A client's skin reacted badly to a new serum last Thursday

She came in for a regular facial, but we had just started using a different vitamin C product from a line we trust. Within minutes, her cheeks got very red and warm. I stopped right away, used a cool compress, and applied a simple calming cream I keep on hand for this. It was a good reminder to always patch test, even with products you think are safe. Has anyone else had a client react to a product that's usually very gentle?

3 comments

3 Comments

adamt8415d ago

My patch test fails are legendary.

davis.olivia16d ago

Yeah, that's so scary when that happens. I was just reading an article about how even simple ingredients can cause a reaction if someone's barrier is already compromised from something else, like stress or a different product they used at home. It made me realize we really can't assume anything is 100% safe for everyone at every moment. Your quick response was perfect, stopping and cooling it down is key. It's a good wake-up call for all of us to be extra careful, even with the trusted stuff.

nancy_wood15d ago

Actually, that's why I always do a full-face test with new products on myself first. @davis.olivia makes a good point about compromised barriers, but sometimes a formula just doesn't agree with someone, no matter how gentle it's supposed to be.