Why Does Moisturizer Burn? 5 Reasons & How To Prevent The Burning Sensation

Moisturizers are an integral part of a skincare routine. And just like every other skin care product, they have their benefits to the skin but what happens when they burn?

It can be quite upsetting when you find out that your favorite moisturizer is actually causing irritation and burning. The good news is that there are many options for moisturizers, so finding one that won't cause this burning sensation should be easy.

 

Possible Reasons Why Your Moisturizer Burns

1. Dry Patches

Dry skin is a common skin condition that can arise due to a variety of reasons. Dry air, harsh soaps, and harsh weather conditions can all contribute to dry skin.

Genetics and age are also known factors that can lead to dry skin. Dry skin can be a sign of other conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. These conditions are known to cause dry patches on the skin, which can then lead to moisturizer burn if they are not treated properly.

If you have any of these symptoms and your moisturizer burns when you apply it to your face or body, there's a good chance that your symptoms are caused by dryness and probably other factors too.

2. Irritated Skin 

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to know what ingredients are in your moisturizer. Some ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and cause an allergic reaction.

If you're using a moisturizer with fragrance, try an unscented version until the irritation goes away.

Other ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin include:

- Fragrance or scented products - Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde - Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) - Alpha hydroxy acids.

Some people are allergic to certain ingredients in moisturizers. If you have an allergic reaction after using a moisturizer with these ingredients, try using an unscented version until the symptoms go away.

If you have rosacea, avoid moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) because they may make redness worse or trigger flushing or blushing episodes.

In addition, if your skin is irritated from any source other than your moisturizer itself, stop using that product until it heals completely before trying out another one again.

3. Sensitivity to Fragrance or Preservatives

If you experience irritation after using a moisturizer, it could be due to fragrance or preservatives. The fragrance is an ingredient found in many personal care products (including deodorants and shampoos), but it's especially common in moisturizers.

Preservatives are another likely culprit. They're used to keep bacteria and mold from growing inside the product, but they can also cause irritation if your skin is sensitive to them.

If you suspect that your moisturizer may contain these ingredients, look for one with "fragrance-free" or "paraben-free" on its label. Or check out our list of allergen-free moisturizers.

4. Wearing the Wrong Type of Moisturizer for Your Skin

Moisturizers are not one size fits all. The moisturizer that works for someone with dry skin will be different than the one that works for someone with oily skin, and so on. For instance, a moisturizer for sensitive skin will contain different ingredients than a normal or oily-type moisturizer does.

So, if you have oily skin and have been using an oil-free lotion in hopes of reducing shine without clogging pores, you may be surprised by how it makes your face burn after application.

This can happen because oil-free products often contain alcohol (which is what causes the burning sensation).

If this happens to you, try looking for a product labeled "oil-free" but also says "noncomedogenic" on the label. These products are formulated specifically to avoid clogging pores even though they're also designed to retain moisture in order to keep your face hydrated throughout the day or night.

5. A Reaction to Another Skin Care Product

One of the likely reasons why you're having these burns is because the moisturizer and other products are reacting to each other.

If you have used a chemical exfoliant, cleanser, or acne treatment, it could be that the ingredients in your skincare products are causing irritation when combined.

If this is happening to you, check the ingredients list on all of your products. If an ingredient is listed twice but has a different name each time (for example "salicylic acid" and "sodium salicylate"), then it's likely they are related chemicals and should not be used together because they can cause a reaction.

We recommend using fewer products at once so that any reactions will be easier to spot when they do occur. This can help you narrow down which skincare product is causing your reaction, and it will also prevent you from overloading your skin with too many products at once.

How To Stop Burning Sensation When Applying Moisturizer

1. Avoid Using Heavy Moisturizers

They are not good for your skin, and if you’re prone to burn when applying them, they could make the situation worse. This is because the moisturizer will clog your pores and trap oils in them, which can make them more susceptible to burning.

Instead, opt for lighter moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These are more gentle on your skin and won’t cause any problems when you apply them. Try our Elite Naturals Body Milk for a good hydrating moisturizing softening effect.

2. Try A Gel or Serum

If you’re prone to burning when applying moisturizer, try a gel or serum instead. These are lighter than lotions and creams and won’t clog up your pores.

They also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which will help keep your skin hydrated without causing any irritation or discomfort.

 3. Avoid Using Alcohol-based Products

Alcohol-based products dry out quickly. They can cause flaking in some people which may result in redness or even peeling off.

Use a moisturizer that is lightweight and non-greasy in texture. This will help to keep your skin feeling soft and supple without feeling greasy or oily, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

If you have extremely dry skin, you may need to use a thicker moisturizer with more oil content though.

How to Find a Moisturizer That Does Not Burn Your Skin

While it can be difficult to find a moisturizer that does not burn your skin at all, there are ways to avoid this.

 

Consider choosing a moisturizer high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural substances found in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that help neutralize free radicals they may also play a role in preventing wrinkles on the face. 

Look for a moisturizer with antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, and E. Some products contain combinations of these three vitamins together.

 

Related Post: Is Toner Supposed to Burn?

Conclusion

If you want to jump right into getting the best moisturizers that can effectively hydrate your skin without causing burning sensations, we recommend using either of these products - Elite Naturals Body Milk and Purifying Face Cream.

Each of these products contain ingredients that will not only moisturize your skin perfectly, but they will also take away any effects previous burns have left on your skin. In other words, your skin will become so soft and free of any blemishes.