At the end of the day, washing your face should feel refreshing and relaxing. But if your facial cleanser causes a burning or itching sensation, this ritual can be ruined.
So, what should you do when your face burns when you wash it? Keep reading, and we'll tell you the six most common mistakes when washing your face and how to fix them.
Key Takeaways
- You're washing your face too often
- You're not washing your face enough
- You're using a cleanser that is too harsh
- You're using the wrong cleanser for your skin type
- You're using too hot water to wash your face
- You're using an old towel to dry your face
See Related: How to Banish Your Body Acne: Skincare Tips and Tricks
What Are Some of the Most Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your Face?
Like exercising regularly, eating healthy, and showering, washing your face is an important part of overall well-being.
Not only does it keep you fresh and clean, but it also keeps your skin's protective barrier strong and protected. Remember that your skin barrier is what protects your body from the world, keeping out pollutants, bacteria, and foreign objects, and keeping in moisture and nutrients.
So, let's break down the six most common mistakes that people make when washing their face.
#1. You're Washing Your Face Too Often
If your skin feels tight or dry, you may be washing it too frequently.
As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your skin twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. But for those with sensitive skin or dry skin, this may need to happen only once a day (preferably at night).
#2. You're Not Washing Your Face Enough
Just like washing your face too much is bad, washing your face not enough is also detrimental. While washing your face too often can strip and dry your skin barrier, the opposite can cause the buildup of bacteria and dirt in your pores.
However, keep in mind that the frequency of your cleansing will depend on a few things - primarily, your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin types, then you should wash your face less frequently. But if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, then it can happen more frequently.
Not washing your face enough can lead to irritated skin
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face twice a day, as we've already established. But something to note is that only washing your face with water isn't enough. That's because the buildup on your skin of oil, bacteria, and dirt isn't water-soluble and can't be removed with water alone.
That's why an effective yet gentle cleanser is vital for your skincare routine.
Bonus: A Gentle Oily Skin Routine for the Best Results
#3. You're Using a Cleanser That Is Too Harsh
We mentioned a gentle cleanser. And we specify "gentle" for a reason.
It's important to nourish and support your skin in order to maintain its health. But harsh ingredients or aggressive formulas can break down your skin's protective barrier, leading to that burning sensation or itchy skin you may be experiencing.
Active ingredients can make your face burn or cause an allergic reaction
There are a few ingredients that could be to blame for your burning, irritated skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and lactic acid are all known to potentially lead to inflamed skin, persistent irritation, or a stinging sensation.
Though they are all effective and popular acne treatments, they're not meant for everyone! If you are trying to treat acne, only use a very thin layer of these active ingredients and only use them periodically.
#4. You're Using the Wrong Formula for Your Skin Type
It's hard to overstate the importance of using the right formulas for your skin type. You need a cleanser that is suited to your skin type and skin concerns.
So, if you have skin irritation or burning when using your cleanser, it's probably because you're not using the right one!
Choose a face wash that is suited to your skin type
If you have dry, sensitive, or mature skin, it's best to use a gel cleanser that is rich in nutrients, natural oils, and emollients. This will keep your skin barrier soft, hydrated, and protected. That's why we use ingredients like rice bran wax, apple extract, and hydrolyzed rice protein in our Rice Facial Cleanser. You can also use a foaming cleanser, instead.
#5. You're Using Too Hot Water to Wash Your Face
If you feel your face burning, itching, or stinging while washing it, the culprit is usually the skincare ingredients you're using. But the water you use can also play a part in the health and reactions of your skin.
Water temperature can lead to a damaged skin barrier or a burning sensation
Using water that is too hot can lead to irritated skin, a damaged skin barrier, and skin sensitivity. It strips away the oils and moisture in your skin, causing it to dry out and become inflamed.
You should only use lukewarm or cool water to wash your face - the same thing goes for your shower and baths, too! You can even refrigerate your skincare for a refreshing treatment, too.
(Tip: To make your showers all the more enjoyable and ritualistic, use a coffee body scrub to exfoliate and smooth the skin.)
#6. You're Using an Old Towel to Dry Your Face
We've covered the temperature of the water and the composition of your skincare. But what about the way you dry your skin?
There are a few things to note here. For starters, you should always use a clean, fresh towel. Using an old towel will just transfer bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells back to your face.
Secondly, you should just pat your skin dry. Rubbing your face dry will lead to more irritation, redness, and stinging.
The Bottom Line
Whether you have an allergic reaction, a chemical burn, or skin irritation, it's important to treat your skin with care and tenderness. Your skincare routine should nourish and support your skin - not lead to a stinging or burning sensation!
In addition to these six common mistakes we've outlined above, here are some other tips and tricks to make your face washing ritual all the more effective and enjoyable:
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Use a moisturizer: If your skin burns, stings, or itches when washing it, the best way to soothe it is with a moisturizer. A fragrance-free and oil-free moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and calm.
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Use hydrating and nourishing ingredients: Some active ingredients (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) can cause a burning sensation. But others, like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, can soothe and calm the skin, instead.
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Use skincare products that change with your skin: Throughout life's highs and lows, your skincare should move with you. For example, during menopause, it's common to experience sensitive skin, which is what this skin cream for menopausal skin is perfect for.
Keep Reading: 7 Skincare Products That You Need in Your Routine
People Also Ask
How Do I Stop My Face From Burning?
If you find your face burning, itching, or stinging, the best thing you can do is avoid your trigger. The same goes for an allergic reaction on your face. That could be sun exposure, pollutants, or skincare products. The next best thing you can do is apply a cooling or soothing cream with anti-inflammatory abilities.
Why Does My Face Hurt When I Wash It With Water?
If your face hurts when you wash it with just water, it could be because you have hard water. Hard water contains more minerals than usual, including calcium, magnesium, and iron. These extra minerals can lead to breakouts and dryness or irritation in some cases.
Is Face Cleanser Supposed to Sting?
Nope! Your face cleanser should not sting, hurt, or itch your face. Some skincare products may do this, like chemical peels or clay masks, but not cleansers. It's best to use soothing and gentle cleansers, like this Rice Facial Cleanser, which uses hydrolyzed rice protein and apple extract to calm, hydrate, and plump the skin.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
