Lotions are a low-thickness cosmetic formula, less viscous than creams. Lotions are applied topically on the face and body and provide moisture to dry skin. However, in some cases, the lotion burns dry skin. There are many reasons why applying the lotion causes a burning feeling and irritates the skin. Let's learn more about them.

Possible Causes for the Stinging Lotion

Here's a list of triggers that can cause the burning sensation when lotion is applied.

1. The dry skin nature

Dry skin becomes easily chapped. The cracks due to dryness are like invisible wounds and the lotion acts as a nourishing and healing antiseptic that burns when applied to the broken skin. So, in a way, rather than the lotion, the major cause of the stinging is the dry skin itself.

2. Various categories of reactive ingredients in lotion

• Alcohols

Alcohols are put in lotions as a preservative. They have a dehydrating nature, which means they would make the dry skin even drier. Alcohols tend to rip off the natural moisture. If the skin is broken or chapped, the lotions containing alcohol would cause stinging as if applied on cuts.

• Fragrances

This could be even more problematic if the perfumes are synthetic. Artificial fragrances can easily irritate dry skin. They mess up the natural skin barrier and cause stinging. Artificial scents are basically extracted from chemicals and may not be suitable for dry skin. That's why highly scented lotion burns dry skin.

• Emulsifiers

Oil and water are mixed to make lotions, but they cannot stay together on their own for very long. So, emulsifiers are added to bind them permanently. People who have dry skin can feel harsh to the emulsifiers. Such lotions tend to make the skin sore and produce a burning sensation.

• Acids

Acids are mainly added to lotions in the form of alpha and beta hydroxy acid, for example, AHA and BHA, due to their anti-aging properties. However, being acids, their pH level is lower than what your skin needs. This answers why does lotion burn dry skin! The other common forms of acids found in lotions are benzoic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid. These also dissolve the natural oils present in the skin and cause burning.

• Preservatives

Preservatives are necessary to protect the lotions from bacterial and fungal growth. Water-based lotions have a higher chance of contamination in the absence of preservatives. But preservatives like formaldehyde, parabens, and methylisothiazolinone can trigger the burning sensation.

Picking the Right Lotion for Your Dry Skin

So, to make things easy for you, here's a list of things to avoid and things to look for in the lotion.

• Ingredients you need to stay away from

Opt out of colored and perfumed products. A lotion containing too many acids and alcohol variants is also bad news for sensitive, dry skin. Also avoid mineral oils, emulsifiers, and waxes to get rid of the dry skin burning after the lotion is applied.

• Things to look for

The best lotion should be hydrating and gentle on the skin. If a lotion burns dry skin, look for something that has natural ingredients and no harsh perfumes or chemicals. The safer lotions have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. These keep the skin hydrated. Glycerin, aloe vera, chamomile, propylene glycol, and proteins retain the moisture without causing any burning. Ceramides and plant oils repair the damaged and broken skin and improve its quality.

A Nourishing Regime for Dry Skin

• Healthy diet

A lotion can only hydrate from outside, but a proper diet nourishes your skin from the inside. Eat plenty of hydrating veggies and fruits like spinach, cucumber, lemon, oranges, and berries. Almonds, flax seeds, and walnuts contain healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which replenish the skin with sufficient oils and lipids.

• Plenty of water

Water is bliss for dry skin. Nothing can soothe your dry skin as water does. So, to keep the skin supple and well-hydrated, drink enough water. On average, have at least 8-10 glasses of water every day.

• Protection from extreme temperatures

An extreme temperature variation makes the dry skin worse. Too much cold takes away the moisture and makes the skin crack. On the other hand, direct sunlight is also harsh for the skin. It is suggested to take greater care of the skin and protect it from too much heat or cold.

The Extract

If you experience dry skin burning after lotion usage, the possible reasons may be harsh chemicals, artificial perfumes, or preservatives. Milder lotions with ceramides, glycerin, and urea are safe for the dry skin. Maintain a healthy diet and drink enough water to nourish the skin naturally.