Medical Disclaimer

General information only

Everything on Beauty Picked is general information about cosmetic and personal-care products, written for adults. It is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a diagnosis or advice from a board-certified dermatologist, doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional who knows your history.

Our writers are not medical professionals, and our articles are not reviewed by dermatologists or doctors. We explain what sources such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say, and we link to them so you can read the original.

Never ignore professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you read on this site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services straight away.

Cosmetics are not treatments

The products we write about are cosmetics: they are meant to cleanse, moisturise, style or change how skin and hair look. We describe them in those terms. A cosmetic is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition, and nothing we say about a product should be read that way. If a concern needs treatment, that is a job for a dermatologist or doctor.

Sunscreen is an over-the-counter drug in the US

In the United States, sunscreen is regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, not as a cosmetic. Always follow the directions on the product's Drug Facts label: how much to apply, when to reapply, how long any water resistance lasts, and any warnings. When we describe a sunscreen, we stick to label language such as the SPF number, "broad spectrum" and "water resistant (40 or 80 minutes)". See the FDA's guide, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.

Labelling rules differ outside the US. If you live elsewhere, follow the label on the product you buy and your local regulator's advice.

Patch test new products

Anyone can react to a product, even one labelled "gentle", "fragrance-free" or "for sensitive skin". Ingredients such as fragrance or preservatives can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which can make skin red, itchy and swollen.

Before using a new skincare product all over your face or body, the AAD recommends testing it first: apply the product to a small test spot where it won't be rubbed or washed away, such as the bend of your elbow or the underside of your arm, twice daily for seven to 10 days, and stop if you notice a reaction. The AAD's guide, How to test skin care products, has the full steps.

Always read the label for the product's own warnings and directions, and stop using anything that stings, burns or causes a rash.

When to see a dermatologist

Please see a dermatologist or doctor, rather than relying on products alone, if you have:

• a rash, swelling, blistering or burning after using a product, or any reaction that doesn't settle quickly after you stop using it;
• acne that is painful, leaves marks or scars, or isn't improving;
• persistent redness, flaking, itching or a scalp that won't calm down;
• hair shedding, thinning or patches of hair loss;
• a new, changing, bleeding or unusual mole or spot;
• any skin, scalp, hair or nail concern that is getting worse, or that worries you.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a skin condition, or use prescription skincare or medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting new active ingredients such as retinoids or acids.

In the US, you can find a board-certified dermatologist through the AAD's Find a Dermatologist directory.

Questions

If something on the site seems to give medical advice, or a health fact looks wrong, please tell us at hello@beautypicked.com so we can review it. We can't answer personal medical questions.