
Wearing sunscreen every day during the treatment and for 1 week afterward can help prevent this. Therefore, if someone uses these ingredients and then has exposure to the sun, they may develop a burn.
CHEMICAL BURN ON FACE TREATMENT SKIN
SunburnĪHAs and BHAs increase skin sensitivity to UV light from the sun, as well as tanning beds. Sometimes, the symptoms get better as the skin adjusts to the product, but if they do not improve, it is important to speak with a dermatologist. Using retinoids for the first time, for extended periods, or at high strengths may lead to retinol burn. The symptoms of retinoid irritation can include: They are present in many skin care products but can cause what some refer to as “retinol burn.” Unlike burns from acids, retinol burn is not a true chemical burn but a form of skin irritation. Retinoids, such as retinol, are forms of vitamin A. In addition to chemical burns, the ingredients in some skin care products may cause other types of burns or symptoms that are similar to a burn. Higher concentrations may produce stinging, irritation, or burns, which may manifest as: Salicylic acid comes in a variety of forms, with concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30%. It may also be present in topical treatments for: Salicylic acid is one of the most popular, and it is an ingredient in many treatments for acne due to its ability to unblock pores. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as:īHAs are another type of acid with slightly different properties to AHAs. AHAsĪHAs are a group of acids that exfoliate the skin. Usually, only qualified professionals can carry out these stronger peels, but some people may attempt to use them at home.Īlternatively, a person might use a weak or moderate strength product too often, which could also result in skin damage.īelow are some of the skin care ingredients that may cause burns or burn-like symptoms. However, stronger products do exist, particularly in chemical peels. This is not dissimilar to the skin’s natural pH, which is slightly acidic. Most over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain these acids are weak, with a pH of about 4. Some skin care products contain acids, which exfoliate the face by dissolving the outermost layer of skin cells and oil. How might skin care products cause a burn? If the burn is severe, it is essential to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. However, they may wish to prescribe a topical antibiotic or low strength steroid cream to prevent infection. Doctors do not recommend systemic medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, to treat chemical burns. Alternatively, they could use a showerhead.Īfter washing the skin thoroughly, it is advisable to speak with a doctor. If the product is on the face, a person can do this by tipping their head over a sink, bath, or shower basin before pouring water from a jug. It is important to avoid contact with the runoff water. If any of these symptoms occur after applying a skin care product, a person should immediately remove any contaminated clothing and wash the skin with clean running water for 20 minutes. Rather, they are signs that it is damaging the skin.

Burning and pain are not signs that the product is working as it should. Some skin care products or treatments may be acidic enough to cause one.Īnyone who feels any discomfort when using a skin care product should not attempt to leave it on the skin. We look at the treatment and prevention methods and explain when to seek medical help.Ĭhemical burns are skin wounds that occur due to a strongly acidic or alkaline substance. In this article, we explain what to do if skin care products cause a chemical burn. These symptoms may or may not be related to the acids in the product. Another possible cause is damage from UV light, as AHAs and BHAs increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making sunburn more likely.īurn-like symptoms may also occur due to irritation or an allergic reaction. This damage may be a result of the acid itself causing a burn. They are popular ingredients in skin care, but improper use can result in skin damage. These acids belong to a group of substances known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Acid exfoliants include ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. Skin care can cause a chemical burn on the face if a person uses acid exfoliants that are too strong, applies them too frequently, or leaves them on for too long. To treat chemical burns on the face, a person should remove irritating products and wash the area in running water. Incorrect usage of acid-containing skin care products can cause facial chemical burns.
