"The skin has several layers. The top layer is the stratum corneum, a cornified layer that is basically a collection of dried-up cells that no longer contain cytoplasm." When this layer is disrupted, stinging will occur.
When your skin burns or stings after applying a topical product, that's your nociceptors (also called pain receptors) indicating that the product is irritating and potentially harming the skin. Because inflammation often accompanies irritation, it's a sign that the product may be disrupting the skin barrier.
Sensitive skins in particular are at risk of suffering from this, so choose your moisturiser with care. If you feel like your face is stinging or burning after application – wash it off immediately!
If an ointment product like Aquaphor or Vaseline works (doesn't irritate your skin) – that's perfect. Your search is over. You can also try a bland emollient cream found in a drugstore, such as Vanicream and Cerave.
Some signs you may be over-moisturizing are clogged pores, blackheads, bumpy skin and excess oil.
“When you use moisturizer every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger,” he warned. “If you apply a lot of moisture, skin will become sensitive, dry, dull, and interfere with natural hydration.”
Skin care products with chemicals
If you are using products that have ingredients such as alcohol, parabens or retinol, this could well be the cause of your skin irritation around the eyes, so try switching to skincare products that use natural ingredients instead.
A tingling or stinging sensation happens due to an inflammatory reaction to a skincare product. The face has nerve fibers that are close to the skin's surface and when certain ingredients are applied, they can activate those nerve fibers.
The skin barrier is made of deal cells, natural lipids, and proteins. As skin matures, we lose this “strong” skin barrier, so it starts to weaken and your moisturizer can tend to burn the skin.
“A great moisturizer should make your skin feel hydrated, not oily. It should absorb, leaving a clean finish, and not just sit on top of the skin. It should allow you to layer makeup on top of it without piling up.”
Emollients can sometimes cause a skin reaction, such as: an overheating, burning sensation or stinging that does not settle after a few days of treatment – usually caused by a reaction to a certain ingredient in the emollient. blocked or inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) that may cause boils.
"Giving your skin a break is one of the best things you can do," she says. "More oxygen will be delivered to your face, and your skin will have more time to repair itself and regenerate its elastin and collagen." Breaks from your skin care can also be really useful if your complexion has been acting up.
Many people will notice a stingle or a sting when they first start using acids. This is completely expected and considered normal. After a while, this side effect can go away. The reason for this is because exfoliating acids actually improve lipid production to repair your skin's barrier.
Skin irritation from face moisturizers may be the result of several things. You may be allergic to moisturizer, the product may have ingredients that cause skin irritation, or it may be the wrong moisturizer for your skin type.
While it may be tempting to use your existing facial moisturizer around your eyes, it's best to opt for a specifically designed eye cream or gel to slow down the signs of aging and reduce the risk of irritation. “Always give this area a little extra TLC,” says Green.
Many cosmetic products contain chemicals which may increase ocular irritation, blepharitis, meibomian gland toxicity and even cause, or exacerbate, dry eye disease.
In surface application, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is generally well tolerated by all skin types and does not have a potential for sensitization. Normally, it does not present any undesirable side effects in cosmetics or cause hyaluronic acid burns.
We recommend applying Vaseline® Jelly on eyelids because some regular moisturizers and creams are not always safe to use on the eye area. The skin around the eyes is much more sensitive to irritants, so it's best to use a hypoallergenic product that contains pure ingredients.
Your skin might burn, sting, itch, or get red right where you used the product. You might get blisters and have oozing, especially if you scratch. The other kind of reaction actually involves your immune system. It's called allergic contact dermatitis and symptoms can include redness, swelling, itching, and hives.
The preservatives or chemical ingredients in sunscreen cause an intense stinging sensation. Avobenzone is one chemical that irritates when it comes in contact with your eyes. Although it won't lead to permanent damage, you may experience a chemical burn on the surface of your eye that can be painful for a few days.
"Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.
Skipping the moisturiser can also help to support the skin through the natural ageing process as they inhibit the production of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), one of our skin's natural moisturisers.
“In one day, the dryness you can experience is very, very minimal. But your skin can start to look a little flaky in two days, and after three days without a moisturizer, touching your skin can bring about red spots and that uncomfortable feeling.”