Tears and Skincare: Why Crying Causes Skin Burning (And How to Soothe It)

Ever wondered why your skin burns when you cry? We’ve all been there, but few of us know the science behind it. In this post we’ll get to the bottom of it and give you some tips to soothe your skin after a emotional moment. Whether you cry occasionally or all the time, understanding how it affects your skin will help you keep your skin healthy even when life gets tough.

Why does my skin burn when I cry?

Crying is a natural human response to many emotions but it can leave our skin feeling uncomfortable and irritated. Let’s get into the reasons why your skin burns when you cry:

1. The composition of tears

Tears are not just water. They contain a cocktail of substances including:

• Salt (sodium chloride)

• Proteins (lysozyme and lactoferrin)

• Oils

• Enzymes

• Metabolites

The salt content in tears is the biggest culprit when it comes to skin irritation. When you cry, the salt in your tears can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

2. pH imbalance

Your skin has a naturally acidic pH level (4.5-6.5) and tears have a pH of 7 which is neutral. The difference in pH can temporarily disrupt the skin’s barrier function and cause burning.

3. Mechanical irritation

Crying involves rubbing or wiping your eyes and face. The repeated motion can cause mechanical irritation to the skin especially if you’re using rough tissues or your hands.

4. Dehydration of the skin

As the tears evaporate from the skin surface, they can leave behind salt residue. This residue can pull moisture out of the skin through osmosis and cause localized dehydration and irritation.

5. Increased blood flow

Crying causes increased blood flow to the face which can result to flushing and warmth. For some, this increased circulation can feel like burning.

How to soothe your skin after crying

Now that we know why skin burns when we cry, let’s get into some gentle and effective ways to soothe your skin post-cry:

1. Cleanse gently

Start by washing your face with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. This will remove the salt residue and rebalance the skin’s pH. Don’t use hot water as it can further irritate sensitive skin.

2. Cool compress

Apply a cool, damp cloth to your face for a few minutes. This will reduce inflammation and give immediate relief to burning skin.

3. Hydrate and moisturize

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum or essence followed by a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Look for products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile or cucumber extract.

4. Use a calming face mist

A face mist with rose water or thermal spring water can help refresh and calm irritated skin. Keep one in your bag for quick relief on the go.

5. Consider a soothing cream

For those who experience frequent skin irritation after crying, having a soothing cream on hand can be helpful. Products like the Skin Burn Cream Repair Natural from Poljoy are designed to heal and relieve irritated skin. Not specifically marketed for post-crying care but the natural ingredients can be comforting to sensitive skin.

6. Hydrate

Drink plenty of water to replenish your body’s hydration which can help your skin recover.

Skincare tips for emotionally stressed skin

Emotional stress can stress out your skin and make it more prone to irritation and breakouts. Here are some tips to care for your skin during emotionally challenging times:

1. Stick to a routine

Having a consistent skincare routine can give you a sense of stability and make sure your skin gets the care it needs even when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

2. Gentle products

During emotionally stressed times, your skin can be more sensitive. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation.

3. Don’t neglect sun protection

Emotional stress can make your skin more prone to UV damage. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen even on days you’re staying indoors.

4. Self-care rituals

Do soothing skincare practices like facial massage or use a jade roller. These can help reduce tension and relax you and your skin.

5. Probiotics

Topical and oral probiotics can support your skin’s microbiome and reduce inflammation and improve skin resilience during stressful times.

6. Watch your diet

Emotional stress often leads to poor food choices. Try to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support your skin from the inside out.

When to see a dermatologist

While occasional skin irritation from crying is normal, persistent issues need professional help. See a dermatologist if you have:

• Redness or irritation that lasts more than a few minutes

• Rashes or hives after crying

• Dryness or flaking that doesn’t improve with moisturizing

• Signs of infection like warmth, swelling or pus

Remember your emotional and skin health are connected. If you’re experiencing frequent emotional distress that’s affecting your skin, consider talking to a mental health professional too.

Emotional skincare

Now that you know why your skin burns when you cry, it’s time to take better care of your skin during emotional times. By using gentle skincare and soothing products you can minimize the discomfort and have healthy skin even when you cry.

Crying is a natural and healthy way to release emotions. Don’t be too harsh on yourself or your skin when it happens. With the right care and attention you can support your skin through all the ups and downs and have resilient and glowing skin.

For more skincare tips and advice on sensitive skin visit Poljoy for loads of resources and product recommendations for different skin concerns.

Love your emotions, care for your skin and remember both your feelings and your skin are part of your human experience.