6 Products I Ditched to Manage My Perioral Dermatitis (Plus the Ones That Helped)
Amanda Cummerford is a mum, content creator, beauty writer and sensitive skin have-r. She shares her experiences with perioral dermatitis and her favourite beauty products that leave her skin glowing on her Instagram page @amandascuteface.
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below
Key Takeaways
- Perioral dermatitis can occur due to disrupted skin microbiome and is often misdiagnosed.
- Consulting a professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Avoiding exfoliating products is crucial, as they can further damage the skin's moisture barrier.
- Choosing the right cleanser matters; I recommend sulphate-free options to prevent irritation.
- Steering clear of active ingredients during flare-ups helps in identifying irritants and allows the skin to heal.
- Simplifying my skincare routine to the essentials was key in promoting healing and reducing irritation.
- Makeup wipes can cause skin damage; I prefer using clean, soft microfibre pads for removal.
- Foundation and heavy makeup should be avoided during flare-ups to allow the skin to recover effectively.
- Self-care is vital; understanding that skin issues don't define my worth has been a crucial part of my journey.
Right after giving birth to my son in September 2019, I started developing small red bumps around my mouth, which turned into a severe red, dry, flaky rash that spread up to my nose and the edges of my eyes.
In January 2020, I finally got my doctor to look at my face and was shocked to hear I had periorificial, aka perioral, dermatitis. Before that diagnosis, I assumed it was just part of the normal post-partum hormonal experience. I’d never had any skin concerns before, but it was an extremely stressful time, sleep-deprived, learning how to be a mum, and overwhelmed by changes I could not have prepared for.
I was also diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety when Charlie was four weeks old, so I was navigating new mental health challenges while my skin felt like an explosion of terrible-ness. Sure, it’s “just skin,” but I didn’t recognise myself.
Now in a maintenance phase, I want to share helpful information, what I ditched, and gentle skincare recommendations, plus real, raw, unfiltered photos so others feel less alone.
I was also diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety when Charlie was four weeks old, so I was navigating new mental health challenges at the same time that my skin felt like an explosion of terrible-ness.
Sure, it's 'just skin', but I didn't recognise myself. I felt like a shell of a human, and I hated the way I looked and how having perioral dermatitis made me feel.
Now that I'm in a maintenance phase on the other side of my skin journey, I wanted to share some helpful information on perioral dermatitis, as well as the products I ditched in managing my skin condition.
Plus, my recommendations for gentle skincare products for perioral dermatitis that helped me to feel good about my skin.
I'm also passionate about sharing my real, raw, unfiltered photos of my skin, because I hope it makes anyone else currently going through the same thing feel that little bit less alone.
So, What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
I asked Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Dr Andrew Freeman from The Skin Centre on the Gold Coast for his medical opinion on perioral dermatitis.
"It is a condition that arises when the microbiome (our skin’s ecosystem) becomes upset because of applied treatments. Patients most often present with multiple small red bumps around the mouth, eyes, or nose, which itch and burn," he said.
What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
Dr Freeman said perioral dermatitis is most often caused by prescribed treatments like topical steroid creams that have been used incorrectly for other facial conditions, or cosmeceuticals, makeup and inhaled treatments (such as asthma medications).
"Additionally, culprits of irritation I see everyday include retinoids (vitamin A serums), MI/MCI preservative-containing cosmetics, pawpaw ointment, inappropriate strength or combination of skin care, and makeup or creams that are too thick and do not let the skin breathe."
How To Get Rid of Perioral Dermatitis.Perioral Dermatitis Treatment.
First thing's first - go and see your medical professional. Whether it's a GP or a dermatologist, talk to a professional about your skin before buying or using any new skincare products.
Dr Freeman added, "[Treatment involves] stopping using all topical medications, makeup, moisturisers and cleansers. The body will self-regulate back to baseline, but in doing so, the perioral dermatitis rash will get far worse for two weeks before it settles. Due to this, your dermatologist will often prescribe oral treatment where appropriate to combat this."
"I advise my patients to go back to basics, so no active ingredients, fragrances, or makeup, just a basic light moisturiser with minimal preservatives and warm water to cleanse with."
My Perioral Dermatitis Before and After Pictures.
My Perioral Dermatitis Skincare Routine.
So, after listening to my doctor and doing some of my own trial and error, the following are six types of products I avoided (and which ones worked best for me) in my experience with perioral dermatitis.
1. Exfoliating Products and Perioral Dermatitis
Gah, I think back to when I used to use extra strength daily peel pads and cringe.
It was absolutely the worst thing I could have put on my face because it just destroyed my skin’s moisture barrier. You will know if your skin can’t tolerate chemical exfoliants if your face is always red, sore and feels sting-y when you use them.
My recommendation for perioral dermatitis: When my barrier is impaired, I don't exfoliate at all. I went about six months without exfoliating. Once ready, I recommend using something gentle once per week - more on that in a second.
2. Cleansers To Avoid When You Have Perioral Dermatitis.
Some cleansers left my skin feeling tight, and I used to think that was normal.
Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are surfactants (detergents) that remove residue, dirt, and sebum from your skin, but they can also damage the skin barrier, dry out the skin, irritate your eyes and face, and strip skin of its natural oils. They are commonly found in foaming cleansers, and using one may flare perioral dermatitis.
A recommendation for managing perioral dermatitis: There are many SLS free cleansers around, including the best-selling La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser. Its sensitive skin-friendly formula gently cleanses the face while keeping your skin hydrated. It's free from fragrances, too.
3. Active Ingredients and Perioral Dermatitis.
I stopped using active skincare products with ingredients like vitamin A and vitamin C so I could pinpoint anything that would flare the dermatitis up. But that doesn't mean you can't use serums at all - I look for ones with hydrating, soothing ingredients that will help repair my skin barrier.
My serum recommendation for perioral dermatitis: Another excellent serum for periroal dermatitis is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum 20ml - a gooey, fragrance-free serum with a dropper applicator.
It is made for sensitive skin and uses an ingredient called neurosensine, which is a peptide scientifically proven to block the pain sensation and prepare your skin for actives again. I started using this after my perioral dermatitis had subsided, but before I started adding active serums into my routine, and it worked a treat!
4. Too Many Steps in My Skincare Routine.
This one actually involves a few products I ditched because, as I learnt, simple and gentle is best when it comes to a skincare routine for perioral dermatitis. Your barrier needs to heal, and layering too many products and makeup over your perioral dermatitis (even though I know how it feels to want to hide it) unfortunately won't help.
My recommendation for a perioral dermatitis skincare routine: During my flare ups, I stuck to using a cleanser, serum and SPF. My serum of choice is the asap super B complex 30ml because it always makes my face feel cool and soothed.
5. Makeup Wipes.
As a sleep-deprived new mum, I get it. Sometimes, you feel so tired and just want to quickly get your makeup off with a wipe.
But I found using makeup removing wipes or any textured face cloths caused micro-tears in the skin, further aggravating my skin condition. Or if you have face cloths, reusing them one too many times without washing is basically spreading bacteria all over your face. Yum.
My recommendation: I love cleansing my face using a clean, damp microfibre pad like the Face Halo Original - 3 Pack because they are so soft and grab all my makeup and SPF. Even using one gently also provides a small amount of manual exfoliation. Just be sure to chuck them in the washing machine after use.
6. Makeup, Especially Foundation.
I understand feeling very self-conscious about dermatitis and wanting to cover your face in thick foundation, but honestly, my skin did not start to heal until I put all these tips into practice - including not wearing any makeup during a dermatitis flare.
My recommendation: If it's necessary for you to wear makeup, look for a base product that is lightweight and doesn’t clog the pores. I recommend the Inika Certified Organic BB Cream and I wear shade PL1 Porcelain.
Finally, the last piece of advice I can give you is this:
Take the time to look after yourself, and please, don't feel guilty about perioral dermatitis.
Time, professional advice and consistency will help to manage your skin, but know your skin doesn't define your worth. Even when it feels like it.
*This article should not be substituted for personal, professional medical advice. If you're concerned about your skin, please seek advice from your medical professional. And if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 support.
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