Many people experience a stinging sensation when using skincare products, and I believe many people have been troubled by this issue for a long time. What are the reasons behind this stinging sensation and how can we prevent and address it?
Some ingredients in skincare products can be irritating
High concentrations of alcohol, fruit acids, salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin C, as well as some preservatives and high-concentration essential oil products can potentially irritate the skin and cause a stinging sensation.
What to do: Be cautious when using these products, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, it's important to note that a stinging sensation is not necessarily bad; what matters most is how tolerant your skin is. True sensitive skin is rare, and most people are psychologically sensitive or sensitive due to excessive self-consciousness.
Severely dehydrated skin
If the skin is severely dehydrated, especially when applying a moisturizing mask suddenly, the pores may suddenly contract, causing nerve stimulation and a temporary stinging sensation. Additionally, if the skincare product itself contains irritating ingredients, the skin will perceive it upon application.
What to do: When cleansing, avoid using soap-based or poor-quality surfactants, opt for gentle and warm cleansing. Then, apply some alcohol-free toner, followed by a moisturizing essence and a hydrating mask. This will help reduce the stinging sensation.
Impaired skin barrier
If the skin barrier is compromised, its tolerance to external stimuli will decrease, leading to discomfort and a stinging sensation.
What to do: Strengthening the skin barrier is relatively simple. Start by using products that are gentle and suitable for your skin type, establish a good basic skincare routine, properly exfoliate the stratum corneum, and use some products containing oils to restore moisture to the skin. You will notice a reduction in the stinging sensation.
Unfamiliarity of the skin with skincare products
When first using a new skincare product, the skin may experience a stinging sensation due to an "adaptation period." For example, someone who has never used salicylic acid may find it difficult to tolerate initially, but with regular use, even high concentrations of acid will not cause much discomfort.
What to do: When using a new product, pay attention to the amount and frequency of use. Gradually increase the usage and if there is significant stinging, change from daily use to every other day.
Using skincare products during seasonal transitions
During seasonal transitions, particularly in summer and autumn, if the skin becomes excessively dry and the sebum production decreases, the skin lacks moisture and oil. When exposed to cold winds, there is no proper barrier to protect against external stimuli, resulting in a stinging sensation.
Incorrect skincare techniques
Generally, normal massage techniques do not cause stinging. The main cause may be the use of cotton pads or excessive force when using cleansing tools, causing irritation. Therefore, skincare techniques must be gentle and soft.
Using highly concentrated toners
Using highly concentrated toners or essences may not necessarily cause stinging. For example, a 15% vitamin C product is likely to cause a stinging sensation. As long as you avoid high concentrations of certain ingredients, you can minimize the irritation. However, it is important to note that effectiveness and risks coexist. High concentrations may have good effects but also carry risks. If you can tolerate the stinging sensation, you can still use them.
Abnormal skin pH
PH level is also a factor that can cause skin stinging. If the pH is too low or too high, it can lead to a stinging sensation. Additionally, using clay masks can also cause a stinging sensation.
