Sudden Facial Burning from Your Moisturizer: What's the Cause?

In the realm of skincare, a burning sensation after applying moisturizer can be a frustrating experience, especially for those with sensitive skin. This article aims to shed light on the causes and solutions for this common issue.

Emollients like ceramides and shea butter are known for their softening and smoothing effects on the skin. However, for sensitive skin, these occlusives might clog pores and worsen skin issues, indirectly causing discomfort.

Dermatologists can help determine the cause of the irritation through diagnostic procedures like allergy testing and recommend appropriate treatments. Proper cleansing and simplifying your skincare routine can also help identify the culprit.

When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, understanding your skin type is essential. Normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types require different moisturizers for optimal results. For instance, dry skin requires a richer gel or cream moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture, while oily skin needs lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formulas.

A simple guide to patch testing involves applying a small amount of the moisturizer to a clean, unbroken skin area on your inner forearm, waiting 24-48 hours, and looking for signs of allergic reaction like redness, itching, or burning. This step can help identify potential allergens or irritants in your moisturizer.

Common ingredients that may cause burning or irritation on sensitive skin include fragrances, alcohols, harsh surfactants, strong actives, preservatives, and heavy occlusives. Fragrances, alcohols, and harsh surfactants can be particularly drying and irritating, leading to discomfort after application. Strong actives like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and certain forms of vitamin C can cause temporary irritation, redness, and burning, especially when first introduced or overused.

To minimize burning, use products free of fragrance, drying alcohols, harsh surfactants, and strong actives if your skin is sensitive. Choosing moisturizers with gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or stable, gentle vitamin C derivatives can reduce irritation risks.

Incorporating gels and serums into your routine can provide the hydration your skin needs without the risk of heavy product buildup. The Supermello Gel Cream Moisturizer, Super Rich Ceramide + Collagen Firming Cream, and Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Milky Cleanser are recommended products for various skin types and concerns.

If the burning sensation persists or worsens, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. A visual examination and skin tests may be used to identify the cause. Remember, patch testing every new product before incorporating them into your routine can help prevent such issues.

In conclusion, a burning sensation after applying moisturizer on sensitive skin is often due to irritant or allergenic ingredients combined with a compromised skin barrier. By choosing the right products and following a careful skincare routine, you can alleviate this discomfort and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin.

Some skincare products, like emollients with ceramides and shea butter, can soften and smooth the skin but may cause issues for sensitive skin due to clogged pores.
Dermatologists can help determine the cause of skin irritation through procedures like allergy testing and product patch testing.
When selecting a moisturizer, it's crucial to consider your skin type, as different types require different moisturizers for optimal results.
To help identify potential allergens or irritants, a simple patch testing method involves applying a small amount of moisturizer to a clean skin area on the inner forearm and waiting for signs of reaction.
Common irritants in moisturizers include fragrances, alcohols, harsh surfactants, strong actives, preservatives, and heavy occlusives, which can lead to discomfort, redness, or burning.
For sensitive skin, using products free of fragrance, drying alcohols, harsh surfactants, and strong actives can reduce the risk of irritation.
Products with gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or stable, gentle vitamin C derivatives can help minimize irritation and promote a healthy skin barrier.
Incorporating gels and serums into your routine can provide hydration without the risk of heavy product buildup, and the Supermello Gel Cream Moisturizer, Super Rich Ceramide + Collagen Firming Cream, and Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Milky Cleanser are recommended for various skin types and concerns.