Teenage Daughter W/ Dry Burning Skin (Facial Area)

Updated on June 03, 2009
B.H. asks from Valley Forge, PA
34 answers

My 13yo daughter has had a problem the last few weeks with dry/flakey looking skin on her face. I asked her to start using moisturizer in the morning and before bed. Yesterday she started crying in pain because the moisturizer was burning her face.

I had her show me everything she has been using on her face. She has a makeup remover that contained alcohol – I suspect she was using this more than necessary – thus likely the drying. But she hasn’t used it in a couple of days.

Last night I had her use my nighttime moisturizer that was heavy and this morning a light moisturizer that is for sensitive skin. Both caused burning.

Maybe after a few days we will get this under control. I don’t want to do the dermatologist yet since I think this can be managed on our own. She does have light skin and with a tendency to being sensitive. I’m wondering if any of you have this experience and how you manage skin care.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the great advise! We've taken in the great suggestions and focused over the past few days on this and as of this morning, she is in much better shape. I so appreciate all of the input - and many ideas that may help in the future as well.

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N.W.

answers from Harrisburg on

Try something like Aquafor, A&D ointment, or Vasaline. My daughter gets red, chapped cheeks really easy - I put it on two if not three times a day... and no read problems since!

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M.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try Aquaphor (or generic equivalent). I've used this for diaper rash and also for my husband & daughter's winter skin rashes. Works really well and it shouldn't sting.

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L.V.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would try to get a different make up remover for sensitive skin. Something that doesn't contain alcohol. Or maybe have her remove make up with cold cream. Also I found this out accidentally on a web site because I had a baby. You can use baby wipes to remove make up. It works awesome. Even takes off mascara and doesn't sting. Hope everything works out

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J.N.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi B. H, I know it has been a while since your original posting. I was wondering how things are going. I have extremely sensitive skin. A few years ago a friend introduced me to the Arbonne line. Their products are mineral free, derm tested, Ph correct, botanically based, and best of all not tested on animals. This is a Swiss formulated company so their standards seem better than what is excepted here in the USA. They have a great teen line FC5 for dry skin that uses kiwi, carrots, mango, pumpkin, and strawberry's in their formulation. Please check out the web site www.arbonne.com. ID # 17442248. I am positive this will help your daughter. My Best J. Nelson

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A.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Make sure that the moisturizer does not contain any retinols, acids or anything else that would be anti-aging. Most moisturizers do contain something more than just moisturizers. I would go with a very mild facial moisturizer--make sure it is facial. Body moisturizers are usually not formulated for face. Maybe try Eucerin or Cetaphil. I would avoid Olay...it can be very perfumed and harsh.

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D.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi B., I have not come up with your specific situation myself but my 2 year old daughter was getting dry patches of skin and her doctor recommended that she use Dove. It is more of a moisturizing soap than the others and can moisturize without additional moisturizer. I would think that since it is safe for the delicate skin of a toddler then it should be ok for your daughter. Also, you might want to try Mary Kay. I know that they have a skin care product specifically for teens. It is called velocity. Also, try to moniter how much water she is drinking. This will hydrate better than any product. I hope these ideas help.

Sincerely,
D.

M.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but I would avoid all products with petrolatum/petroleum (I use Cetaphil) - her symptoms sound exactly what happen to me when I use such products.

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S.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi B.,
You might try Celluvation. Other people with similar skin issues have had good results. It hydrates the skin, minimizes wrinkles and pores, and gives a healthy, natural glow. Also good for acne and rosacea. I have been using it for a few months now and am very happy with it, so I became a distributor. Please feel free to contact me for more info.

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M.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

B.,

My 12yo daughter is also fair skinned and has sensitive skin. For her really dry skin we only use Renew which can be purchased through Melaleuca. It is the only lotion we have found to work and does not burn. She has even used it on her skin and has the softests skin. If you want to know how to purchase this please let me know I will be happy to help out.

M.

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A.P.

answers from Allentown on

Hi, B.! Your poor daughter! That sounds very painful.

I know that this is going to sound like a huge sales pitch, so I appologize for that. I do happen to rep for a truly amazing company though & I really, really think that your daughter would have incredible results w/ their products!

Unlike most products, which consist of 90-95% water (what a waste of money!) and then some very harsh chemicals, L'Bri Pure n' Natural products are based on Aloe Barbedensis. Aloe has been trusted for centuries as a healing plant. Even Cleopatra used it as one of her most relied-on beauty aids! Everything else in their products is vitamins & botanicals. There are NO artificial dyes, fragrances, etc..., which some people are very sensative to.

I would highly suggest the system for Extra Dry skin. It is so soothing & healing. I have seen it work miracles with my own friends and family! My best friend went from dry and acne-ridden skin in, litterally, TWO AND A HALF DAYS by using L'Bri! Had I not seen it w/ my own two eyes, I never would've believed it!

The website is www.A..lbri.com . You can click on "free samples" on the home page & then select the last option, for Extra Dry Skin samples. OR you can pm me & I can mail you some for her to try.

I hope that she gets some relief soon! Especially since winter is just starting & it's sure to get worse! Poor thing!
Good luck!
A.

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M.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

DO NOT put essential oils directly on facial skin; they are too strong and will make what is probably an allergic reaction worse. Buy some over the counter strength hydrocortisone cream and use that for a couple of days. If she needs more moisture than that to keep the flaking down, Crisco, Vaseline or unscented cold cream. (yes, very greasy) Cleanse with Cetaphil or the like. You want as few ingredients as possible on the skin until this calms down. A dermatologist is probably a good idea. Once the skin looks normal, reintroduce products 1 at a time to find the culprit.

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R.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try using Aquaphor. That shouldn't burn,and if you notice her getting red and irritated again,try using "Cortaid Intensive Therapy Moisturizing Cream" which is a 1%Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream,but moisturizes the skin better than any face cream I've ever used. After you apply the cortaid then apply a thin layer of aquaphor. Works great. Although the aquaphor is greasy she may only want to use that at night, but the cortaid 2x a day. My son has really bad eczema and he is only 16 months, the doctor didn't want to start him on a steroid so that is the regimen he told me to do. Works Great!

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi B.!

I know that it sounds gross but the only thing that helps at this time of year is Vaseline. My daughter has the same problem with her face. She's only 6 so the only thing that she typically uses on her face is soap. Most moisturizers contain alcohol so applying them will only worsen the problem causing more burning/drying, especially if she's applying them right after washing which opens the pores. Tell her to put a thin layer of Vaseline on the affected area(s) at bedtime. She can put an old towel over her pillow so it doesn't get on the pillowcase/sheets. Try using Dove soap for sensitive skin for washing too! Good luck and have a wonderful holiday!

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W.E.

answers from Philadelphia on

I would suggest using a product with barely any ingredients until she can get this under control. Sometimes all the fragrances, alcohol (like you said) and additives can really irritate the skin and make things worse. It sounds like she needs a simple cream or a natural oil like almond oil/jojoba oil...until this gets better. Something that has no fragrance or oter ingredients... even an organic coconut oil (meant for skin)could work. Every night at bedtime gently put on the skin. It will be oily which is why she would wnat to use at bedtime. Don't wear any makeup until it clears up. What kind of skin cleanser is she using?? I would recommend something natural as well...I would recommend going to whole foods in their skin section. I also sell skin products but they are very expensive and most likely wont be necessary to fix this. But it is important to invest in good skin cleansers and moisturizers... not things bought in a drug store. I am a big advocate of that. Let me know how things work out or if you need any more help :) Good luck!

S.Y.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Cetaphil and eucerin for sensitive skin. Cetaphil s INCREDIBLE, and so gentle you can use it on babies!
I also base all of my skin care on Paula Begoun ("Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal" and "The Beauty Bible"). I read her book at age 12 and have been using her (CHEAP) routine ever since. You can get all of the products she recommends for less than $12. I don't usually announce this (for the risk of sounding pretentious) but I have been an actress and model for over 20 years and have to have good skin or I don't work! I also have pale, VERY sensitive skin and her regimine has really worked. She blows wide open the cosmetic industry and the myths they spread to sell their products. It's a good read.
Good luck!

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L.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

I agree that you need to find products for sensitive skin. Cetaphil has a great line of products. My 8 and 3yos use the face soap to avoid dry patches on their faces in the winter and it works like a charm. In term of the burning, when your skin gets extremely dry the lotion itself will hurt to put on. Get some lavender oil from the health food store and apply that to her skin before the lotion. Lavender is very healing. I used to work in foodservice and washed my hands constantly and they would get so bad all lotions hurt, no matter what the ingredients, a little lavender oil and it would get better in one day. I do not believe that a lotion with lavender in it works the same, most are for fragrance not healing. Good luck, its not a bad idea to eventually take her to a dermatologist eventually, with a new teenager and sensitive skin, they could give you ideas and insight how to care for her skin so this doesn't happen, it may be as simple as cutting out certain ingredients. At that age I wish I had know how to care of my sensitive, t-zone, rosacea skin. Good luck.

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R.S.

answers from Allentown on

My son gets something very similar on his cheeks and chin in the winter. He is only 5 so it is hard to find something good that won't hurt him. Aquaphor is by far the best product out there. It will almost completely heal it in one treatment overnight.

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S.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Teens do have more sensitive skin,esp at such a young age.
Why is she wearing makeup? You have been given lots of great suggestions,but you really need to look at what she is using and the ingredients.Here is a website to check out,you will be shocked at how many chemicals and cancer causing ingredients are in products we use on our bodies.
Check this out and and educate yourself.
www.safecosmeticdatabase.com and just enter the site,put in a company name and you will see the dangers of so many products like Dove,Avon,Covergirl etc etc.

www.SwitchStoresForHealthyLiving.com

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

Less is more. You need to determine what kind of skin she has, dray or oily, and then find the most gentle, natural type of moisturizer for that type, and don't use it more than once a day. At 13, she's too young for day and night creams and make up removers. Her natural skin has to function. You're right to find a remover without alcohol to start. Getting some vitamin E cream would be good. Good luck!

B.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

HI B..
Toss out that make-up remover! The moisturizers have alcohol in them as well, that is why they are burning. Begin with buying her make-up that is "soap and water washable". You can get water-proof mascara's etc that are labled and work that way. Then I recommend oil of olay facial cloth's. They are avaialbe in styles like sensitive, oily, combonation skin. These can be used morning and night for daily face washing. I have been using them for years and now all three of my daughters use them as well. My oldest has VERY sensitive skin and she also likes to use Morning Burst face wash. A great moisturizer is any Alveno product...they are very natural and soothing. I'm sure with a little care your daughter's face will clear up quickly and you can prevent any futher problems! Best wishes and happy holidays.

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J.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

During the winter I get really dry, irriated skin that itches and burns on my face and neck. I have had good results with Eucerin calming creme. It's not specifically made for the face, but it doesn't burn as much as the other lotions and it calms the irritated skin.

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F.H.

answers from Sharon on

I get really dry skin in winter and if its too dry everything stings it!

You can get makeup removers without any alcohol and I would suggest a switch.

I would get a moisturizer to use a few times a day and make sure she is drinking plenty of water.

There are times in winter where my skin is so dry I have to put the walmart brand of eucerin on my face. This is actually Dr. recommended for some eczema patients. Also there's another one but I don't remember what its called. Its quite expensive but my friend uses it for her daughter and it begins with a 'C'. Both can be bought at the store. Also for mild dry skin I've found Aveeno 24 hour moisturizer to be good too.

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K.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

I too have very dry skin and it burns when I use any product. I clean my face only with water and a washcloth which isn't as "fun" to teenage girls but works for me. (my two teenage girls love to use whatever the latest facial product is) As for moisturing, Badger products are excellent and really mild. I use the Baby Balm on my face when it gets really dry and this clears it up and will not burn as it is mostly chamomile. I also use a combination of glycerin and aloe vera for my dry skin which has helped tremendously. If she has this problem in the summer with sunscreen, Badger makes good products for that as well.
best,
K.
ps. Nature's Way in wilmington sells Badger products or you can get them on line.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would buy something as natural and gentle as possible. Aveeno Baby Fragrance Free lotion. I'd bet that won't burn. I think if it is just dry skin, it wouldn't burn when applying a moisturizer. Or even have her try try using plain olive oil on her face. Really.
It might be rosacea or eczema. I would have it looked at by a dermatologist.

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B.W.

answers from Erie on

I have found that a number of dry skin remedies burn my skin when it is dry. Cocoa butter, for one, which really surprised me. Have her take make-up off with water, and and moisturizing soap if water isn't enough. Why buy expensive "make-up removers" that might be part of the problem. Soap and water worked for YEARS before someone decided we needed something "new" for our faces.

BTW - how much make up is she wearing at 13 ?

For her face -- try eucerin -- the cream. It comes in a liquid and a fairly thick cream. I used to put the cream on my face and let it warm up there, so it would be easier to rub in. I've used it on baby's chapped faces, too, from cold winter winds. It works, it IS kind of greasy, but it feels good. And I think you'll find that it doesn't hurt. (yahoo !)

I would take a look at her makeup choices. Is she perhaps having a reaction to the makeup itself ? Have her try something gentle, like cover girl. When she puts it on, she can mix it with a droplet of water and it'll go on smoothly and evenly without undue rubbing, and water is also good for the skin.

All this from a mom whose kids don't use it. I used to wear make-up but I don't anymore. When my girls were little, I gave them make-up kits to play with because it was better stuff to wash off than little kids "Play makeup", and they don't bother with the stuff now. Your daughter is at the age when kids generally develop oilier skin, at least on a monthly basis, so I would be suspicious that something she is using is drying her skin, and or that she might be allergic to an ingredient in the make-up. She could test the products on other parts of her anatomy, to be sure they don't cause problems, and to find out how they feel on her skin before trying them on her face. (esp since some are burning due to her dry outer skin layer) Another option might be scented body butter from Bath and body works. It is very rich in moisturizers, and I use it on my face all winter. Plus it smells nice. My kids always notice, and my 15 yr old started using it, too, without even telling me -- she just stole some cuz it felt good and smelled nice. :-) So now I buy enough to share !

Good luck ! I'm sure this bothers her, not just because it hurts, but because she is obviously concerned about her looks. I hope you're able to tackle this in a way that helps her to do the problem solving and find a solution that works for her skin type.

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H.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I think that any moisturizer that has alcohol is going to sting...and I have had similar issues myself. I have found alcohol in ones I never would have expected to have it. So, in my experience Eucerin and Aveeno both are heavy and stay on for a while, and I don't think either one have bothered me.

M.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have extremely sensitive skin as well and have suffered from this same symptom many times. I have been using Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15 (white pump bottle with green rectangle on front) and it works wonderfully! Not only does it keep my dry skin moisturized all day but it has never caused any irritation. Not sure why but for years now my skin gets incredibly red, irritated and flaky around "that" time of the month. As a 30 year old woman it can be embarassing to have my face in that condition but this always works for me AND it's pain free! Good luck with whatever remedy you choose!

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L.H.

answers from Reading on

hello,
Dry skin is common especially with sensitive skin. I too have this problem, especially after delivering a baby. The key to moisturinzing is your skin has no moisture to lock in so you have to supply it. Splash your face with cool water and don't dry. Immediately apply the moisturizer, in your daughters case use one specific for sensitive skin, you may have to try a few BUT the burning may be from the fact that her skin is so dry that it's cracking and open. This is probably the case. Allow the moisturizer to penetrate first if she wears any makeup. She needs to think of this too from the inside out. Drink lots of water, a multi vitamin may help too, vitamin E is specific for skin. This should fix her up in no time. Good luck.
L.

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J.T.

answers from Allentown on

Have you tried old-fashioned cold-cream to remove the makeup? How about vaseline?
We use a product from the U.K. for our daughter (moisturizer but we use it with wet cotton pads to wash her face each night). I think the equivalent here is maybe Eucerin?
My son had a bad habit of licking his lips raw and our pediatrician prescribed some sort of cream (not hydrocortisone) that worked a charm and didn't sting like everything else.

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T.Y.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have extremely sensitive skin and I use Eucerin and Aquaphor (made by same company as Eucerin) products. They are the only thing I can use on my skin that doesn't burn.

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E.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

You may have to start using more expensive moisturizer on her. When I was in high school, I used my mom's Oil of Olay and it burned. Then I tried other, less expensive, more teen-oriented lotions. I broke out or burned with all of them, especially around my eyes. My mom finally bought me some Clinique and I haven't used anything else since. Her skin may have to calm down before you start anything else on her, though. Good luck, I know what she's going through.

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C.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi B.;

Have your daughter to start washing her face with Cetaphil facial wash, without using a washcloth until the sensitivity discontinues. Then have her use Neutrogena astrigent (blue bottle for senitive skin) let me know how she makes out.

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G.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have the same problem with my skin and it gets worse in the winter. I have recently started ordering for a website called DHCcare.com. The products are great! I suggest trying the Deep Cleansing oil and either the Water Base Moisture or the Rich Moisture. You will also get to order samples with every order you place, so you try new things. This saved my face!

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