Are Skin Care Products Supposed to Burn?
I know some of you love to “feel the burn” during skincare treatments, thinking, "If it’s burning, it’s working!" You crack me up during facials—always ready to “blow something up” on your skin!
However, not everything that burns is beneficial. This mixed bag can be confusing, so let me help you decipher what’s good for your skin and what’s not.
When Is a Burning Sensation Okay?
Some skincare ingredients, like acids and enzymes, can cause a tingling or slight burning sensation on the skin. During your facial treatments with us, we’ll always let you know if something is supposed to feel tingly. This kind of stimulation is actually good for your skin. Think of enzymes and acids as little Pac-Men, eating up dead skin cells and breaking down buildup in your pores.
When Is a Burning Sensation a Red Flag?
However, if you experience intense tingling from something that isn’t supposed to feel that way, it might indicate skin sensitivity. If your skin becomes super red and burns from a product meant for gentle exfoliation, you could be reacting to an ingredient. Over-exfoliating or scrubbing can also lead to this issue.
Another common problem is a “compromised skin barrier.” When your skin barrier is damaged, even the gentlest skincare products can cause irritation, burning, and breakouts. This can result from overuse of exfoliants, exposure to harsh weather, or using the wrong skincare for your environment. If this happens, it’s crucial to stop using acids and scrubs and focus on restoring your skin barrier.
Products That Should Cause Tingling (and When It’s Normal)
Here are a few products on our shelves that should cause a mild, normal tingling sensation:
Mandelic 5% Toner Pads: These pads are an amazing blend of acids and niacinamide, which can cause temporary tingling and slight pinkness. Don’t worry—it calms down after a few minutes.
Prism Mask: This 20% acid mask is designed to give you a noticeable tingling sensation. After using this, avoid mixing other acids or retinols. Simply follow up with hydration and moisturizer.
Pumpkin Enzyme and Peel: These two will definitely give you the tingles! Again, be sure to follow up with hydration and moisturizer.
We’re in peel season, so it’s okay to embrace the tingle. However, if you notice any of the concerning signs mentioned above, please email us for personalized skincare support. We want to ensure your skin barrier stays strong and healthy!