Myth: Burning or stinging means a product is working effectively
Truth: A product never needs to burn to be effective.
Does a product burning mean it’s effective?
Gone are the days we’re picking up a scrub and aggressively rubbing our skin in order to reach out skin goals. A gentler, more mindful approach will yield more effective results.
Discomfort or stinging can be a sign of irritation. This irritation can lead to inflammation, which can cause damage to the skin barrier.
What products can cause tingling?
It’s important to separate mild tingling and burning. Some exfoliants may cause mild tingling, but they should never hurt or cause irritation that leads to discomfort. It’s a myth that the more a product burns, the better it’s working. It actually just means that you’re likely to experience redness and inflammation.
What to do if a product causes burning?
The first thing you should do if a product causes stinging or burning is to stop using it immediately. Wash any of it off and pat your skin dry. Follow this with a very gentle moisturiser that contains zero active ingredients. Instead, look for soothing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and aloe.
Continue using gentle skincare (only mild wash and moisturiser) until the reaction calms down. Remember to introduce new skincare products slowly so that you can control any reactions as best you can.
If the reaction to the product has caused irritation that you’re worried about, seek medical attention from your GP or dermatologist. For significant reactions, get emergency help.
Why is a product burning my face that used to be fine?
Sometimes, when you overuse a chemical exfoliant, it can cause a mild burn that results in irritation, redness, flaking and stinging. It’s important not to over-use active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids AHA (like glycolic acids) or beta hydroxy acids BHA (like salicylic acid) as it can damage your skin barrier. The best practice is going low and slow; low in strength and slow on introduction. Start with using your acid once a week and see how your skin reacts to it. And make sure you’re still using a good moisturiser to keep that skin barrier intact.
Acids can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine—just don’t overdo it.
