The experience of having tears sting or burn the skin as they flow down the face is a common, uncomfortable phenomenon. This sensation often leaves the surrounding area noticeably red and mildly inflamed, especially on the delicate skin around the eyes and nose. Understanding why this burning occurs requires looking closely at the specific science of tear production and the biology of the skin barrier. The answer lies not just in the fluid itself, but also in the body’s emotional response and the skin’s protective layer.
The Baseline Chemistry of Tears
Tears are a complex biological fluid designed primarily to maintain the health and lubrication of the eye. They are structured into three distinct layers that work together to form a protective film. The outermost layer is lipid-based (oily), slowing the evaporation of the tear film and keeping the eye moist.
The middle, thickest layer is aqueous, consisting mostly of water, dissolved electrolytes (salts) like sodium and chloride, and various proteins. These electrolytes help maintain osmotic balance within the eye. The innermost layer is mucin, which acts as an anchor, allowing the tear film to spread evenly and adhere to the eye’s surface.
Normal tears (basal and reflex) are slightly alkaline, with a pH generally around 7.4, comparable to blood plasma. Tears also contain lubricating proteins, such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, which possess antimicrobial properties that protect the eye from infection. These standard components are generally non-irritating to the skin.
How Emotional Crying Alters Tear Composition
The chemistry of tears changes when a person cries due to emotional stress (psychogenic tearing). Unlike basal tears, emotional tears tend to have a higher concentration of protein content. These elevated proteins can make the tear fluid slightly thicker and more viscous, causing it to linger on the skin surface longer before evaporating.
Emotional tears contain increased levels of stress-related hormones, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin, which the body releases during stress. While the exact pH of emotional tears is debated, they can sometimes deviate slightly from the neutral pH of basal tears, potentially becoming marginally more acidic or basic.
This shift in pH, combined with hormones and denser proteins, creates a mixture more irritating to the delicate facial skin than standard tears. The higher concentration of salts and other dissolved components also contributes to the stinging sensation as the water content of the tear evaporates, leaving a more concentrated residue on the skin surface.
Why Skin Irritation Occurs
The facial skin, particularly around the eyes and cheeks, possesses a protective surface layer known as the acid mantle. This mantle is naturally slightly acidic (pH around 5.5), which is necessary for barrier function and defense. When tears, which have a near-neutral pH of approximately 7.4, sit on this acidic surface for an extended period, the pH difference can temporarily compromise the skin barrier.
This minor chemical imbalance makes the skin more permeable and susceptible to inflammation from the tear components. Adding to this chemical stress is the mechanical action of wiping away tears, which causes physical irritation. Aggressive rubbing damages the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), creating microscopic breaks in the barrier.
This friction introduces inflammation and exacerbates the stinging sensation. People with pre-existing skin sensitivities, such as eczema, rosacea, or seasonal dryness, react more strongly to this combined chemical and mechanical assault. The thinness of the skin around the eyes also contributes to faster irritation because this area has fewer oil glands to naturally protect the surface.
Simple Steps to Soothe Irritated Skin
Minimizing the burning sensation begins with changing how tears are removed during and after crying. Instead of wiping with a cloth or tissue, gently blot the tears away using a clean, soft material to prevent friction and mechanical damage. This blotting action removes the fluid without physically stripping the skin’s protective oils.
Immediately after a crying episode, rinse the entire face with cool, clean water to wash away any residual salts, proteins, and hormones that linger on the skin. The cool temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing immediate redness and inflammation. Following the rinse, gently pat the skin dry to avoid reintroducing friction.
Applying a simple, gentle moisturizer or a barrier cream containing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid can help to restore the compromised lipid barrier. These products work to re-establish the skin’s natural protective mantle and lock in moisture. If the irritation persists for more than a day, or if the skin develops a persistent rash, severe redness, or pain, it may be advisable to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.