Perioral dermatitis

All you need to know

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that usually occurs around the mouth and nose area, but sometimes it can also spread to the area around the cheeks, chin and around the eyes. The condition often starts with redness and then develops into small bumps and blisters. There are various factors that can influence and trigger this. Although Perioral Dermatitis is similar to acne, an important difference is that it is usually limited to the area around the mouth.

What causes Perioral Dermatitis?

There are several factors that are thought to contribute to the onset or worsening of Perioral Dermatitis. Some of the most common causes include:

Overuse of too strong and powerful skincare products
Products that are not adapted to your skin type and condition
Irritating detergents, such as regular soap
Sun exposure, which can make the condition worse
Climate and weather changes
Previous use of strong cortisone creams on the face, which was more common before people became aware of the risks
Stress

In many cases, Perioral Dermatitis seems to occur without any clear cause, especially in young adult women. Most often, it is a combination of several factors that together trigger the condition. These can range from hormonal changes and stress to the use of certain skincare products or medicines. Perioral Dermatitis is also a condition that is often long-lasting and can come and go in flares. Therefore, it is important to be consistent in your treatment and to be patient. Improvement rarely happens overnight and it can take time for the skin to fully recover. Following a recommended treatment plan and giving your skin the time it needs to recover will increase the chances of a good long-term result.

What to do if you have Perioral Dermatitis?

If you are affected by Perioral Dermatitis, the most important thing is to give your skin time to recover by avoiding anything that could irritate or worsen the condition. If you know what triggered it, it is recommended to avoid it. A basic recommendation is to completely avoid strong cleansers, exfoliants and actives. This is called a "zero treatment".

When you are in an active relapse, it can be an advantage to shorten your routine and use products without fragrances that can be triggering. You should avoid products that are too rich and instead choose products with a slightly lighter texture. Too heavy creams can lead to clogging the skin more and worsening the skin condition.

Some soothing ingredients that are good to focus on during your active bout with Perioral Dermatitis are,

Centella Asiatica - has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the skin's healing process.
Aloe Vera - has a cooling and soothing effect.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) - moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier.
Ceramides - help restore and protect the skin's natural barrier.

It can be difficult to follow this advice especially at the beginning and it is not uncommon for the condition to worsen before it improves. Once your skin has adapted and you have passed the most difficult period, you will usually notice improvement after a couple of weeks.

For those who are unsure which products might be gentle enough to use during this time, we have put together a Perioral Dermatitis Kit. Developed at the request of many of our customers who are looking for soothing and moisturizing products adapted for this condition. The kit is put together with a focus on soothing, moisturizing and supporting the skin barrier without triggering irritation.

The kit contains:

Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask from Klairs (2 pcs)
Midnight Blue Calming Cream from Klairs
pH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser from HYGGEE
Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule from COSRX
Pure Fit Cica Toner from COSRX

Please note that this kit does not automatically relieve Perioral Dermatitis but the products are carefully selected to generally suit the sensitive and reactive skin associated with this condition. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right one among the skin care jungle and if you are unsure which products are right for you, you are always welcome to contact us at info@glowid.se. There we can more easily tailor a routine that is adapted to your skin type and skin condition.

If you do not notice any improvement or if the condition is recurrent, we always recommend contacting a dermatologist for further help.

Conclusion

Perioral dermatitis can often be a long-term condition that requires both patience and carefully selected skincare products. By avoiding more potent ingredients and other potential triggers and focusing instead on ingredients that soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, the skin can begin to return to its natural balance. It's all about listening to your skin, giving it time and, not least, being patient.

For many, it takes a period of consistent skin care and sometimes medical treatment before improvement is noticed. But with the right efforts, patience and understanding of the skin's needs, most people can achieve a clear and lasting improvement over time.