Perioral dermatitis can be hard to manage, but is it good to use moisturiser on a breakout?

Cutting out steroid creams, cosmetics and toiletries

The management regimen for perioral dermatitis is a definite case of ‘less is more’! Sufferers are told to stop using topical steroid creams on their face, and to avoid cosmetics, foundation, perfumes, toiletries, and stay away from soaps and shampoos containing sulphates; sometimes even sunscreen can trigger a flare-up.

It seems like just about anything you put on your face could be a problem!

How to fix a fragile skin barrier

But skin that’s prone to perioral dermatitis still needs looking after. As with many dermatological issues, there is likely to be a problem with how well the skin barrier is functioning, and a depleted or fragile skin barrier can lead to all kinds of other secondary problems from infection to further inflammation.

So even while you’re washing your face with just warm water and steering clear of fancy fragranced products, you will still need to keep your skin moisturised, to give it the vital moisture and nutrients it needs, and to reduce the risk of damage caused by dehydration.

Gently moisturize perioral dermatitis 

The trick is to find a moisturiser that nourishes, protects and hydrates sensitive skin, without further inflaming the perioral dermatitis. We’d suggest finding one that is made with low-comedogenic oils (such as the hemp, safflower, rosehip or borage oils we use in our formulations) so that pores aren’t clogged and infection is less likely.

We’d also suggest using simple, gentle moisturisers that will nourish the skin with the essential fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients it needs to repair itself after a flare-up. Feeding the skin regularly throughout its natural month-long cycle of regeneration will stand it in good stead when it’s next triggered.

For further information about what you can do holistically to manage flare-ups, see our blog on How To Treat Perioral Dermatitis. 

Recommended products for skin prone to perioral dermatitis

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
with shea butter and calendula

Balmonds Scalp Oil
with tea tree, nettle, borage & rosemary