Why do my Tears Burn like Acid? Our Doctor Shares The Real Reason!

Have you ever wondered why your tears burn like acid? Why do your tears feel hot? It's a question that has been asked for centuries, but now we finally have an answer.

If this sounds familiar to you, don't worry, we have the solution! Read our blog post if you want to get rid of that burning sensation!

Why do tears burn when I cry?

Your eyes may burn because your tears aren't enough in quantity or quality to provide adequate lubrication and nutrition. As a result, it can develop into a painful sensation that feels like a foreign body or burning.

Why do my tears burn my face when I cry?

When you cry, the saltwater from your tears hits your face, and it makes it sting (even more on delicate skin.) The tears burning your face happen because tears are salty and salt is drying. So when we cry, our tears can dry out our skin which causes the burning feeling on our faces.

Why do tears leave red marks?

Porphyrin is a red compound found in many biological processes, including blood, muscles, and tears.

Whenever someone cries, their eyes secrete more tears laden with porphyrin, which can stain the skin around the eyes producing those tell-tale "raccoon eye" circles.

Some people use red or pink eyeliner to help hide raccoon eyes. Note that your eyes might dry out and feel irritated if you use too much eye makeup.

Why do tears make my face itch?

Your face itches because your tears have a salt content, and salt makes your skin dry. The dehydration in your tears can also strip away the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to the irritations of the environment.

Do tears irritate skin? Yes, that is why we recommend using a moisturizer after you've cried to restore moisture balance to your skin.

Also, drinking water throughout the day will help maintain optimum hydration levels needed for healthy-looking skin.

Do tears cause pimples?

Yes, because rubbing from crying can clog the pores. Pimples and acne are often caused by skin oil and bacteria getting trapped in pores and triggering an inflammatory reaction.

If you wear makeup to cover up the redness of your eyes, be sure to use oil-free products so as not to worsen the situation.

Causes of burning eyes

Contact lens wear

If you wear contact lenses, your eyes are likely irritated by the lens material or solutions.

If you experience eye irritation when wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately to protect your eyes from further damage.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors like air humidity, airborne chemicals, and pollution can irritate your eyes.

If you live in a particularly dusty area or spend long hours commuting, make sure to carry wet wipes for face cleansing.

And if the environment is particularly polluted, consider wearing protective eyewear.

Dryness

Dryness can cause your eyes to burn, regardless of environmental factors.

If you are exposed to dry air in the winter or live in an area with low humidity, it's essential to moisturize your skin daily because it will help keep irritation at bay.

Acid forming food

If your eyes burn after eating certain foods, you are likely at risk of indigestion.

Fruits like oranges and lemons can cause burning in the eyes because they contain high amounts of acid. The acid enters the bloodstream and travels to the tear glands, producing acidic tears that irritate your eyes.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation in the eye. Some causes are blood vessels or the immune system, infection, or injury.

Inflammation can cause severe irritation, blurred vision, discomfort, and stinging pain in the eyes.

If you experience burning or severe redness in your eyes, consult your optometrist to rule out uveitis as a possible cause.

Chemicals

Chemicals commonly found in the workplace, household products, and medications can also trigger eye discomfort.

If your eyes burn after using new cleaning chemicals or perfumes, you're likely sensitive to one of the ingredients.

In cases where irritation lasts for an extended period due to continued exposure, consult a medical professional to determine if your condition results from chemicals.

Eye infection

Sometimes, burning eyes are a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can cause oozing and crusting in the eyelid corners. Other symptoms include a mucus discharge from the eyes and painful sensitivity to light.

If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it's essential to seek medical attention.

Acidic tears

Tear glands secrete saline-based tears to protect the eyes from irritants and foreign objects.

However, when your tears contain a high amount of acidic compounds like phosphoric acid, you may experience eye irritation and discomfort.

Phosphorus is an essential component in many foods our body needs for survival. But it can also be poisonous in high doses.

When your body absorbs too much phosphorus, you excrete it through the tears and sweat glands. That's why some people experience eye irritation after consuming foods rich in phosphorus like eggs, meat, and fish.

In rare cases of excess intake, you may need to visit the hospital for intravenous hydration.

Allergies

People with allergies tend to have hypersensitive immune systems that produce more histamine molecules responsible for allergic reactions.

Histamine increases the permeability of membranes and therefore increases tear production. That explains why you might feel the urge to cry when you have allergies.

You may be interested in "Why is it necessary to get your eyes dilated?"

Treatments for burning eyes

Artificial tears

Artificial tears with lubricants, non-preserved saline solution eye drops, and ointment with glycerine sulfate to rehydrate the cornea.

If you wear contact lenses, consider using preservative-free or daily disposable lenses to reduce the risk of infection. Also, invest in a good quality brand that won't irritate your eyes.

Eat less acidic food.

Low acid foods include green leafy vegetables, bananas, milk, pears, and cucumber.

If you're sensitive to acidic food, consider using rice milk or soy milk instead of regular dairy products.

You have to limit oranges, lemons, and other acidic fruits to no more than one serving per day.

Drink more water

Drinking plenty of water ensures that your tear glands are well-hydrated and produce less acidic tears. It also helps prevent eye infections.

Use a humidifier

Use a humidifier in the home or office to increase moisture levels in the air, reducing the chances of developing allergies and dry, itchy eyes.

Tips for good eye health to avoid burning tears

Choose Better Personal Care Products

Choose Personal Care products that are less likely to irritate your eyes.

Avoid aerosol sprays and scented beauty products if sensitive skin or easily irritated eyes. Just because a product is marketed for babies doesn't mean it won't harm adults with hypersensitivity.

Wear sunglasses outdoors

With wraparound sunglasses, protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, wind, and dust. Avoid cheap lenses with coatings that scratch easily.

Get an eye checkup

Regularly visit the optometrist to ensure your eyesight is sharp and healthy. Check for presbyopia, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions that could cause burning eyes in the future.

Use allergy eye drops.

If you have allergies, consider using over-the-counter eye drops that work to reduce symptoms.

Reduce screen time 

Looking at screens for long periods can cause digital eye strain, which leads to dry eyes like burning, itchiness, and redness.

Take frequent breaks when using computers, TVs, or smartphones. Use a blue light filter.

Get natural sleep

Tired eyes lead to increased stress hormones which can increase tear production and irritate your eyes. In addition, you'll wake up with dry, burning, or itchy eyes if you don't get enough quality sleep every night.

Ensure the room is cool and well-ventilated so that moisture levels are higher.

Remove all lights when you go to sleep. If insomnia keeps you awake, avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening which can disturb your sleep cycle even if it makes you feel more alert.

Wash your face at night

If you wear eye makeup, remove it with a gentle cleanser and water before bed.

Take a shower at night, or use a steamy washcloth on your face to open up the pores and drain them of dirt, bacteria, and allergens.

Remove and clean contact lenses before going to bed

Sleeping in your contacts makes it hard for the oxygen and water to reach your eyes. The result is that your eyes are drier, and you are less able to fight bacteria. Sleeping in contacts can cause a stinging feeling, or worse, an infection.

Keep your eyes moisturized.

Moisturize your eyelids and the skin around the eyes to keep the area hydrated and reduce the chances of dry, itchy eyes from developing in the future.

Make a DIY eye mask by soaking cotton pads in lavender oil or tea tree oil before placing them over your eyes. Use a warm compress.

Keep damp tea bags or slices of cucumber in your fridge and place them over your eyes for 5-10 minutes several times a day to reduce puffiness and increase blood flow to the lower eyelids. Try green tea bags or cucumber slices as an alternative.

Cucumbers are high in silica which aids in collagen production.

Clean your eyelids

Wipe your eyelids clean at night with a soft cloth and mix water or castile soap with an equal part of apple cider vinegar. Dip the material into the solution and then wipe over both eyelids for 1-2 minutes to remove dirt, oil, and makeup buildup.

You may be interested in "How can I clear my red eyes? Natural remedies."

When to call a doctor

If your eye has a thick, greenish, or purulent discharge, you should see a doctor. (The cause can be bacterial conjunctivitis).

You also have to see an eye doctor if you have eye pain, if your eyes are sensitive to light, decreased vision, or increased swelling in your eyelids.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tears Burning the Face and Skin

Why do my tears burn my face?

Your tears contain salts and other compounds that can irritate and dry out facial skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The salt in tears draws moisture out of the skin, causing a burning sensation. Crying excessively can worsen this effect.

Why do my tears burn my skin?

Tears are slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.6. This acidity can irritate sensitive facial skin and leave it feeling raw and burning. The salt in tears also draws moisture out of the skin, exacerbating the irritation.

Tears burning skin - why does this happen?

The salt and acidity in tears can dry out and irritate sensitive facial skin, causing a burning sensation. People with skin conditions like eczema are especially prone to irritation from tears. Excessive crying worsens the burning effect.

Why does my face burn when I cry?

Crying causes an increase in tear production. The saltiness and acidity of these extra tears can burn and irritate facial skin, especially around the eyes. This is especially common if you have dry, sensitive skin.

Why are my tears burning my face?

Tears contain salt, which can have a drying effect on skin. They also contain mildly acidic compounds that can irritate sensitive skin.

These effects together can make tears feel like they are burning the face. Underlying skin conditions may worsen this.

Why do my tears leave red marks on my face?

The salt in tears draws moisture out of the skin, while the acidity causes irritation. This can leave the skin around the eyes red, raw, and inflamed.

Rubbing the face while crying can also contribute to redness and irritation.

Tears burn my face - why is this?

Tears contain salts and acids that can irritate and inflame sensitive facial skin, causing a burning feeling. This is especially common with excessive crying.

The salt in tears draws moisture out of the skin, while the acidity causes direct irritation.

Can tears burn your skin?

Yes, tears can sometimes burn skin, especially sensitive facial skin around the eyes. Tears contain salts that dry out skin and acids that directly irritate it.

People with skin conditions like eczema are most prone to skin irritation from tears.

Why do tears burn my face?

The salt in tears draws moisture out of facial skin, while the mild acidity directly irritates it. These effects can make tears feel like they are burning the face, especially with excessive crying. People with sensitive skin are most susceptible.

My tears burn my face - why?

Tears contain mild acids and salts that irritate and inflame sensitive facial skin when crying excessively.

The saltiness leads to skin dryness and irritation, while the acidity causes a direct stinging sensation. Underlying skin conditions also worsen this effect.

Why do my tears burn my face?

Your tears contain compounds like salts and acids that can irritate sensitive facial skin and cause a burning sensation.

The salt in tears draws moisture out of the skin, drying it out, while the acidity directly inflames it. Excessive crying makes this worse.

Why does my skin burn when I cry?

Crying triggers excess tear production. Tears contain salts and mild acids that can dry out and irritate sensitive skin on the face, especially around the eyes.

This causes a burning sensation. Those with dry skin or skin conditions are most prone to irritation.

Why do my tears irritate my skin?

Tears contain salts and acids that can directly irritate sensitive skin. The salt draws moisture out of the skin, causing dryness and irritation.

The mild acidity also causes direct inflammation. Together, these effects make tears prone to irritating facial skin.

Acidic tears burning skin - why?

Tears are only mildly acidic, but this acidity can still irritate sensitive skin, especially with excessive crying.

The acids directly inflame the skin, while the salt in tears draws out moisture, worsening the irritation. This causes a burning sensation.

Tears burn skin - why?

Tears contain compounds like salt and mild acids that irritate and inflame sensitive skin.

The saltiness dries out the skin, while the acidity directly causes irritation and stinging. This is why tears sometimes seem to burn facial skin.

Why do tears sting my face?

The mild acidity in tears can cause a stinging sensation on sensitive facial skin when crying excessively.

The salts in tears also draw moisture out of the skin, causing dryness and irritation that adds to the stinging feeling.

Why do my tears sting my skin?

Tears contain mild acids and salts that irritate sensitive skin. The acidity directly stings the skin, while the salt dries the skin, worsening irritation. Together, these effects make tears prone to stinging delicate facial skin around the eyes.

Why do tears burn my skin?

The salt in tears draws moisture out of the skin, causing dryness and irritation. The mild acidity also directly inflames sensitive skin.

These effects can make tears feel like they are burning the skin, especially with excessive crying.

Conclusion

Tears are a complex and unique part of our human experience. They serve as an emotional response to difficult situations, can be used to communicate empathy for others, and may even have some medicinal properties that we don't yet fully understand.

I hope this blog post has helped you understand why your tears burn like acid. (Trusted Sources 1*, 2* 3*)

DISCLAIMER: buildyourbody.org does not provide medical advice, examination, or diagnosis.

Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.