Thread: Allergic Reaction OR Irritation?

So I had recently posted a thread relating to skin irritation I had after using a brush and soap I purchased. I have never used a brush with soap/cream and when I first applied it (without even shaving) my face started to burn afterwards and was red and looked very acne ridden. Now a couple days later, it still is red, dry, burns, feels like I have a mask on and can't open my mouth wide without hurting, and now today it started peeling. My initial reaction the day it occurred was that my technique with the brush was what was causing what I had at the time assumed was just minor irritation (I had tried more or less face lathering). But now I realized it seems to be far more than that of irritation from "rough bristles"... I know not all of you are dermatologists or play one on TV, but this doesn't sound like any brush irritation yall have heard of, does it? Couldn't you definitely call this an allergic reaction to the soap, which was AoS Sandalwood? I'm just starting to get a little concerned as I've never had too severe of acne and now I'm worrying I might have damaged my skin. I've been using moisturizer around the clock, which burns quite severely, and it just doesn't seem to be improving. Dare I use the D (Doctor) word? Just any input or ANY similar experiences yall have had would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you much!

Sounds like a chemical reaction to me. With the skin peeling. I am no doctor but I would stop using everything that is new to your face. Seeing a dermatologist might be a wise idea. He/she could help you identify the culprit. What ever it is you don't want it on your face again and it could be in other soaps. The brush may have helped rub it in to the skin but I would bet donuts it didn't cause it.

Remember, I am no doc :<0)

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Sounds like a chemical reaction to me. With the skin peeling. I am no doctor but I would stop using everything that is new to your face. Seeing a dermatologist might be a wise idea. He/she could help you identify the culprit. What ever it is you don't want it on your face again and it could be in other soaps. The brush may have helped rub it in to the skin but I would bet donuts it didn't cause it.

Remember, I am no doc :<0)

Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah, I'm hoping it's the soap as I would hate to not be able to use badger brushes as that's half the novelty of this awesome hobby! I called AoS and they said they could trade the bowl and puck out for the unscented equivalent, but is it even worth it to try or do you think I'll have a similar experience? I've heard from other forum members here that it could be the essential oils used in the scent, so is it possible the same type of soap but unscented would be ok?

Trade and try. Apply it like you would to your face only someplace just to test it. Might save a trip to the doc finding out on your own. If it does damage then it is something besides the scent. Could be something that makes up the soap itself. Worst case scenario you have to find a soap that doesn't have Tallow, oil or any number of things they put in soap.

Sandalwood is renowned for causing an allergic reaction in some people. If trying something new always test on the inside of your forearm before using it on your face. If you are just starting out I'd try a product with no added perfume and then proceed with others after the forearm test has produced no reaction.

Yea, I remember your initial post and thinking it might have been the brush. If it was the brush that should have gone by the next day or so. Your skin should not peel at all from that. Luckily I have never had a reaction that severe to what now appears to be a chemical in the soap. I would get some medical attention.

Bob