Ayurvedic medicine has a great way to test any product or ingredient before using it. Ayurvedic treatment advises an excellent procedure for testing any ingredient or product before using it. This procedure is called Upshaya. This method applies to both oral and topical products. For topical products, patch testing is an easy-to-use, practical, and effective method.

A patch test or skin allergy test can help you determine whether a new skincare product is suitable for your skin. Besides, it can be performed at home, on any new skincare product like creams, lotions, shampoos, etc.

Normally, Ayurvedic products do not contain synthetic dyes and fragrances, parabens, preservatives, sulfates, etc, which are the common causes of allergic reactions.

However, Ayurveda maintains that each individual is unique and may respond differently to all substances. Therefore, a patch test should be performed before applying any herbal oil or herb to the skin.

People with extremely sensitive skin or a history of allergic skin reactions MUST perform this patch test before trying any new skincare products or switching brands.

How to Perform a Patch Test

Here are the steps for performing a patch test at home, as well as another patch test-related information.

• Clean and dry your skin properly before you apply the product.
• Take a generous amount of the product under consideration.
• Apply it to the toes of your feet and gently massage to ensure proper absorption.

(Oils can be applied directly, in case of herbal powders, mix them with water to make a thin paste and apply)

• Let the product sit on the toes for 2 to 3 hrs or overnight. Make certain that the patch does not get wet. This part is too far away from the vital organs of your body. In case of an allergic reaction, it will not reach the important parts of your body.

Swimming, showering, exercising, and being in extremely hot environments should all be avoided.

If there is no reaction, the product is safe to use. A reaction will occur if you are allergic to any of the product's ingredients.

Itching, redness, swelling, burning sensation, rash, or stinging sensation are all examples of allergic reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you experience respiratory symptoms or anaphylactic shock following a patch test.

CAUTION:

If you have a history of anaphylactic shock, you should only perform a patch test after consulting with your doctor.

If you have a skin infection or another skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, it is best to consult with your skin care specialist before performing a patch test.

If you are taking allergy medication (antihistamines) or using any steroidal cream, the test results may be inaccurate.

If you want to be extra careful, try the patch test on areas behind the neck, inner thighs, and armpits.