WHY DOES MY LOTION AND CREAM BURN AND STING MY FACE
What's going on?
Ever wondered why your cream or lotion stings or burns your skin?
If so, you are not alone. In 2011, a research study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that more than 44% surveyed people stated that they have sensitive or very sensitive skin. A good portion of those people with sensitive skin often complains about the burning, itching and stinging sensation when they use a skincare product.
So, what causes those uncomfortable feelings?
There are two major reasons: poor skin barrier and certain ingredients in the skincare products.
Poor Skin Barrier Causes Burning & Stinging Sensation
The skin barrier is the outer most layer of the skin. It is only a few micrometers in thickness, which is smaller than the width of your hair. It is made of dead cells, proteins, and natural lipids.
An intact and functional skin barrier slows down water loss, prevents irritants or allergens from entering the skin, and maintains the protective and functional integrity of the skin. All of these benefits translate into a smooth, moist, glowing and healthy skin.
There's a number of internal and external causes that can weaken or destroy the skin barrier. As we age, our ability to synthesize natural oils and lipids is decreased. Those lipids and oils are the cement that holds the skin cells and proteins together. In addition, our skin becomes naturally dry and flaky as we age, which can make the skin “leaky.”
External causes include excessive washing with hot water or other harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural lipids in the skin. Also, sunburn, pollution, skin disorder such as eczema, can break down the skin.
As you can imagine, when this outer layer of protective skin is not working properly, irritants, chemicals, allergens, bacteria, viruses can penetrate and gain access to the living portion of the skin.
When this happens, it can trigger inflammation and irritation, which can lead to redness, and the uncomfortable burning and stinging sensations.
5 Common Types of Ingredients That Trigger the Burning and Stinging Sensation
1. Alpha (AHA) & Beta (BHA) Hydroxy Acid
AHA & BHA are used in many skincare products. They function to exfoliate the skin making it smooth and soft. They can treat acne and other unwanted blemishes. At a higher concentration, these acids can also stimulate collagen production and help to erase wrinkles.
All these anti-aging benefits are the reason that AHA and BHA are commonly present in many skincare products.
However, acids have a low pH. When the acids penetrate the skin, it can sting and burn. In addition, the acids also dissolve the oils and lipid that hold the skin cells together and weakens the skin barrier.
Common acids used in the formulation include glycolic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acids. So watch out for lotions and creams with those ingredients at high, if you have sensitive skin.
2. Surfactants and Emulsifiers
Surfactants and emulsifiers, especially the ionic types, can irritate and sting skin, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Lotions, serums, and creams are made by mixing water and oil together. If you ever made salad dressing, you know that oil and water do not stay together in a mixture for long. They will separate.
Surfactants and emulsifiers are needed to hold water and oil together in lotions, serums, and cream.
Alternatively, pick serums, lotions or creams made without harsh surfactants. Often patented formulation technologies are needed to make these products with very little or no surfactants.
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, it is better to use an ointment or balm. It only has the oil phase and no water. As a result, it does not need surfactants or emulsifiers in the formulation.
3. Preservatives
You need preservatives to prevent the growth of fungus, bacteria, and yeast in the skincare products. Any serum, lotions or creams that have water need preservatives. Otherwise, the products can be contaminated with nasty bugs that will cause infections.
Some of the preservatives, like formaldehyde, diazolidinyl and imidazolyl urea, parabens, and methylisothiazolinone, can trigger irritation and allergy in people with sensitive skin.
4. Alcohols
There are a number of reasons to include alcohol in a skincare formulation. They range from acting as a preservative to changing the texture of the formulation.
Certain alcohols can strip away the natural lipids, and weaken skin barrier, and cause the stinging and burning pain especially at higher concentrations in formulas.
5. Fragrances
We like to draw a distinction between aromas from the artificial fragrances (derived from chemicals) and the aromas from herbs and essential oils.
In general, artificial fragrances may be more likely to cause irritating symptoms, such as the burning or stinging sensation.
Do you have a damaged skin barrier and are interested in repairing it:
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