Why Your Skin Stings—Even with Just Water

Stinging Skin: Sensitive Skin That Burns

Stinging skin is a type of sensitive skin. (1) You may notice that your skin stings but nothing is there, because stinging skin often occurs without any skin redness, rash, or visible irritation.

You may feel a burning sensation like sunburn, but not see redness. It has also been described as skin tingling.

This can occur when washing your face with only water, when applying skin care products, when exposed to heat or cold, or even when doing nothing.

People who have this type of sensitive skin are called “Stingers” by dermatologists. The definition of a stinger is someone whose skin stings but there is no rash and no evidence of skin allergy.

Causes of Stinging Skin

Why Skin Stings

New Skin Care Products Sting

Ascorbic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide

Hydroxy Acids

Retinoic Acid and Retinol

Where Skin Stings

Skin Stings Around the Mouth and Cheeks

Skin Stings on Back

Ingredients in Skin Care Products that Cause Stinging

List of Ingredients that Can Make Your Skin Sting

Science of How Ingredients Cause Skin to Sting

Tips to Treat Stinging Skin

Skin Care Routine for Stinging Skin

References

Causes stinging skin

Causes of Stinging Skin

If you have stinging skin, chances are you need to re-evaluate your skin care routine.

You are probably using the wrong skin care product for your skin type, or something is making them too strong for your skin.

These are the most common causes of burning and stinging skin:

Rosacea

Low pH (acidic) skin care products

Beginning retinoids or increasing retinoid strength

Over exfoliation

Skin inflammation

Skin allergy

Ingredients skin skin care products

Why Skin Stings

Skin stings when nerve endings in the skin are stimulated. There are special nerves and receptors in the skin that make you feel stinging on the skin.

The skin stinging sensation is very common on the back, neck and face.

It can happen when your environment, health, or skin care routine changes.

Why can water sting?

Why does water sting my face?

When you have skin inflammation, rosacea, are over exfoliated, or are starting a new retinoid (or increasing the frequency or strength of a retinoid), everything will make your face sting- even water. Friction from the towel used to dry your face can also cause stinging.

If washing your face with water causes stinging, try these steps.

Stop all skin care products

Avoid face brushes and loofas

Use a soothing cleanser or cleaning oil

Apply a soothing oil such as argan oil 2-3 times a day.

Soothing oils can reduce skin stinging (I personally use the PAORR Oil because I have very sensitive skin):

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$22.75

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$22.75

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Glimmer of Hope Shimmering Facial Oil

$58.00

Add to Cart

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

$79.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra MD 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

$24.00

Out of Stock

PAORR By Zerafite Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

$22.75

Add to Cart

Why do new products sting?

New Skin Care Products Sting

New products in your skin care routine can cause stinging. What should you do if this happens?

Retinoids, hydroxyacids, ascorbic acid, and benzoyl peroxide often sting when you first start them. This is what to do if these are in your new routine.

If you have a skin reaction with redness or a rash, read this blog instead.

First, make sure you are using the right skin care routine for your Baumann Skin Type.

Take the Quiz

If you are using our routine recommendations and you still have stinging on the face but no rash, this is what to do if you are using these ingredients:

Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid stings many people, especially when used on the face. The good Vitamin C serums have a low pH, which some people cannot tolerate because they feel the acid stinging their skin.

Vitamin C is not a good choice for “stingers” or for those with rosacea.

When you take our skin type quiz, we specifically ask if your skin is stinging. Go back and retake the quiz, answer “yes” to this question, and you will get a skin care regimen that is less likely to sting your skin and has ingredients to calm and soothe it.

Take or retake the quiz here.

benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BP) can make your skin sting, especially if you have a dry skin type.

If you are using BP and you sting, these tips can help stop the stinging:

Decrease the % of the BP you are using

Stop any hyaluronic acid in your routine

Use a barrier repair moisturizer

Stop any low pH cleansers

Reduce the strength of any retinoids you are using

BP is a known irritant. Using too high of a dose, or using it with other exfoliants can cause skin to sting.

glycolic acid

Hydroxy Acids

Hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid have a low pH so they can sting irritated or over exfoliated skin.

If hydroxyacids sting, try these tips:

Decrease the number of exfoliants in your routine

Retake our quiz and say yes to the stinging question

Stop using hydroxyacids

Change to a better moisturizer for your skin type

Retinoic Acid and Retinol

Retinols turn into retinoic acid in the skin. Using a new retinoid or increasing the retinoid strength is a common cause of skin stinging.

If you think retinol or other retinoids are making your skin sting, stop them and read these retinoid instructions.

retinol

Where Skin Stings

Where your skin stings can be a clue to the cause of stinging. Stinging on the face is almost always caused by skin care products, rosacea, or over exfoliation.

Skin Stings Around the Mouth and Cheeks

The parentheses areas around the mouth- called the nasolabial folds, and the cheeks are the most common areas on the face to sting.

The increase in sensitivity in this part of the face is thought to be caused by a thin stratum corneum in the upper layer of the epidermis,

a high density of sweat glands and hair follicles in this around, and an elaborate network of specialized sensory nerves that detect stinging.(2)

Skin Stings on Back

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a condition where people feel itching on their upper or middle back, usually in areas that are hard to reach.

This itchiness can sometimes feel like a “stinging” or burning sensation. It’s not fully clear why this happens, but it might be linked to issues with the nerves in that area.

Things like tight clothing, changes in temperature, or stress can make the feeling worse. It can be frustrating, especially because it’s in a spot that’s tough to scratch or soothe.

Which ingredients cause stinging?

Ingredients in Skin Care Products that Cause Stinging

There are ingredients are more likely to cause skin stinging on the list below. However, if one of these cosmetic ingredients causes your face to sting, it does not mean that all of these ingredients will make you sting.

There is specificity of the stinging response. You may sting to lactic acid, but not with benzoic acid and azelaic acid.

One study showed that there was no correlation between patients who stung from lactic acid and those who stung from azelaic acid. (2)

This suggests that there is some sort of stinging specificity involved that has not been figured out by scientists.

List of Ingredients that Can Make Your Skin Sting

Avoid any low pH ingredients such as acids and any ingredients on this list if your skin stings:

Alcohol

Ascorbic Acid

Avobenzone (Parsol)

Azelaic acid

Benzoic acid

Capsaicin

Eucalyptus oil

Fragrance

Glycolic acid

Hydroxyacids

Lactic acid

Menthol

Peppermint

Retinoids

Salicylic acid

Sorbic acid

Vitamin C

Witch hazel

Alcohols can cause stinging on the skin

Science of How Ingredients Cause Skin to Sting

New research has shown that transient receptor proteins (TRPs) in keratinocytes of the skin can detect environmental stimuli.

TRPV1 and TRPV4, members of this protein family, are primarily involved in perceiving heat, pain, and itch sensations.

TRPV1 is the receptor that identifies capsaicin — the compound found in chili peppers– and activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin is why our skin (or mouth) detects heat.

Fascinatingly, TRPV1 is also responsive to low pH environments and could elucidate the stinging sensation that “stingers” experience by some when lactic acid is applied to the skin.

The sensitivity of the TRPs can vary between individuals and explain why some people sting from a skin care product, while others do not.

Skin Care Ingredients that Target TRP Receptors:

Capsaicin: Found in chili peppers, it specifically binds to and activates TRPV1, imparting a warming sensation.

Menthol: Known to interact with cold-sensitive TRP channels, delivering a cooling effect.

Camphor: Another ingredient that can modulate TRP receptors, often used for its soothing properties.

Salicylic Acid: While primarily an exfoliant, it can influence TRP receptors, particularly in higher concentrations.

Lactic Acid: As mentioned, its lower pH can stimulate TRPV1, leading to a stinging sensation in sensitive individuals.

Understanding the interplay between these ingredients and TRP receptors will lead to more understanding about what causes skin to sting.

Other products in your skin care routine can affect the activity of these receptors. The cutaneous barrier, which is our skin’s frontline defense, interacts seamlessly with these TRP channels.

When this barrier is compromised, TRPs become even more susceptible to external agents. For instance, ceramides, naturally occurring lipids in our skin, can influence how these receptors respond.

A decline in ceramides might heighten the skin’s reactivity, making it more prone to sensations like itching or stinging.

Moreover, various environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations or exposure to certain chemicals, can further modulate TRP activity.

This variability underpins why it is necessary to truly customize tailor skincare regimens to target all of your skin’s concerns.

Tips to treat stinging skin

If your skin stings, here are some tips to make it feel better fast:

Apply a soothing oil like argan oil

Consider keeping your moisturizer in the refrigerator

Try an ice roller

More tips for when your skin stings:

Do not exfoliate

Wash with room temperature water or cold water

Consider using a thermal spa water with selenium

Avoid low pH cleansers like glycolic acid and salicylic acid

Stop retinoids for 4 days and restart slowly

Avoid foaming cleansers

Avoid extreme temperatures

Avoid Vitamin C serum

Best routine for stinging skin

Skin Care Routine for Stinging Skin

Starting a new skin care routine can result in skin stinging. This will occur if you use more than 3 types of exfoliating products at the same time.

So- it your skin stings- stop all hydroxy acids, retinoids and Vitamin C for 4 days. Then slowly re-add each one. We recommend starting the retinoid first and closely follow the retinoid instructions.

Do not add in the hydroxyacid or the Vitamin C until you can tolerate the retinoid without stinging.

Of course- ALWAYS make sure you are using the right skin care products for your Baumann Skin Type.

Using the wrong skin care products or the wrong skin care routine or products in the wrong order can cause skin stinging.

Take the quiz and answer yes to the stinging question to get a customized skin care routine to soothe and calm stinging skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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