Why Does My Skin Burn After Skincare – It’s not normal for your skin to burn or turn red after your skincare routine. Some skincare ingredients like AHAs/BHAs or Retinol can actually feel tingly or slightly warm after being applied to your skin. However, if you feel any sharp burning or stinging sensation, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
A lot of people can experience discomfort after applying skincare, especially when using new products or active ingredients. So, why does this happen, and how do you know if it’s serious? Read on to know what to do if your skin burns after skincare.
What Causes Burning After Skincare?
Skincare products are supposed to soothe, nourish, and help you maintain a healthy skin. So, if it does the opposite and causes a burning sensation, then it might just be a sign of irritation or sensitivity.
You may have been unknowingly using skincare products that contain alcohol, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Overusing active ingredients can also cause skin irritation, making you feel that burning sensation.
It could also just be that you have sensitive skin so your skin is more reactive to skincare products. Go for skincare products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Could My Skin Barrier Be Damaged?
Yes, that could very well be the reason behind the burning sensation after you do your skincare routine. A damaged skin barrier could cause increased skin sensitivity, causing your skin to react poorly even to mild or gentle skincare.
Other signs of a damaged skin barrier include dry, red, and flaky skin, acne breakouts, or inflammation.
Can Allergies Cause a Burning Sensation?
Absolutely. You can be allergic to one of the ingredients in a skincare product. If your skin burns, itches, or swells suddenly after using a product, especially a new one, you might be having an allergic reaction.
If this happens, wash the product off immediately and stop using it. If the reaction worsens, seek medical help. To prevent allergies, always do a patch when introducing a new product into your skincare routine.
What Ingredients Can Cause Burning?
What works for others may not work for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. Certain active ingredients can be too harsh on sensitive skin. Look out for harsh ingredients like AHAs, BHAs (Salicylic Acid), Retinoids, and Benzoyl Peroxide. When used too frequently or in high concentrations, these ingredients can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and even peeling to the skin.
If you’re just starting to introduce these ingredients into your skincare routine, it’s important to choose a low concentration and only use it 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation.
What To Do If Your Skin Burns After Skincare
If your skin burns from skincare, stop using the product immediately. Rinse your face with cool water, and optionally you can apply a cold compress to your face to cool down the burning sensation. Avoid active ingredients that can irritate the skin like exfoliants and retinoids until your skin heals.
To heal the skin, apply a gentle moisturizer that is formulated for sensitive skin or ones that focus on repairing the skin barrier. Monitor your skin for any further reactions or if the irritation gets worse. If it gets worse, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance from dermatologists or other healthcare providers.
Skincare shouldn’t hurt, and burning is your skin’s way of telling you that something’s wrong. While some mild sensations can be expected from potent harsh actives, anything that causes burning and irritation deserves attention. Listen to your skin, go slow, and don’t hesitate to simplify your routine when needed.
Sources:
- https://lovekinship.com/blogs/news/skincare-burning-face?srsltid=AfmBOooAsOxXxxCwkwF59BDq9HwATxwMsgy87oZoU8GAhUpkEEZu7qaX.
- https://www.clarins.co.uk/beauty-expert-guide-uk/damaged-skin-barrier.html#:~:text=What%20does%20a%20damaged%20skin,be%20frequently%20inflamed%20or%20swollen.
