The skin around the eyes, known as the periorbital area, is uniquely susceptible to irritation, often manifesting as a burning sensation. This is the thinnest skin on the entire body, making it inherently fragile and less protective. The periorbital region also contains fewer sebaceous glands than other facial skin, resulting in a naturally drier surface that lacks protective oils. This combination means the skin barrier is easily compromised, allowing common irritants and environmental stressors to penetrate more readily and trigger a burning or stinging reaction.
Reactions to Topical Products and Cosmetics
A frequent cause of burning under the eyes is contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction triggered by substances applied directly to the skin. This includes irritant contact dermatitis, a non-allergic response to harsh chemicals, and allergic contact dermatitis, an immune system reaction to a specific allergen. Common cosmetic ingredients are significant culprits due to the skin’s thinness and high absorption rate in this area.
Active ingredients designed to resurface or treat the skin, such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), can cause intense irritation, redness, and peeling, often referred to as a “retinol burn.” This irritation is caused by the ingredient accelerating cell turnover and compromising the skin barrier. Products not directly applied to the under-eye area, such as shampoo or hair dye, can also transfer and cause a delayed allergic response days later.
Other common irritants include preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasers, as well as synthetic fragrances added to products. Chemical sunscreens, which contain UV-absorbing filters such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, often cause stinging when they migrate into the sensitive tear film via sweat or facial oils. Switching to mineral-based sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can alleviate this chemical sensitivity.
Environmental and Climate Factors
The external environment plays a significant role in compromising the skin’s protective function, leading to increased sensitivity and burning. Exposure to low ambient humidity, such as during winter or in air-conditioned environments, accelerates transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This rapid moisture loss dehydrates the skin’s outermost layer, causing micro-fissures and damage to the lipid barrier.
Wind exposure and extreme cold are physical stressors that mechanically disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and heightened reactivity. When the barrier is damaged, normally tolerated substances, like water or a mild moisturizer, can cause a stinging or burning sensation upon application. Even low-grade sun exposure is damaging, as ultraviolet radiation weakens structural proteins and contributes to inflammation, making the area vulnerable.
Air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. These microscopic particles penetrate the skin barrier and induce oxidative stress, compromising the skin’s ability to maintain hydration and protection. The cumulative effect of these environmental stressors makes the delicate under-eye skin more prone to burning.
Underlying Skin and Eye Conditions
The burning sensation can be a symptom of a chronic medical or inflammatory condition, requiring specific diagnosis and management. Atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, frequently affects the under-eye area due to a genetic predisposition resulting in an impaired skin barrier. This barrier dysfunction makes the skin more reactive to allergens and irritants, leading to chronic inflammation, dryness, and intense itching that progresses to burning.
Inflammation of the eyelid margins, known as blepharitis, causes a burning or gritty feeling that often extends to the surrounding skin. Blepharitis involves the malfunction or blockage of the meibomian glands, which secrete the oily layer of the tear film, leading to dry eyes and secondary skin irritation. Allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies, also causes intense itching, which leads to secondary skin irritation and burning from rubbing or chronic inflammation.
Ocular rosacea, a subtype of the facial skin condition, is a chronic cause characterized by burning, stinging, and redness affecting the eyes and periorbital skin. This inflammatory disorder is often associated with meibomian gland dysfunction and increased sensitivity to triggers like heat, sun, and certain foods. These underlying conditions create a cycle of inflammation and barrier disruption, resulting in persistent burning symptoms.