Living with perioral dermatitis can be incredibly challenging, and I can certainly relate. After enduring this condition for twelve long years, I’ve finally found a way to manage it effectively. Fortunately, for the last ten years, I’ve enjoyed a life free from symptoms. My journey involved experimenting with various remedies—from apple cider vinegar to yogurt and even antibiotics. Ultimately, I took control of my skincare regimen by creating my own products. Coupled with straightforward lifestyle changes, these products have significantly improved my skin’s condition. Today, thousands of individuals have benefitted from these formulations. I continue to use Black Clay Facial Soap and Purely Simple Face Cream daily, adhering to my established lifestyle recommendations. Any deviation can trigger my symptoms to return.
Here, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of perioral dermatitis, including my extensive recommendations ranging from effective products to essential habits, even down to the type of laundry detergent you should use. For optimal results, it’s crucial to read through this guide thoroughly, follow the advice closely, and allow ample time for your skin to heal over the long term.
To obtain a printable guide designed to help you in your journey to heal perioral dermatitis, click here. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to explore our curated collection of products specifically for perioral dermatitis:
Understanding Perioral Dermatitis: What You Need to Know
Perioral dermatitis (PD) is a prevalent skin condition characterized by inflammation around the mouth, with “perioral” meaning “around the mouth” and “dermatitis” signifying “skin inflammation.” This condition can manifest in varying degrees of severity and predominantly affects young women, though men, older women, and children are not exempt. In less severe instances, individuals may experience slightly bumpy, red, or irritated patches of skin, often accompanied by minor flaking and tightness in areas surrounding the mouth, chin, and nose. Symptoms can also extend to the outer corners of the eyes, resulting in a related condition known as periocular dermatitis. In more severe cases, the affected skin can become highly inflamed, with potential bleeding or infection. Many people mistake the appearance of PD for simple acne, as it primarily occurs around the chin and smile lines.
Unfortunately, perioral dermatitis is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, as its symptoms can resemble both acne and eczema. One helpful way to conceptualize PD is to think of it as a complex equation—let’s assign it the number 50. Just as you can reach this number through various combinations (like 49+1 or 20+25+5), the triggers for PD also differ from person to person. While one individual may find that stress and pregnancy are aggravating factors, another might react to fluoride in toothpaste, or even to the withdrawal from topical steroids. This variability underscores the complexity of perioral dermatitis, and what may trigger a flare-up one time may differ on another occasion. It’s indeed a tricky condition!
Recognizing the Symptoms: What Does Perioral Dermatitis Look Like?
The images displayed here are shared by individuals who have experienced perioral dermatitis and have consented to their anonymous use in this article. They provide a visual representation of the diverse manifestations of this condition as experienced by different people.
(Photo collage by Osmia—may not be used without written permission.)
Exploring the Causes of Perioral Dermatitis
One primary trigger for perioral dermatitis is the withdrawal from topical steroids. Dermatologists often prescribe steroid creams and lotions for a variety of skin issues, but patients often experience an angry rash when they try to discontinue use. Fortunately, awareness surrounding this issue is growing, and many dermatologists are reassessing their reliance on these medications.
Other significant factors contributing to perioral dermatitis, which often interact with one another, include:
- Presence of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate in hair care products, laundry detergents, and toothpaste can trigger perioral dermatitis
- Fluoride found in toothpaste is known to aggravate perioral dermatitis
- Heavy creams and facial oils can provoke perioral dermatitis symptoms
- Hormonal changes are frequently linked to the onset of perioral dermatitis
- Stress is almost universally a contributing factor in cases of perioral dermatitis
Additionally, excessive intake of coffee or cinnamon can worsen the condition.
Effective Treatment Options for Perioral Dermatitis
Historically, perioral dermatitis was often treated with topical steroids, leading to a frustrating cycle of dependency. Thankfully, most dermatologists are now aware of the issues associated with steroid treatments and refrain from recommending them. Instead, they may suggest alternatives such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and picrolimus (Elidel), which are immunosuppressive creams that, while similar to steroids, have a milder withdrawal effect. Other treatment options available at a dermatologist’s office include topical or oral antibiotics. While topical antibiotics can sometimes contain ingredients that exacerbate perioral dermatitis (like petrolatum or mineral oil), oral antibiotics might offer relief in the short term. Beyond conventional treatments, numerous simple methods exist to heal your skin, from utilizing natural skincare products to switching laundry detergents.
Natural Approaches to Treating Perioral Dermatitis
The challenge with many dermatological solutions is that they often provide only temporary relief. By implementing several strategic modifications to your lifestyle, home environment, and skincare routine, you can achieve long-lasting results. Here are ten essential steps to consider, with more detailed information in the following section.
- Gradually transition your skincare routine to include Osmia’s Black Clay Facial Soap and Purely Simple Face Cream. Avoid any facial oils or balms, and refrain from exfoliating until your skin has fully healed.
- Wean off any topical steroids or immunosuppressants gradually, ensuring you have the approval of your healthcare provider. You may mix the medications with the Purely Simple Face Cream, decreasing the prescription cream’s amount over a week.
- Eliminate all sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate products from your home. This includes checking your shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and body wash labels, as even some natural brands may contain SLS.
- Opt for a non-fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit your intake of coffee and cinnamon products.
- Minimize makeup usage during the initial healing phase.
- Focus on hydration and strive for an anti-inflammatory diet rich in plant-based foods.
- Consider taking an evening primrose oil supplement if you’re not trying to conceive. (If you become pregnant, discontinue the supplement; it is safe for breastfeeding.)
- Keep a weekly journal documenting changes in your skin to track healing progress. You may also take a photo at the same time each week to monitor your skin’s condition, but try to limit mirror time!
- Address stressors in your life. Managing stress is essential to support your skin’s health, as stress is a significant trigger for PD.
Identifying the Healing Stages of Perioral Dermatitis
The healing journey of perioral dermatitis varies from person to person. Symptoms may gradually diminish, showing reduced redness and irritation. Alternatively, you may notice your skin becoming drier or redder during the healing process. In some cases, symptoms may worsen before improvement, particularly if you’ve recently used steroids. Healing does not follow a specific pattern, but typically, progress is slow and steady!
Choosing the Best Products for Perioral Dermatitis
Recommended Skincare Products
Osmia Black Clay Facial Soap, while not specifically designed for perioral dermatitis, has been effective for many individuals. After using it for the first time eleven years ago, I noticed significant calming of my dermatitis. Start by using the soap once daily in the evening. To use, wet your face and the bar with lukewarm water, then rub it vigorously between your hands until you achieve a thick, creamy lather. Place the soap on a soap saver, and clean your skin using gentle, circular motions for 30-60 seconds with light pressure. If you need to remove eye makeup, do so at the end of cleansing while keeping your eyes closed. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean washcloth. If your skin improves, you can increase usage to twice a day.
Osmia Purely Simple Face Cream should be applied after cleansing once daily. This gentle moisturizer is safe for perioral dermatitis, and should be used sparingly on irritated areas of your skin. Increase to twice daily if your skin shows improvement.
Osmia Irritated Facial Skin Kit includes both the soap and face cream, available in trial and full sizes, making it an excellent choice for managing perioral dermatitis.
Lip Doctor is great for dry lips and can be used as needed.
After three weeks of gradual improvement, consider introducing:
Osmia Nectar Nourishing Drops. Once your dermatitis has significantly improved, add 1-2 drops to your Purely Simple Face Cream.
Note: If you experience any difficulties with these products, please reach out to us at help@osmiaskincare.com. We can often adjust your routine to ensure your success.
Select any Osmia Body Soap, along with a soap saver and a travel bag. (Both Oh So and Oh So Detox are unscented.)
Follow up with an Osmia Body Oil applied on wet skin, instead of using a lotion that contains more ingredients. (Naked is unscented.)
Makeup Recommendations
Saie Beauty’s Slip Tint (tinted SPF) and Dew Blush are fantastic options.
W3LL PEOPLE Bio Correct Concealer and/or Bio Baked Foundation are excellent choices for coverage.
W3LL PEOPLE Bio Tint SPF 30 (this foundation is thick, so mix it with a bit of the Purely Simple Face Cream to prevent pulling on the skin during application).
Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation is also recommended.
HAN Cheek and Lip Tint, along with a lip gloss, completes your makeup routine.
For additional makeup suggestions, be sure to shop this blog post.
Optimal Sunscreen Choices
Mychelle Unscented SPF 28 can be mixed with the Saie Slip Tint or the W3LL PEOPLE Bio Tint for added coverage.
Recommended Hair Care Products
Desert Essence Unscented Shampoo and Conditioner are excellent choices.
Josh Rosebrook shampoo and conditioner offer options tailored to your hair type.
Innersense provides a range of products, from shampoo and conditioner to leave-in styling options.
Dental Care Recommendations
Jason Seafresh toothpaste is a good option.
Terra & Co offers everything needed for effective dental care.
Nutrition for Skin Health
Organic fruits, organic vegetables, and whole, protein-rich grains like quinoa and millet should be included in your diet.
Incorporate raw honey, black or green tea, and almond, oat, or hemp seed milk into your meals.
Focus on any other foods that nourish and support your body during this healing period.
Essential Supplements for Recovery
Deva Evening Primrose Oil Supplements are beneficial; start with two pills daily, then reduce to one per day after a week or once your skin starts to heal.
Household Products to Avoid
Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent is a safe choice.
Branch Basics offers a wide range of cleaning products, from household cleaners to laundry and dishwasher detergents.
Supernatural cleaning products are also recommended.
Osmia Hand Soap (choose your favorite) with a soap saver is a good option.
Effective Stress Management Techniques
Liquid melatonin can help support sleep when necessary.
Magnesium taken at bedtime promotes relaxation for both mind and body.
Explore websites like Yoga to Cope and Glo for excellent classes and resources aimed at enhancing your physical and mental well-being.
Consider using flower elixirs to alleviate anxiety.
This meditation stool is incredibly comfortable (use code Sarah10), or opt for a more affordable pillow.
Insight Timer and Waking Up meditation apps are great resources for mindfulness practices.
Timeline for Healing from Perioral Dermatitis
While perioral dermatitis can improve rapidly when treated with steroids, stopping steroid use often leads to a worsening of symptoms. Oral antibiotics may yield results within 2-4 weeks, but without lifestyle changes to support skin health, symptoms are likely to reoccur once the antibiotics are discontinued, especially if stress levels rise.
Although gradual changes may lead to slower results, they
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.