Skincare helps maintain healthy, glowing skin. Unfortunately, some products or routines can cause a burning sensation on the face.
This discomfort can result from various factors, including harsh ingredients, allergies, or over-exfoliation.
Understanding the causes of this reaction is important since persistent irritation can lead to more severe skin issues, such as inflammation, redness, or even damage to the skin barrier.
As such, proper management ensures that skincare routines enhance rather than harm the skin, promoting long-term health and radiance.
This article will help you understand what causes skincare to burn your face and how to prevent it.
Common Causes of Burning Sensations
Several factors can lead to a burning sensation after applying moisturizer and other skincare products. Understanding these can help in choosing the right products and avoiding triggers that lead to burning sensations.
Below are some of the most common factors that you should be aware of.
- Harsh Ingredients: Ingredients like alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Our skincare for sensitive skin is formulated to gently cleanse and protect your skin without harsh ingredients.
- Acids (AHAs, BHAs): Acids such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are powerful exfoliants. They can cause a burning sensation, especially if over used.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to specific ingredients in skincare products, causing a burning sensation as the immune system reacts to the perceived threat. Remember to always do a patch test on your wrist or chin prior to use of new products.
- Sensitive Skin: People with naturally sensitive skin are more prone to irritation and burning when using potent or active ingredients. Using skincare formulated for sensitive skin, like our Supermello Gel Cream Moisturizer, helps protect your skin from sensitivity-related issues.
- Overuse of Products: Using too many products, especially those containing strong active ingredients, can overwhelm and damage the skin barrier, leading to discomfort.
- Incorrect pH Levels: Products with a pH level that is too high or too low for your skin can disrupt its natural balance, causing irritation.
Identifying Ingredients That May Cause Irritation
Certain skincare ingredients that may be effective for some, can cause irritation and burning sensations for others, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Below are some common ingredients that may lead to irritation.
- Alcohol: Found in many toners and astringents, alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a burning sensation, especially in those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, are popular ingredients used for exfoliation and brightening. However, they can cause burning, stinging, and redness, particularly in high concentrations or when applied to sensitive skin. Products such as our Insta Swipe Exfoliating Pads and Self Smooth Toner-Serum help lessen redness and stinging with just the right amount of glycolic and lactic acid.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid, a common BHA, is used to treat acne. While effective, it can cause irritation, dryness, and a burning sensation, especially if used too frequently or in high concentrations. Our Pimple Potion retinal acne treatment has 2% BHA, making it the right amount to treat acne without irritation and dryness.
- Retinoids: Retinol and its derivatives are powerful anti-aging ingredients that can cause peeling, redness, and burning, especially during the initial stages of use as the skin adjusts. Our Dreamwave Overnight Serum has an advanced 2% Bio-Retinoid treatment formulation, making it a safe and ideal option for reducing fine lines and wrinkles without skin peeling and redness.
- Preservatives: Ingredients like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents are used to prolong the shelf life of skincare products. However, they can cause irritation and burning in sensitive individuals.
- Essential Oils: While natural, some essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus oils can be too potent and cause irritation, especially when used undiluted.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent in many cleansers, SLS can be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and a burning sensation, particularly in those with sensitive or dry skin.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Commonly used in acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness, and a burning sensation, especially in higher concentrations.
As such, it is important to choose skincare products that are safe for sensitive skin to prevent any reaction.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Experience Burning
If you start experiencing burning sensations after applying skincare products, immediately follow the steps below.
- Rinse with Cool Water: Immediately rinse the affected area with cool water to remove the product and soothe the skin.
- Stop Using the Product: Discontinue the use of the product that caused the burning sensation to prevent further irritation.
- Apply a Cold Compress: A cold compress can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the burning sensation.
- Use a Gentle Moisturizer: Apply a gentle moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier. Our moisturizers, for example, remain gentle on your skin and have a synthetic, pleasing fragrance.
- Avoid Other Irritants: Refrain from using other potentially irritating products, like exfoliants or retinoids, until the skin has healed.
- Monitor the Skin: Observe the skin for any worsening symptoms, such as increased redness, swelling, or blistering.
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Constant sun exposure weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity to skincare products. To protect your skin, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Kinship’s Self Reflect Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen will protect you from the sun while also moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Seek Medical Advice: If the burning sensation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for professional advice.
Choosing Products for Sensitive Skin
To prevent the burning sensation that comes after using skincare products, you should look for products that are good for sensitive skin.
Below are some tips to help you with that.
- Opt for Gentle, Non-Comedogenic Ingredients: Non-comedogenic products are designed not to clog pores, reducing the risk of breakouts. Additionally, select products with gentle ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera, which are soothing and hydrating. For example, Kinship’s Supermello Gel Cream Moisturizer deeply moisturizes the skin and is completely safe for eczema-prone skin.
- Avoid Harsh Exfoliants: Sensitive skin can be easily irritated by physical exfoliants or strong acids. Opt for mild exfoliants like lactic acid or use enzyme-based exfoliators.
- Patch Test New Products: Always perform a patch test before using a new product on your face. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, like behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
- Minimal Ingredient Lists: Products with fewer ingredients tend to be less irritating since there is a lower chance that they contain a potentially reactive substance.
- Consult with a Dermatologist: For personalized advice, consider consulting a dermatologist who can recommend products specifically suited for your skin type and concerns.
Ingredients to Look for and Avoid for Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, look for ingredients known for their soothing and hydrating properties. Below are some of the most common skin-friendly ingredients in skincare products.
- Aloe Vera: Calms irritation and reduces inflammation with its cooling, soothing effect.
- Glycerin: A gentle humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
- Ceramides: Strengthens the skin barrier, protecting against irritants and locking in moisture. Our Super Rich Firming Cream deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin to give it a healthy glow.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Provides relief from itching and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without causing irritation, suitable even for the most sensitive skin types.
Consulting a Dermatologist
Consulting a dermatologist is important when burning sensations persist, worsen, or become more severe.
For instance, persistent irritation could indicate an underlying skin condition, such as eczema, rosacea, or contact dermatitis, which requires professional evaluation.
Meanwhile, severe burning may also be a sign of an allergic reaction or chemical burn — both of which need immediate medical attention to avoid complications like scarring or infection.
A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the issue, identify triggers, and prevent further damage. Below are a few general things you can expect when you see your doctor.
- Initial Consultation: The dermatologist will ask about the specifics of the burning sensation, including its onset, duration, and any accompanying symptoms like redness, swelling, or itching. Expect detailed questions about the products you are using, including their ingredients, frequency of use, and any recent changes to your routine.
- Skin Examination: The dermatologist will closely examine the affected areas of your skin to assess the severity of irritation and look for signs of underlying conditions like contact dermatitis, eczema, or rosacea. If an allergic reaction is suspected, the dermatologist might conduct a patch test to identify specific allergens causing the burning sensation.
- Diagnosis: The dermatologist will determine whether the burning is due to an allergic reaction, overuse of harsh products (like acids or retinoids), or a compromised skin barrier.
- Treatment Recommendations: You may be advised to stop using all active or potentially irritating products until the skin calms down (aka “skincare detox.”) Other recommendations may include applying cool compresses, and other topical treatments like the following.
- Topical Medications: Prescription-strength corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed for more severe reactions.
- Gentle, Soothing Products: The dermatologist may suggest switching to products with soothing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal.
- Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic: Any recommended products will likely be free from fragrances, alcohol, and other common irritants to avoid further irritation.
Your dermatologist may also schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your skin is healing and to adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Preventing Burning Sensations in the Future
To prevent future occurrences of burning sensations from skincare, you can follow the tips below.
- Patch Test New Products: Always perform a patch test before using a new skincare product. Apply a small amount to your skin and wait for a day or two to check for reactions.
- Introduce Products Gradually: When adding new products to your routine, introduce them slowly. Start with a lower frequency (such as every other day) to allow your skin to adjust and monitor for any irritation.
- Choose Gentle, pH-Balanced Products: Choose products that are formulated for sensitive skin and free from harsh ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Ensure they are pH-balanced to match your skin’s natural acidity, reducing the risk of irritation.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: Limit the use of exfoliants, whether physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants (like AHAs and BHAs), to prevent weakening the skin barrier. Over-exfoliation can make the skin more susceptible to burning sensations.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Well-moisturized skin is more resilient and less likely to react to products.
- Be Cautious with Actives: When using potent active ingredients like retinoids or acids, start with lower concentrations and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Normal for the Face to Feel Hot After Skincare?
No, it is not normal to feel a burning or stinging sensation on your face for more than a minute after using a skincare product. If this happens, you should wash the product off.
What Is the Difference Between Having Sensitive Skin and an Allergic Reaction?
When you have sensitive skin, the reaction is inflammatory. Meanwhile, an allergic reaction causes an immune response that results in redness, swelling, or even hives.
How Long Does a Skincare Chemical Burn Last?
A minor chemical burn will last only a few days. However, a more serious burn might take weeks to months to heal.
Key Takeaways on Why is My Skincare Burning My Face?
Understanding why your skincare might be burning your face is crucial for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin.
The burning sensation can result from harsh ingredients, allergies, or an impaired skin barrier.
By identifying and avoiding common irritants, introducing new products gradually, and prioritizing gentle, soothing skincare, you can prevent these reactions.
If the burning feeling continues, consult a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
A well-informed and careful approach to skincare will help you achieve a routine that enhances your skin’s health without causing discomfort.