Ask the Doctors

Monday, November 10, 2008

Q Is there any product to help the burning feeling in my face?

Response from Dr. Zoe Draelos, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, with a research interest in cosmetics, toiletries and biologically active skin medications, and author of the textbook Cosmetics in Dermatology:

While there is no medical therapy that targets the burning feeling in your face, avoiding products that burn or sting and following a careful skin-care regimen can substantially reduce or eliminate the problem.

Burning or stinging is a common aspect of rosacea, and stinging reactions to facial products may be especially common in patients with subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic) rosacea, characterized by flushing and redness.

Because sensitivities may vary among individuals, the best way to determine what may irritate your particular condition is to try a product on a peripheral area such as the neck to see if a reaction occurs. If you have a reaction, avoid the product and note the ingredients. In addition, formulations are now available that are designed to soothe sensitive skin and avoid irritation, and you may wish to try these with the same self-test.

In addition to identifying and avoiding any skin-care and cosmetic products that cause stinging, the cornerstone to ensuring that skin remains calm and non-reactive is a daily facial skin-cleansing routine that avoids irritation. Moderation in temperature and touch is the watchword: wash the face with water that is lukewarm; use a gentle, non-soap cleanser; and use the fingers rather than the rougher washcloth.

You may not know that skin is more sensitive when wet, and therefore should be completely dry before applying medication to avoid irritation. Initially wait up to 30 minutes after washing before applying topical therapy or skin-care products. Later, the 30 minutes may be reduced by five-minute increments until you have identified the minimal time you need to avoid stinging. Wait five to 10 minutes after applying topical therapy before following up with moisturizers or cosmetics.