The myth that if your skin is tingling, it means that your product is working is a dangerous one. If your skin is acting up under a new face mask or from using a new product, it is actually a sign that the product is destroying your skin’s barrier. Yep, all those DIY lemon face masks you used as a teen did you more harm than good! But not all is lost.
We can simply say that stick to what you know, but as skincare fanatics ourselves, we know that’s not possible. This is why we recommended you do a patch test before you try a new product. But even after a successful test, if your skin still acts out after the first couple of applications, you need a serious reset.
So if your new serum or cleanser is giving you redness and stinging pain, here’s what you need to do…
- 01. Put your skin on a diet
- 02. Use a hypoallergenic face wash
- 03. Focus on barrier repair
- 04. Sleep with a calming gel on
- 05. Observe your skin closely for the next couple of days
01. Put your skin on a diet
Repeat offenders, which cause skin irritation, are alcohols, potent actives like retinol, artificial dyes and fragrances, and chemical exfoliators. This is why the first step to healing your skin would be to put it on a diet. No, not a food diet, but an ingredient one. Stick to the basics, like cleansing and moisturising your face twice a day, and push the other skincare products to the back of your drawer for a while.
02. Use a hypoallergenic face wash
Your skin is already mad about a certain irritant you put on it, do not make it madder with a harsh cleanser too. While your skin is on healing mode, switch to a hypoallergenic, light and hydrating cleanser to wash your face. Your skin has its own internal mechanism to calm irritated skin, so do not disturb it by using a heavy-duty cleanser.
BB picks: Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash
03. Focus on barrier repair
Irritation caused by skincare products can damage the top layers of your skin. Focus on barrier repair with the help of moisturisers and serums. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramides that help thicken the top layers of your skin and aid the barrier repair process.
BB picks: Dermalogica Barrier Repair Moisturiser
04. Sleep with a calming gel on
Your skin is in a major repair mode when you are sleeping, and having irritated skin can ruin your peace at night. Apply a calming and cooling gel, preferably something with aloe vera in it, and go to bed. The constant irritation won’t disturb your slumber, will keep your skin hydrated overnight and help calm the stinging sensation.
BB picks: Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Aloe Vera Gel
05. Observe your skin closely for the next couple of days
If you have suffered a chemical burn from a new serum or have your rosacea flare-up from a new mist, take the above steps and observe your skin for the next couple of days. If the inflammation is not going down on its own, you might have to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe you the right topical products or medication to help bring it down. Do not wait for too long for the redness and inflammation to subside on its own, as it can get worse if left untreated.
Written by Sumona Bose on Feb 26, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!