When it comes to skincare products that cater to most people, CeraVe cream is one of the products that come to mind. CeraVe moisturizing cream is known to all, from beginners to experts, because of its balanced formula. However, does it burn the skin?
If you bought this moisturizing cream due to recommendations or honest reviews, but you are not getting the expected results, rather a burning sensation after each application, it is right you seek answers and solutions.
Moreover, it would be a waste to throw out a tub of cream when the solution could be as easy as switching on a lightbulb.
If you are seeking answers to why your CeraVe moisturizing cream burns, you are in the right place. I will be treating the issue behind the burning sensations you feel after using this cream.
About CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Cerave is a skincare line ranging from cleansers to moisturizers to sunscreen designed to enhance skin health and protection. The brand is known for using essential skincare ingredients to create a friendly formula that fits almost any skin type.
The main ingredients found in CeraVe products are usually ceramides and peptides. These are naturally occurring fats and lipids found in the skin (epidermis). The three essential ceramides are ceramides I, II, and III.
These ceramides help to improve moisture balance and protect the lipid barrier, reducing the effects of free radicals in the skin and restoring the natural skin barrier.
Of the CeraVe products, the moisturizing cream is well-known. It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are naturally occurring in the skin. These ingredients restore moisture and the natural skin barrier.
Additionally, it increases skin hydration and soothes the skin. The composition is also light and suitable for all skin types, but most especially dry skin. It is the perfect skin-balancing cream to improve suppleness and protection.
The formula of CeraVe moisturizing cream is on the light and safe side; it is also gentle on the skin as it contains ingredients that are not harmful.
Can CeraVe moisturizing cream cause burns?
Yes, it can. CeraVe moisturizing cream can burn. However, this should not happen.
CeraVe moisturizing cream contains hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides, which help to trap moisture and enhance the lipid barrier.
When the moisturizer burns the skin instead of soothing and hydrating it, various reasons can be behind this. It does not necessarily mean you bought a bad product, but more of skin compatibility.
Moreover, if you are using the cream for the first time, your skin may likely be going through a purge that detoxifies the skin of old ingredients. Whatever the reason, this should not be a cause for alarm.
Why is CeraVe moisturizing cream burning your face?
CeraVe moisturizing cream can cause burning sensations on your skin or face due to various reasons. Some of them include:
1. Compromised skin
This often happens when your skin becomes exposed to dehydrating or environmental variables. For instance, being exposed to cold can dry out your skin, leaving it vulnerable. This, in turn, causes a drop in pH level, which regulates the moisture balance of the skin.
Furthermore, transepidermal water loss can lead to over-dried skin. This all leads to compromised skin. When this happens, your skin will likely burn when you apply moisturizer.
2. Using exfoliating acids that dry the skin
Over-exfoliating or using harsh chemicals to exfoliate your skin without proper aftercare can cause the moisturizer to burn when applied to the skin.
When exfoliating, follow the guidelines set by the product manufacturer. Do not over-exfoliate your skin. Give it time to build and retain moisture before sapping it with the cleanser.
3. Using harsh skincare ingredients
While a moisturizer will help balance your skin after cleansing, toning, or exfoliating, the ingredients may have longer effects. Ingredients like tretinoin, Differin, or arbutin, are highly potent and can clash with other components.
If you use the moisturizing cream after these harsh ingredients, the contrast can cause a reaction on your skin.
Beware of ingredients that dry your skin, and follow the rules of skincare layering (from lightest to heaviest).
4. Dry skin
When you experience dry skin, it means you have a low pH level, which is more sensitive and irritable. While CeraVe moisturizing cream caters to dry skin, if you have very dry skin, the moisturizer might irritate and cause burning sensations.
5. Changes in skin barrier
This can be caused by aging skin, overexposure to free radicals, environmental toxins, and UV radiation. Once your skin barrier weakens or starts to, the moisturizing cream may leave a burning sensation after application.
What to do when CeraVe moisturizing cream burns
If you experience burning sensations after using CeraVe moisturizing cream, the first thing you need to do is stay consistently hydrated.
You can boost your skin sensitivity level by using a heavy moisturizer at night, then CeraVe in the morning. Staying constantly hydrated will leave your skin with enough strength to stop the burns.
Also, minimize the frequency at which you exfoliate your skin. When you exfoliate too much, you reduce the pH level of your skin, which in turn, causes a moisture imbalance. Try exfoliating once or twice a week until your skin gets its balance back.
Moreover, avoiding harsh skincare products and switching to lighter ones that work well with hyaluronic acid and ceramides help.
You can also decide to wait the sensation out if your skin is going through a purge. However, if the burning sensations continue after three weeks, discontinue the cream. It is incompatible with your skin.
FAQs
Is CeraVe moisturizing cream good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, it is.
CeraVe’s moisturizing cream is good for acne-prone skin. The cream is non-comedogenic; it does not clog the pores. It also contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin without feeling too heavy.
You can use the light cream on your face without risking any breakouts.
Will CeraVe clear hyperpigmentation?
No, it won’t.
CeraVe moisturizing cream will not clear hyperpigmentation because its primary role is to hydrate and not lighten the skin.
However, the cream will increase suppleness, which glows up your skin and makes it look silkier.
Is CeraVe dermatologist recommended?
Yes, it is.
CeraVe comes highly recommended by dermatologists because it is made based on research by dermatologists who understand skin needs. That’s why it’s a tagline they use when they say, ‘CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand.’
Conclusion
CeRave moisturizing cream comes highly recommended. However, some people have complaints of burns on their skin. This is not natural.
The burning sensation is often caused by compromised skin, over-exfoliating, extremely dry skin, or using harsh ingredients along with the product. Sometimes, it can also be due to skin purging.
Nonetheless, these causes can be stopped by changing the process or products in your routine. But if this continues, it’s best to stop because your skin is incompatible with the ceramides formula.
This does not mean CeraVe moisturizing cream does not work. It does what it is made to do for your skin – moisturize. So use it wisely.
Thanks for reading.
You can get more helpful skincare guides here on Serum101.