When Your Skin Rebels: My Experience with Perioral Dermatitis
Lately, my skin has decided to throw a little tantrum.
Right around my mouth and nose, I started noticing redness. Then came the itching. Then the burning. Not intense, but enough to be uncomfortable — like my skin was constantly irritated and trying to tell me something.
If you’ve ever dealt with Perioral dermatitis, you know it’s not just a breakout. It’s a persistent, inflamed rash that shows up most often around the mouth (and sometimes the nose and eyes). It can look like small red bumps, dry patches, or irritated skin that just won’t calm down.
At first, I thought I was helping it.
I had a steroid cream and it seemed like it was improving things — temporarily. But when I went to see Dr. Angie, she gently let me know that steroids were actually not the right move for this condition. In fact, steroid creams can make perioral dermatitis worse over time, even if they give short-term relief.
So off to the pharmacy I went with a new prescription in hand and a new plan.
And honestly? That visit was a turning point.
What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
From what I’ve learned, perioral dermatitis can be triggered by several things:
- Overuse of topical steroid creams
- Heavy facial creams or occlusive skincare products
- Harsh cleansers or over-exfoliating
- Fluoridated toothpaste (in some cases)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Makeup overload
- Stress (because of course it is)
Sometimes it’s not just one thing — it’s a combination. For me, using that steroid cream thinking I was “fixing” it may have actually been fueling the fire.
What I’m Doing Differently
Right now, I’m keeping things very simple.
- I’m washing my face with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser instead of my usual active products.
- I’ve completely stopped wearing makeup. As much as I’d love to cover the redness, I don’t want to aggravate it.
- I’m following the prescription Dr. Angie gave me consistently.
- I’m resisting the urge to try every trending skincare product on the internet.
And let me tell you — sometimes doing less is the hardest part.
Gentle Cleansing Ideas That Can Help
If you’re dealing with this too, here are some dermatologist-approved style approaches that are generally recommended:
1. Use a Mild Cleanser
Look for fragrance-free, non-foaming cleansers. Gentle options people often tolerate well include brands like:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
The goal is to cleanse without stripping your skin barrier.
2. Skip the Actives
Now is not the time for:
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Exfoliating acids
- Scrubs
Let your skin rest.
3. Choose Lightweight Moisture
If your skin feels dry, use a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer. Sometimes less truly is more.
How to Soothe It (Beyond Prescription Medicine)
While medication helps treat the inflammation, there are comfort strategies that can make daily life easier:
- Use lukewarm water — hot water can increase redness.
- Pat dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
- Avoid heavy creams and thick occlusives.
- Keep your hands off your face (harder than it sounds).
- Consider switching to a mild toothpaste if you suspect irritation.
- Reduce stress where you can — even a short walk or quiet time helps.
And maybe most importantly: be patient.
Perioral dermatitis doesn’t clear overnight. Sometimes it actually flares when you stop steroids before it improves. That can be frustrating, but it’s part of the healing process.
The Emotional Side of It
There’s something vulnerable about having a visible skin condition. Even if it’s mild, it’s on your face. It’s the first thing you see in the mirror.
Choosing not to wear makeup right now isn’t easy — but I’m reminding myself that healing matters more than covering it up. This is temporary. My skin is adjusting. And I’m learning to treat it more gently instead of attacking it.
Sometimes our skin forces us to slow down.
And maybe that’s not the worst thing.
