Why does every moisturiser burn my face??

[flintstonewall]

I've tried lots of moisturisers and they all burn my face.

It's like a tight, sunburnt, angry, itchy feeling and my skin actually hurts and is red for days after.

It can very from very mild to full on symptoms like the above. I think it's my skin causing the variation in symptoms, not the moisturisers themselves. As sometimes the same bottle can cause minimal symptoms and sometimes really bad reaction.

I've tried all different kinds of moisturiser, even sensitive skin types, so called hypoallergenic etc. Have tried about maybe 15 different brands.

I'm 34 and getting fine lines and my skin is drier and definitely in need of hydration so I feel I need moisturiser, but how do I use it when it feels and looks like a chemical peel gone wrong?? At least right now anyway, it's at it's worst.

I don't have much money to waste on constantly trying products.

Does anyone have any advice..

My skin sounds similar - but not quite as severe. I got a bottle of Clinisoothe in a box at some point that I didn't use for ages as wasn't sure what it was.
It's a revelation! It's really helped - not a miracle worker but I've sprayed on my face after cleansing for a couple of weeks now and used cerave last night - no stinging! I only used a tiny bit to test but I'm hopeful. I'm really hoping to get to the point of being able to use eye cream as my eyes really need it and I've never had one that doesn't burn and cause redness

I have this as flare ups three-five times a year when it's cold or in the sun. So painful!

Hydrocortisone from the pharmacy works well to sort the inflammation and reactivity. Not supposed to use it on face unlessPrescribed though so I am being a bit irresponsible suggesting it! Take it as you will!

Eucerin ato control Cream is amazing moisturiser and reduce inflammation. I've not need hydrocortisone since using this.

Try some vaseline very thinly at night for a few days it really helps heal as well as moisturise.

It sounds like a damaged skin barrier. You need to focus on products that heal and soothe like Eucerin or cerave balm.

Even E45?

Interesting. I find most sting me too.

Coconut/olive/rose hip oil are the only things my face can tolerate. Anything with chemicals in it just makes it sore.

Me too bloody burnt for weeks!!

I've had a couple of times when the only thing I could tolerate on my face was olive oil. I can normally keep the flare ups at bay by using as few products and as few ingredients as possible. Mostly I cleanse and moisturise with either almond or avocado oil. I buy them from the grocery, not the beauty counter - if it's deemed safe to put in my mouth I reckon it'll probably be ok on my face.

For some bizarre reason, I also get on ok with old school blue pot Nivea, even though it's heavily perfumed.

My skin gets like this although not as severe,even though water will sting it when it's bad.

I lay off all products until it improves and then add in only those tried and tested things which help.

Sudacrem - warmed between my hands and then applied thinly before bed really helps to heal it.

Rosehip oil is a moisturising agent that I don't react to, but again if my skin is bad I lay off.

I also find lush dream cream (again a tiny bit) is good.

I agree vaseline might help you too (makes me break out which is the last thing I need)

OP, you need to stop using products with many ingredients, one of them is causing problems. Use oil (not coconut as its comedogenic) like olive, rosehip, almond hemp to cleanse and moisturize. Look up oil cleansing for the method. It's just one ingredient and it will not irritate I promise. And its dirt cheap. This is the only thing that's saved my skin and keeps it looking young and supple. Ditch the moisturiser and all the chemicals that irritate the skin

I can't use anything water based on my skin, oils and ointment only. Creams cause a reaction like yours. For moisturizer I use a mix of white soft paraffinand liquid paraffin. From the pharmacy, I don't mix it up myself! Use sparingly. But it works a treat

I find Origins mega mushroom range to be amazing. It is expensive, but worth it. They are usually really good giving/reccommending samples at their counters.

Eucerin Ultrasensitive Soothing Care is the only face cream I can tolerate, and I've tried loads. I have rosacea and everything you describe resonates with me, even water makes my skin feel like it's burning.

I used to have this. Clinique Moisture Surge is my go to now and I'm so glad I found it.

I've got sensitive skin and can relate to the burning sensation when I've tried new moisturisers.

One I always go back to is Nivea Soft... Its just so good.

I've had the same with 'for sensitive skin' moisturisers. I now use plain aloe vera gel for every day and I bought this on impluse in TK Maxx and so far so good. I'm in my 50's.
www.erthskin.com/products/pink-nectar-lightweight-serum

@NinaDefoe

Same here OP. The only moisturiser I can use is No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream. It’s Hypo-allergenic, Dermatologically tested & Fragrance free.

I stockpiled it when they did their disastrous product rebrand last year & hoping that when I run out & buy more, the formula is the same.

Other than that, a basic Emollient from the chemist is quite good. Not very luxurious though!

I love this cream too. Thank goodness Boots have kept it as it is and not changed it with the all the fancy forumulas they now have. Do you use No7 cleanser and make up too?

This. You need this:

www.amazon.co.uk/Astral-Original-Face-Body-Moisturiser/dp/B001LK8BMC?psc=1&th=1&ref_=ast_sto_dp&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Have you tried this one?

www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/toleriane-sensitive-fluid-moisturiser/LRPUK-146.html

citygirl1961
I only use the moisturiser. Glad to hear hat the formula has stayed the same. I was afraid they would mess around with it. The No7 range isn’t great after their re-brand.

Have you tried an oil, maybe squalane oil?

I suspect it's lanolin setting you off I can't use that and it has the same effect you describe on me

Many of the products pps are recommending as helping with similar issues are lanolin free

I can't even touch anything wool briefly get an instant burning rash!

Your skin barrier is likely damaged ?

What's your routine

Try LRP cicaplast baume

Astral
Vaseline

Or Nivea blue pot