one step further. All creams and masks use the principle of so-called skin-identical fats - this is our revolutionary Biomembrane technology. In addition, we rely on oligo-hyaluronic acid. Also a substance that every body is very familiar with. Thus, the allergenic potential is reduced to the maximum.

A self-test that ensures greater safety

A small tip in conclusion: Anyone who is prone to the rapid formation of pustules or irritations should ideally undergo a self-test before using a new skin care product (this applies to both conventional skin care and natural skincare). Now this sounds worse than it is. For this test, all you need to do is put a blob of a product on the inside of the crook of your arm or wrist. Here, the skin is similarly delicate as on the face. If there is no irritation after 24 hours at the latest, it is safe to use. That's nice to know.