E! Illustration/Getty ImagesHave you been dealing with red, bumpy, stinging skin around your nose or mouth? It can be confusing, because it doesn't really look like acne and it doesn't behave like rosacea either.
If the irritation keeps hanging around no matter what you try, there is a chance it could be perioral dermatitis.
Only a dermatologist can tell you for sure, but if you have gone through this before, you already know how stubborn this condition can be and how quickly it can flare when your routine gets off track.
To get some clarity, we chatted with Dr. Mona Foad, a Board-Certified Dermatologist and the Founder of MONA Dermatology. She walked us through the most common signs of perioral dermatitis and the habits that tend to make it worse without you even realizing it.
She also shared an easy, low-stress skincare routine that will not overwhelm sensitive skin, plus makeup picks that will let you feel put together while your skin calms down and starts to heal.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis, and Why Does It Happen?
"Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that typically appears as small red bumps or patches around the mouth, nose, or eyes. It often looks like acne or a rash, but the causes are different," Dr. Foad explained.
What Triggers Perioral Dermatitis?
"While the exact reason it develops isn’t always clear, it is often a variant of rosacea and can be treated in the same ways. Sometimes, it can be linked to a disrupted skin barrier and inflammation triggered by factors such as topical steroid use, fluoride toothpaste, certain cosmetics, or harsh skincare products. Hormonal changes, stress, and even overuse of heavy creams or moisturizers can also contribute," she shared.
"Anytime your skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised, it can open the door for irritation and inflammation to take hold."
How to Prevent Perioral Dermatitis Flare-Ups
"To prevent perioral dermatitis flare-ups, stick to products that are free of fragrance or alcohol, which can irritate already-sensitive skin. Avoid topical steroids, heavy occlusive moisturizers like petrolatum and coconut oil, and fluorinated toothpaste if you’ve noticed a connection with your breakouts," Dr. Foad shared.
She advised looking for skincare with ingredients that "strengthen and soothe the skin," such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and niacinamide.
Best Skincare Routine for Perioral Dermatitis
"When dealing with perioral dermatitis, simplicity is key," our expert said. "Choose a non-foaming, fragrance-free, creamy cleanser such as Avene Xeracalm oil cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, all of which cleanse without stripping the skin."
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
This gentle face, body, and scalp cleansing oil is designed to restore your skin's microbiome while soothing. It's fragrance-free and safe for eczema-prone skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This daily face wash with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin is designed to help hydrate skin without stripping moisture. It can remove face makeup, dirt, and excess oil, plus it provides 24-hour hydration and leaves a moisturized, non-greasy feel.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is the mildest formula from Vanicream's line, and designed specifically for daily use on sensitive skin. It may help remove dirt, oil, and makeup without drying or irritating the skin.
"For moisturizers, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic, and barrier-supporting formulas like Avene Tolerance for drier skin, Avene Cleanance Hydra for a lighter moisturizer or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer," she said. "These hydrate and calm inflammation without occluding the pores or triggering flare-ups. Avoid heavy ointments or thick creams during active breakouts, as they can clog your pores."
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
Avène's soothing skin recovery cream is designed to calm skin in 30 seconds and helps restore the skin barrier in 48 hours. It's infused with postbiotics to soothe and calm sensations of discomfort.
Avène Cleanance HYDRA Soothing Cream
This rich, nourishing cream boosts the skin's natural defenses to restore skin that has been compromised from harsh, acne treatments.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Get this ultra-hydrating face moisturizer designed to restore the skin barrier. It's formulated with a high concentration of Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide & Glycerin.
While Dr. Foad said prescription treatments are "sometimes necessary," she shared that there happen to be several over-the-counter options that can help calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
"Look for soothing, fragrance-free products with ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides or squalene oil," she said. "These support the barrier and reduce redness without irritation. Azelaic acid is a product that has been shown to help rosacea so this may be another option."
She also said a mild 1% hydrocortisone cream can be used to temporarily reduce inflammation, but that "it should be used sparingly and under your dermatologist’s guidance."
The Best Makeup for Perioral Dermatitis and Sensitive Skin
"If you prefer to wear makeup, choose products labeled non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and for sensitive skin," she said.
She recommends mineral-based foundations such as Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, bareMinerals Original Foundation, or Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Powder.
"They allow the skin to breathe while providing natural coverage. Avoid heavy liquid foundations, primers, or products with silicones and alcohol, which can trap bacteria and worsen inflammation," she explained. "Always remove makeup thoroughly with a gentle cleanser at the end of the day to get rid of the day's pollution and prevent further irritation."
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Makeup Foundation
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Makeup Foundation helps improve the look of redness and skin clarity, tone, and texture with lightweight breathable coverage that feels soft and natural on the skin. Choose from four colors.
bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
Lightweight, talc-free matte mineral foundation provides sheer-to-full coverage and promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time. Choose from several shades.
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder
This talc-free, paraben-free mineral formula provides smooth, buildable coverage that diminishes the appearance of imperfections & delivers an impeccable, soft satin finish.
"Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is an important step in preventing perioral dermatitis from returning," she explained.
"Incorporate a gentle sulfate-free cleanser and a daily fragrance-free moisturizer suitable for your skin such as those mentioned above. Use a mineral sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which also contains niacinamide to soothe inflammation," she shared.
"Keeping your skincare routine simple, avoiding over-exfoliation, and minimizing product switching. Making an appointment with your dermatologist can be very helpful, especially if you need more direction on your skin care or you just can’t get things under control."
Looking for more expert recs? Shop our whole guide to expert-approved skincare and beauty, here.