Pureology and my story....

LittleRhino

So a while back I made an appointment with my eye doctor and my derm. I've had a wicked case of itchy eyelid, some redness, dryness, puffy, you name it I got it! The eye doctor made the assumption that I have blepharitis, but yet she said she had never seen it in only one eye. Hmm, so of course I booked it out of there feeling defeated and still wondering? Considering she wasn't sure and I had some signs leading to that diagnosis...I treated it as such. Nothing changed. It didn't get worse. Though, it didn't get better.
Second opinion. I went to my faithful derm. He looked at and concluded some sort of skin irritation. Wow. No really? He concluded that I should refrain from all makeup. Already did that. Refrain from all cleansers and skin products. Did that too. Wash with water and use some anti-itch cream on my eye. Call me back if you see no changes was my parting gift. Well, I've been following his plan. No change. Not worse. No change.
Fast forward a couple months and some other strange things have been happening. ( I have not used any cleansers, lotions, makeup, nothing. Yet, it still is there) I have been using Norwegian Fragrance Free Hand Cream on this eyelid. I can say for the first time in months I get some relief. So, moving on...I have extremely itchy scalp. Hairline Pimples that hurt. (I don't get pimples except for on occasion-plus I've been using no hair products) Behind my ears are a little red, itchy, dry, and scattered a few pimples. A couple down my neck and the base of neck itches. Forehead pimples. Scattered like sandpaper rash. Flaky scalp-though not dandruff. Now, this is blowing my mind! What the heckers am I doing wrong? Ironically, all these things go away after a couple days(except for the flaky scalp). Then they start up again after I take my shower and wash my hair.
Lightbulb. Yes, it took me this long to figure out that my perfect, gentle, Pureology (great for sensitive scalp) is causing me this distress. I have since stopped using this and took up with dry scalp care 2-1 by Neutrogena . All symptoms regarding my scalp have cleared in 3 washes. My eyelid is no longer puffy or red. Just a little dry but on the mend. I'm convinced my contact allergy was to the fragrance in this Pureology Shampoo/Conditioner. How it effected only one eyelid and not both? I have no idea. It's not like I was washing my face with Pureology. The eyelid skin is thin and contact reactions are riddle. I'm just glad after all these doctor visits, medications, it's clearing up. I apologize for the winded post. Though, if it can help anyone. Great. Cheers!

georgia

Thank you so much for your story. I'm surprised your doctors didn't figure this one out! Your allergy could have been to the fragrance in Pureology, or to another ingredient in the shampoo - maybe even to two or more ingredients. I'm so glad your problem is clearing up!

Right Brain

This story is a great example that even products that are purported to be mild (sulfate free in this case) can still cause problems. And I agree with Georgia, fragrance is always a prime suspect when it comes to skin reactions.

georgia

I went to a new stylist for color and she recommended Pureology Hydrate as my shampoo. The first (and only) time I used it my scalp became irritated and itchy. It could have been the cleansers replacing the sulfates, preservatives, or fragrance. As Right Brain points out, sulfate free does not guarantee irritant free.

LittleRhino

Interesting...? I was using the Hydrate and Hydrate Lite Conditioners. I did come upon some interesting information regarding this line- as well as I know via email with this company their products are not gluten-free. Probably not a big deal to most consumers but someone with a gluten allergy or intolerance a very important piece of information. I myself was just diagnosed 2 years-so I'm still learning and trying to walk the straight and narrow regarding this disease. Everyone 's body responds differently to different ingredients in terms of food. Though, never did I think I would have to be concerned with wheat-proteins in my cosmetic products...or be that sensitive. Ugh. It's easy to call out a product like I did regarding allergies and etc. Was it the fragrance, the botanical ingredients(Spring allergies too! Yay for this kid!), the wheat-protein? or the sum of all three or more? Hard to say. Is it even a great product for the price? Honestly, allergies aside it wasn't even close to a HG shampoo or conditioner for me. I get just as good results from a cheapo drugstore brand. One thing I am certain...since stopping with these products all problems have ceased. So I will definitely look at this as a great learning experience. For future reference I did keep an ingredient list of both products. It will make selection for future purchases a tad bit easier. Hopefully!

suenash

I too am experiencing allergic reaction -sinus headaches, itching, dryness-- since beginning to use Pureology hydrating shampoo and conditioner-- I am going to stop and see what happens... give it to others using it who do not seem to have a reaction. Not sure if it's any better than any other shampoo I have used. Key for me seems to be very soft water and lots of humidity in the air--not Pureology. I would love someone to come out with "free and clear" shampoo and conditioner, like All did for detergents years ago.

georgia

Someone has come out with a shampoo and conditioner that's "Formulated without dyes, lanolin, fragrance, masking fragrance, protein, parabens, formaldehyde" for those with sensitive skin. Free & Clear Shampoo and Free & Clear Hair Conditioner and are made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. (psi.com) This line has few, if any conditioners, however, so it's best for those with normal to oily hair. Drugstore.com carries it, I think, and other stores may, as well.

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