How to treat perioral dermatits
If you are reading this, you’re probably currently going through perioral dermatitis (PD) or recovered from it and would like it to stay away please.
I’m glad you’re here.
Perioral dermatitis is a form of inflammatory condition of the skin around the mouth. It is difficult to treat as its cause is unknown and topical steroids, the gold standard for treating dermatitis, worsen it. Most doctors will tell you not to use anything, and they’re right.
BUT…we find our hands uncomfortably tied because PD is often painful, itchy and hard to leave alone. You’d feel a need to clean the affected areas and calm/moisturise. You’re also right.
So, what can we do without doing too much? Here is a solution that works swiftly with our skin for restoration. It has helped me and my clients time and again.
AM
- Cleanse with cool to lukewarm water.
- (If you feel the need to moisturise) Use a pure hydrator that draws/retains water and calms.
The only hydrator I’d assuredly use and recommend is Liquid Light. It is formulated without oils or potential irritants such as herbal extracts, stimulating actives, sensitising preservatives and fragrance.
PM
- Cleanse with a gentle cleanser with cold to lukewarm water.
- Use a pure hydrator as above.
The meaning and action of a gentle is not in the word/claim itself, so we have to try to know if a cleanser is indeed gentle for your skin. During PD is not the best time to try new products, as your skin is already compromised. Such situation is when the value of a bespoke cleanser that eliminates any risk of irritation is fully appreciated.
To show how bespoke formulations can help you further, if I am having a particularly stubborn bout of PD (which is the case at the time of writing), I’d increase the mildness of my usual (already super mild) cleanser formula by halving the amount of surfactant (cleansing agent). The image below shows you the cleansing ability of this milder-than-mild cleanser I made for myself, which is gentle enough to leave on a baby.
Although it is not robust enough for fully removing long-wearing makeup, it is perfect for our purpose. Besides, one is not wearing any makeup during PD, right?
These are the only products you’ll need. The key to their success is not the product type or ingredients in and of themselves, but their compatibility with your skin during this immuno-compromised state.
Stick with this routine until the PD clears up. And it will, because our skin naturally tends towards balance – the least energetically demanding state.
Skin restores itself quickly when we stay out of its way – hence the minimalistic routine with minimal ingredients.Thank goodness our skin knows what to do better than we do!
Reach out if you need more support. Don’t worry my friend, all is well and right! 🙂
