Why does moisturizer burn?

What can cause the burning?

• Excessively dry skin can sting, itch, crack or develop a rash. Exfoliating dry, peeling skin can strip away more moisture.
• Irritant contact dermatitis is inflammation caused by contact with something irritating, rather than an allergy. It can cause burning, pain and dry, rough skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to something touching your skin. Fragrances in moisturizers and some preservatives can be triggers.
• Rosacea often makes facial skin sensitive and easily irritated. Products that feel comfortable on other skin can irritate skin with rosacea.

What should you do now?

1. 1Stop using the suspected product. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining irritant.
2. 2Choose a fragrance free cleanser and a replacement moisturizer suited to your skin. For dry skin, a cream or ointment holds more moisture than a lotion.
3. 3Avoid exfoliating dry, peeling skin. Avoid products containing alcohol, alpha hydroxy acids or fragrance while adjusting your dry skin routine.
4. 4Smooth the replacement moisturizer gently over the skin rather than rubbing it in. For ordinary dry skin, apply after washing while the skin is damp; if you have rosacea, wait until your face is dry.
5. 5Use a comfortable moisturizer at least twice daily for excessively dry skin. Emollients used for dry skin conditions can be applied more often, ideally three or four times daily.

Creams absorb quickly and suit daytime use; greasy, thicker ointments suit very dry skin and nighttime use. Ointments are usually free of preservatives, but should not be used on weeping eczema.12

Why does my face burn when I apply moisturizer?

With rosacea, applying moisturizer to a dry face makes burning or stinging less likely. Wash gently with a mild cleanser and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry without scrubbing. Choose a fragrance free cream rather than a lotion or gel, and avoid toners. If you use rosacea medication, apply the medication first, then moisturizer.4

A moisturizer helps trap water in the skin, which is a more useful job than sounding luxurious. A comfortable rosacea friendly moisturizer can reduce dryness and irritation; abandoning all moisturizers is not the same as avoiding the particular product causing trouble.4

Why does my skin burn after moisturizer?

A reaction need not happen during application. Irritant contact dermatitis can start immediately or within 48 hours. Allergic contact dermatitis is often delayed by 24 to 48 hours, and an allergy can develop after years of tolerating a product. An itchy rash, cracking or blisters alongside burning warrants medical assessment. Repeated reactions can require medical patch testing to identify an allergen.35

When should you get medical help?

Speak to a pharmacist or clinician if burning persists, keeps returning, or your skin becomes painful, cracked or bleeding. Contact dermatitis often clears within two to three weeks, but can return if the trigger remains. Seek immediate medical advice for a severe reaction, rapidly worsening symptoms, discharge, increasing pain, or feeling unwell or shivery.135

If you use a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and an emollient. Ask your doctor which to apply first.2