Today I am continuing the Perioral Dermatitis saga….
In order to treat Perioral Dermatitis it is first important to know what it is. So what exactly is it?
According to patient.co.uk “Perioral dermatitis is a rash that develops around the mouth. The word perioral means “around the mouth”. Dermatitis means “inflammation of the skin”.
UGH. I really don’t like RASHES. They are hard to detect and can often be quite challenging to heal since there are almost an infinite amount of rashes out there. So the next question to ask is: What is the rash like? Again according to the above site this is what they say:
“Typically, small red or pink lumpy spots develop on the skin anywhere around the outside of the mouth. That is, they may appear on the chin, cheeks, and the skin next to and below the nose. They look a little like acne spots, but perioral dermatitis is NOT acne. The skin under and next to each spot is often red or pink. It there are a lot of spots next to each other, then the area of affected skin can just look red and lumpy. Sometimes the skin surface can become dry and flaky.
Typically, the skin just next to the lips is not affected, or is affected much less than the skin just a little further away from the lips. So, in some cases, it looks like the rash forms almost a ring around the mouth, but sparing a small border of skin next to the lips. Occasionally, the skin around the eyes is also affected.
The severity of the rash can vary from a few minor spots that are barely noticeable, to a definite and obvious lumpy rash that is around the mouth. The rash is not usually painful or itchy. However, some people report a mild burning or itchy feeling. Others report that the affected skin feels tense. The rash is not serious and is not associated with any underlying disease. However, it can be unsightly.”
So again, really great information, but how to treat Perioral Dermatitis was a frustrating journey. I couldn’t find the answer. There really isn’t a lot of good information on exactly how to cure or treat PD. Why? This rash I take it, is just as a mystery to doctors as it is to us in my opinion. As I mentioned in my earlier post what the doctors were doing didn’t help and I didn’t want to take steroid cremes or antibiotics. Those are temporary as well as toxic fixes, the rash will ultimately come back anyways. So I didn’t even want to go there. Many times I felt like I wasn’t making any progress with my PD. My skincare routine was painfully long and difficult. I experimented with different skin care regimens over a period of time. I became my own science project! To save you the pain and length of reading each method I tried, I want to share with you today the 3 topical serums/ointments that I use frequently to soothe and ultimately got rid of my PD. This does not include lifestyle, cleansers etc. Those are yet other posts to come.
What you put on perioral dermatitis is extremely important. I cannot stress this point enough and is why I am starting here. The topical cremes, ointments, etc., can either help PD or exasperate it out of control. In fact the rash is often suspected to be caused by lotions and potions. It really became a balancing journey for me to find healing topicals that didn’t irritate the condition. Here are my 3 loves:
1. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Soothing Gel: Again, if I were stranded on a desert island the Soothing Gel would absolutely go with me! I cannot live without this amazing concoction of herbal healing bliss. The gel is actually more like a liquid than a gooey gel. The plant based ingredients within Dr Alkaitis Soothing Gel are incredibly antibacterial, antiviral and so amazing for even the most sensitive skin. I call it a superhero product and works naturally with skin. With each use, I noticed redness dissipating, the bumps flattening more and more and even the pigmentation I got as a result from the PD has started to fade. The answer to my prayers! The gel also works nicely as a light moisturizer. After I double cleanse and pat dry my skin, I spread a thin layer all over my face. I allow the gel to thoroughly soak into my pores before putting anything else on top. As a side note, even if you don’t have perioral dermatitis, this soothing gel is universal. As an Esthetician and consumer of this product I would recommend it to everyone. I don’t make that statement about many products, so I hope you will take that message whole heartedly.
2. True Nature Botanicals Pacific Face Oil: Earlier this year I wrote a review on this face oil here. However, I feel the Pacific Face Oil deserves another review in perhaps another post to thoroughly explain why this product is so incredible. I contacted True Nature Botanicals, asking them in-depth questions about this oil in relation to perioral dermatitis. Let me tell you the customer service with this company is phenomenal! They are so knowledgeable about each ingredient they put into their products! I was hesitant to use oil again on my face after finally seeming to get the PD under control. I had read that oil can irritate PD. So I contacted Kevin Dooley at TNB, and he went over in great detail many of the ingredients are antibacterial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and so much more. I learned so much from him! So I decided to trust his knowledge and have been using the Pacific Face Oil as my daily moisturizer ever since. I love that a little goes a very long way. It does not irritate my PD, in fact I know it is giving my skin exactly what it needs to stay healthy, vibrant, moisturized and clear from perioral dermatitis naturally. Thank you True Nature Botanicals for all your support and such a great product!
3. Eminence Cornflower Recovery Serum: This hydrating serum is part of Eminence Organic’s Biodynamic product line. This means that this product is incredibly potent, healing and free of all chemicals, pesticides and other toxins. The plants are even planted and harvested according to lunar cycles. Pretty neat info! As the title of the serum says it is for recovery. A perfect serum for those with redness in their skin caused by rosacea and other skin irritations. This serum helped get my perioral dermatitis to cut back significantly. It detoxed my skin of the rash naturally using cornflower, chamomile and hibiscus. It helped put the moisture back into my skin where the rash was occurring and also soothed the skin surrounding it. I love this serum, however I am not needing to use this serum as often as I did in the beginning. Sometimes I throw this serum on for extra hydration and anti aging purposes.
It is my hope that anyone out there suffering with perioral dermatitis can see positive results using these 3 products. They worked for my skin and it is not a guarantee it shall work for others.
Have you tried any of these products for perioral dermatitis or another skin issue? I’d love to know! Again, I will continue the perioral dermatitis saga with more helpful tips on treating it and so much more. Stay tuned!
It is my hope that anyone out there suffering with perioral dermatitis can see positive results using these 3 products. They worked for my skin and it is not a guarantee it shall work for others.
Have you tried any of these products for perioral dermatitis or another skin issue? I’d love to know! Again, I will continue the perioral dermatitis saga with more helpful tips on treating it and so much more. Stay tuned!
Hi Audrey! Thanks for the great post. I think that I might have PD based on this post. I thought it was just dry skin or something but it's been lingering there for a couple months and I noticed tiny bumps that looked like acne the other day.
Do you use all 3 of these serums together? What would your routine look like all put together? And, if you could only get one of these what would you start with? Thank you!
Hi Victoria! Hmm you might have PD… Is it itchy at all and is is around your mouth area? I really appreciate all your great questions! I will be posting more articles to come about my skincare routine with perioral dermatitis and more, so please stay tuned in the coming days! To answer if I use all 3 serums or ever have, yes I do! As of now I am lucky I get to use two out of three since I am able to keep my PD in check. If I could only get one…. I'd say get Dr. Alkaitis Organic Soothing Gel, and if I had to choose a second one to get your skin under control more rapidly I'd add in the Cornflower Recovery Serum. All 3 are so different and target different things. The Pacific Face Oil is great as a daily moisturizer etc etc. As a side note, whatever you do, don't pick at the rash! Hope this helps and let me know if you have more questions, happy to help!