Seborrheic dermatitis can be a really uncomfortable condition; it’s most common where there’s higher concentrations of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp and upper back, but it can also affect the skin around the eyebrows, ears and nose.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be a really uncomfortable condition; it’s most common where there’s higher concentrations of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp and upper back, but it can also affect the skin around the eyebrows, ears and nose.The usual course of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is to use two different kinds of medications:
- Antifungals to tackle the overgrowth of yeasts which are at the root of the problem
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation in more severe cases
These two medications are sometimes combined in one cream.
However, in mild but chronic cases of seborrheic dermatitis (such as occasional flares around the nose) many people choose to avoid medicated creams in favour of natural remedies, especially if they prefer not to use steroids on the delicate skin of the face. Topical steroids can themselves cause long-term skin issues, such as perioral dermatitis and red skin syndrome.
What do you need in a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis?
- Antimicrobial action to keep yeast growth under control
- Anti-inflammatory action to reduce swelling, itchiness and redness
- Moisturising to keep skin barrier functioning well
- Nourishment to support the healthy regeneration of skin cells
Our three-part natural skincare system
We’d suggest a three-part natural skincare system to keep noses prone to seborrheic dermatitis in healthy and resilient condition.
1. Balmonds Scalp Oil (made with tea tree, nettle, rosemary and borage) is a great antimicrobial rescue oil; it can be used as a topical rescue oil on areas of skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis around the nose, eyebrows, hairline and on the scalp.
How to use: apply a few drops to affected skin in the morning and evening.
2. Skin Salvation can be used as a daily emollient. The hemp and beeswax formula works really well to keep flaky skin soft and smooth, and is generally much better tolerated on sore skin than water-based creams which can sting.
How to use: apply the balm at least once a day.
3. Balmonds Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil is rich in regenerative rosehip and soothing calendula, perfect for sore patches around the nose. Using this all-natural, unfragranced, soap-free cleanser avoids potential irritation from synthetics, perfumes, or SLS, and instead feeds depleted skin with the nutrients (especially EFAs) it needs to function normally.
How to use: massage into the face and remove gently with a warm, damp cloth or cotton wool.
Remember that seborrheic dermatitis is a persistent chronic condition; any treatment isn’t a one-off cure, it’s more a strategy for managing something that is likely to recur from time to time. It’s more a case of changing your skincare routine permanently, rather than a short-term solution.
