April 15, 2025

by Sarah Villafranco, MD

Experiencing perioral dermatitis can often feel like a never-ending and frustrating journey. From personal experience, I understand how overwhelming this condition can be. It was this very feeling of despair that motivated me to delve deeper into the complexities of perioral dermatitis and develop effective products to alleviate its symptoms. Even once you manage to control your perioral dermatitis flare-ups, there may still be times when your skin reminds you that something is slightly out of sync. Fortunately, these six straightforward steps will guide you back on track each time, helping you learn how to better support your skin during challenging moments.

Step One: Embrace a Simplified Two-Step Skincare Routine

Individuals suffering from perioral dermatitis often overcomplicate their skincare regimens, applying numerous products to their skin. Although it may feel counterintuitive, your skin is likely pleading for simplicity. Our recommended skincare routine for perioral dermatitis consists of just two essential steps: 

1. Cleanse your face gently once each evening with our Black Clay Facial Soap.
2. Follow up with our Purely Simple Face Cream to lock in moisture.

You can conveniently purchase these products together at a discount as part of our Irritated Skin Kit. It’s crucial to refrain from using any additional products on your skin, especially oils or balms. Ideally, transition into this new routine gradually from whatever skincare products you have been using. However, if you’re struggling to find suitable products that won’t irritate your skin, feel free to start with this routine once daily. Other products from this collection can be introduced later, but we recommend maintaining just these two products for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. If your skin feels excessively dry during the healing process, consider applying an additional layer of the Purely Simple Face Cream about 5-10 minutes after the initial layer, or at any point throughout the day as needed.

Step Two: Gradually Discontinue Steroid Creams for Better Skin Health

Regrettably, an alarming number of dermatologists still prescribe steroid creams for treating dermatitis. While these creams may provide temporary relief, the repercussions of discontinuing their use can be quite severe. If you are currently using steroids, consider weaning off of them carefully. Reduce the dosage by a minuscule amount each day over several weeks. Picture yourself gently exiting a room without disturbing a sleeping puppy—that’s the level of caution you should exercise when stopping steroid use. If a doctor insists on recommending steroids, kindly inquire about the rationale behind their prescription, remind them that steroids are a significant contributor to perioral dermatitis, and advocate for alternative treatments!

Step Three: Eliminate Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate from Your Daily Life

Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate is a prevalent ingredient found in many household products, and unless you have made a conscious effort to remove it, you are likely exposed to it regularly. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to completely eliminate sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate from your life if you are serious about healing your perioral dermatitis. This harmful ingredient is commonly found in toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, hand soap, dish soap, and nearly all products that create foam (with the exception of genuine liquid or bar soap). As more people encounter sensitivities to sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, symptoms can range from dry skin to eczema, dermatitis, and beyond. Essentially, if you experience any skin issues, it is imperative to eliminate sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate entirely from your personal care products.

Step Four: Switch to Fluoride-Free Toothpaste for Healthier Skin

Fluoride has been identified as a common trigger for perioral dermatitis, making the switch to a fluoride-free toothpaste crucial for achieving long-lasting relief. Additionally, ensure that your toothpaste is devoid of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, as some natural brands still include it. I recommend considering options such as Jason Seafresh Deep Sea Spearmint toothpaste, Terra & Co toothpaste, Cocofloss, or these innovative Bite Toothpaste Bits to support your journey toward clearer skin.

Step Five: Explore the Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil Supplements

If you are currently trying to conceive or are pregnant, please skip this step. Otherwise, incorporating a high-quality evening primrose oil supplement into your routine may provide benefits for individuals with perioral dermatitis. While current medical literature lacks definitive data on this topic, I can confidently say it has been beneficial for my skin and has assisted many others dealing with perioral dermatitis. I personally take an organic, vegan option that offers 500mg per capsule, which is a bit higher than what most brands provide, ensuring optimal support for my skin.

Step Six: Proactively Manage Stress to Promote Skin Healing

This final step is perhaps the most critical. If you doubt that stress contributes to your perioral dermatitis, I must respectfully disagree. Even if stress was not the initial cause of your condition, the symptoms themselves can create additional stress. I have experienced the frustration of scrutinizing my reflection in the mirror, feeling despondent and unattractive as my skin stings and burns. Therefore, it is essential to consciously step away from the mirror and incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, affirmations, yoga, therapy, or any other methods that help reduce cortisol levels and facilitate your skin’s healing process.

I hope these recommendations assist you on your journey toward healing perioral dermatitis. Please feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected] if you have any questions or need further assistance along the way. Remember, you are not alone, and this straightforward protocol has been effective for numerous individuals.

One last piece of advice? Exercise patience. Healing does not occur overnight, but with time and dedication, you will learn how to effectively manage your skin when it flares up in the future.

XO,