Testing, testing: How to Test New Products

There comes a time in every (atopic patient's) life when a new skincare product comes along. Maybe it looks good, or is cheap, sounds interesting or comes with a recommendation from a doctor or friend. How do you know if it's good for you?

Step 1. Think outside the box. Check the description, does it say "for dry skin"? Sensitive skin? Hypoallergenic? Those are a good start. Check the list of ingredients for any obvious no-nos. Fragrances are not recommended. Lanolin or Urea acid might be turn-offs as well.

Also pay attention to the descriptors. This may sound obvious, but "lotion", "cream" and "ointment" are different things, all belonging to the same family - things you spread on your skin. Whereas things that say "cleansing", "body wash" or the like are actually soap-like products to cleanse the skin, either in or out of the shower/tub. Separate once again from the bath oils family (and one that seems entirely absent from USA pharmacies). You probably need at least one product from each family, maybe more. (Why more? One cream might be too expensive to use on the entire body, but great quality, so you use it for your face, while using a second cream for the body. Or you may use a different product for different symptoms - one for rashes, one for scratches, one for infections AKA folliculitis, etc.)

Step 2. Try it once. Try it on a small area. Make sure the world didn't fall apart and neither did your skin. I admit I sometimes skip this step once I get the feeling the product is truly for sensitive skin. Do so at your own risk: you may have an adverse reaction to certain products.

Step 3. Try it methodically. Designate an area of the skin to try out the new product: e.g. one arm. Use the new product instead of your regular alternatives on this area only, and compare the two areas (say arms) after one day, and again after one week of usage. Notice any differences in skin texture, scabbing, rashes and so on. One cream may be better for rashes while another is better for healing scratches. One may leave your skin feeling smoother. Pay close attention.

Notice this step won't work for bath oils, you can't apply on one part of the bath. You just have to try and hope for the best.

Step 4. Make up your mind. Which is better for you? Often there will be no major difference, but sometimes you'll notice an improvement and that's great! Now you have a new member to your product arsenal. Use it as needed and as your budget allows. And you did it without exposing your skin to something harmful.

Coming up next:
The real deal: products I actually use.