Ah, My Face is on Fire!
Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Skin Burns
Yup, we've all been there.
Whether it’s a sunburn, a scrape, or a reaction to an overzealous skincare routine, your face feels like it's on fire, and you're desperate for relief.
Understanding the type of burn you’re dealing with and knowing how to treat it quickly can make all the difference in your skin's recovery.
In this article, I’ll dive into the steps you should take to soothe and heal your skin when it’s burning.
Understanding the Types of Burns
To keep it easy, I’m referring to any skin barrier compromization as “a burn” in this article.
Before you can effectively treat a burn, it’s important to identify the type of burn you’re dealing with. Different burns require different approaches, and knowing the cause can help you avoid further irritation.
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to excessive UV radiation from the sun.
It typically results in redness, swelling, and pain, and in severe cases, blistering.
The severity of a sunburn can vary, but even a mild sunburn can cause long-term damage to your skin if not treated properly.
Now, there are many potential ways to prevent or reduce incidence of burning from excess UV exposure, including but not limited to exposure to red and near-infrared light, seeking shade as needed, avoiding inflammatory foods and alcohol, and wearing protective clothing.
That said, since this is a skincare newsletter, I’ll stick to talking about SPF and remedies for post-sun exposure.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns in skincare usually result from overuse of active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or even from using products that are too harsh for your skin type.
I’ll throw it out there that some people do experience irritation from vitamin C serums though I believe this is typically due to the lower pH found in many of these serums rather than vitamin C itself.
Because vitamin C is a rather unstable ingredient, certain formulations are created at lower pHs to prevent it from oxidizing as readily.
These burns can cause redness, peeling, and stinging sensations, and if severe, may require medical attention.
The key to treating a chemical burn is to immediately stop using the offending product and focus on soothing and repairing your skin.
We’ll get into this more further down.
Physical Burns and Scrapes
Physical burns and scrapes can occur from friction, heat, or minor injuries.
These burns may not be as severe as sunburns or chemical burns, but they can still cause discomfort and require care to prevent infection and promote healing.
My advice: Identifying the type of burn is the first step in effective treatment. If you’re unsure, treat the area with caution and opt for gentle, soothing remedies until you can determine the cause.
Immediate Steps to Take
When you first notice a burn, the immediate actions you take can significantly impact how quickly your skin recovers.
Here’s what to do as soon as you feel that burn.
Cool It Down
The first step is to cool down the affected area.
This is crucial for sunburns and chemical burns, where the skin is inflamed and irritated.
Use cool (not cold) water to gently rinse the area, or apply a cool, damp cloth for immediate relief.
This practice will provide an acute stimulus to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
I recommend avoiding using ice directly on your skin as this can cause further irritation or damage.
For sunburns, taking a cool shower or bath can also help soothe the skin.
Adding oatmeal or baking soda to your bathwater may provide you with some additional relief.
Avoid Further Irritation
Once you’ve cooled the skin, it’s vital to avoid anything that could further irritate the area.
This means no exfoliants, no active ingredients like retinol or AHAs, and definitely no harsh cleansers.
Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products that are designed for sensitive skin.
If your skin is burning due to overuse of a product, immediately discontinue use and focus on calming and hydrating your skin.
My advice: Less is more when your skin is burning. Stick to the basics (gentle cleansing, cooling, and hydration) until your skin begins to heal.
Soothe and Hydrate
After you’ve cooled down your skin and removed any potential irritants, it’s time to focus on soothing and hydrating your skin.
This is where your choice of products can make a big difference in how quickly your skin recovers.
Aloe Vera and Calming Ingredients
Aloe vera is a time-tested remedy for burns, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps to cool the skin and reduce redness while providing a gentle layer of moisture.
When choosing an aloe vera product, opt for one without added fragrances or alcohol, which can further irritate your skin.
Other calming ingredients to look for include chamomile, calendula, and colloidal oatmeal.
These ingredients are used for their ability to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
Moisturizers and Barrier Creams
Hydration is key when your skin is burned.
A good moisturizer will help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture, which is crucial for healing.
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is rich in hydrating and nourishing ingredients like bisabilol, glycerin, or ceramides.
These ingredients help draw moisture into our skin and keep it there, which is essential for repairing the skin barrier.
Barrier creams, such as those containing dimethicone or petrolatum, can provide an additional protective layer over your skin.
These are known as occlusives; they help lock in moisture and prevent further irritation from environmental factors.
My advice: Apply a soothing gel or serum immediately after cooling the skin, and follow up with a rich moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected as it heals.
Protect and Heal
As your skin begins to recover, it’s essential to protect it from further damage and support the healing process.
This stage is about being gentle and giving your skin the time it needs to fully repair.
Sun Protection
If your burn is the result of sun exposure, or even if it’s not, it’s crucial to protect your skin from further UV damage while it heals.
Sunburned skin is particularly vulnerable to additional damage, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a good choice.
You can find some of my favorite sunscreens in this Supergoop review and this sunscreen roundup.
Healing Ointments
To support the healing process, consider using a healing ointment.
Products like petroleum jelly or specialized healing balms can help to lock in moisture, protect the skin barrier, and promote faster healing.
These ointments are particularly beneficial for preventing the formation of scabs and reducing the risk of scarring on scraped or burned skin.
For example, Prequel’s Skin Utility Ointment is excellent for irritated skin.
My advice: Keep your skin protected during the day, and apply a healing ointment at night to lock in moisture and support skin repair.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most minor burns and irritations can be treated at home, there are certain signs that indicate you should seek medical attention.
Signs of Severe Burns
Blistering: If your burn is severe enough to cause blisters, especially if they cover a large area, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Severe Pain: If the pain is intense and not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers, or if it persists for more than a few days, seek medical advice.
Signs of Infection: Red streaks, pus, or increased warmth around the burn could indicate an infection, which requires prompt medical attention.
When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious. If your burn seems severe, is not improving, or shows signs of infection, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Long-Term Care and Prevention
Once your skin has healed from the initial burn, it’s important to take steps to prevent future incidents and ensure your skin remains healthy.
Gentle Skincare Routine
After your skin has healed, we want to reintroduce your usual skincare products slowly.
Start with gentle, hydrating products and avoid using any strong active ingredients until your skin is fully recovered.
You can gradually reintroduce exfoliants and retinoids, but be sure to monitor your skin for any signs of irritation.
Preventing Future Burns
Prevention is the best treatment, so take steps to protect your skin from future burns.
Wear SPF, seek shade, or wear protective clothing if you’re not prepared for the amount of UV exposure you’re going to experience on a certain day.
Otherwise, if you’re using potent skincare ingredients like retinol or chemical exfoliants, introduce them gradually and always follow up with hydrating serums and moisturizers.
My advice: Be gentle with your skin, especially after a burn. Focus on hydrating and protecting your skin, and take preventive measures to avoid future irritation.
Product Recommendations
Here are some products that can help soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin when it’s burning:
For Soothing, Hydration, and Nourishment
Medik8 Liquid Peptides: A serum with 10 peptides that help reduce wrinkles, support wound healing, and deliver targeted moisture to improve skin firmness.
CocoKind Ceramide Barrier Serum: A hydrating serum with five ceramides and supporting lipids that help repair skin barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce signs of irritation.
Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm: A dense, soothing balm with marshmallow root and colloidal oatmeal that locks in moisture and supports skin barrier healing.
For Protection and Wound Healing
Prequel Skin Utility Ointment: A petrolatum-based ointment to support the healing process and prevent scabbing.
SuperGoop Zinc Screen: A sunscreen with zinc oxide to protect your skin from further UV damage while it heals.
The Ordinary Soothing and Barrier Support Serum: A multi-active solution with ceramides, niacinamide, and centella asiatica that helps repair skin barrier, reduce redness, and boost hydration.
My advice: Choose products that are designed for sensitive or compromised skin. Focus on soothing, hydrating, and protecting your skin as it heals.
Conclusion
When your skin is burning, it’s easy to panic, but taking the right steps quickly can make all the difference.
By understanding the type of burn you’re dealing with, cooling and soothing the skin, and protecting it as it heals, you can minimize damage and speed up the recovery process.
Remember to be gentle with your skin, focus on hydration and protection, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your burn is severe.
With the right care, your skin will heal, and you’ll be back to your normal skincare routine in no time.
Cheers,