Perioral dermatitis treatment

When the skin around your mouth becomes imbalanced

Redness around the mouth, small bumps or pimples, a burning or tight feeling, and skin that seems increasingly sensitive. Often the skin directly along the lip line remains noticeably unaffected. Many people recognize these symptoms but don't know what's happening.

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Our vision on perioral dermatitis

We don't see perioral dermatitis as a superficial skin problem, but as a signal that the skin barrier and microbiome have become imbalanced. Often the skin around the mouth is overloaded by too many, too strong, or unsuitable products, causing it to lose its natural protective function. Our approach focuses on recovery. Not on continuing to correct or fight symptoms, but on creating rest and stability in the skin. The principle of less is more often applies. The fewer irritants, the better the skin can recover.

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that mainly manifests around the mouth and sometimes around the nose or eyes. The characteristic pattern is redness and irritation around the mouth, while the skin directly along the lips often remains intact. The skin may be red, flaky, feel burning, and show small bumps or pustules that contain no sebum. The skin often feels tight and hypersensitive, especially when touched or after using skincare products.

Common characteristics

Persistent redness around the mouth
Small bumps or pustules without blackheads
Burning, stinging, or tight feeling
Skin directly along the lip line remains unaffected

Additional symptoms

Flaking and dryness
Hypersensitivity to touch
Symptoms worsen with stress or hormonal fluctuations
Reaction to new products or fluoride toothpaste

How does perioral dermatitis develop?

Perioral dermatitis usually develops through a combination of factors. What we often see is that the skin barrier becomes damaged through prolonged or repeated use of cosmetics, cleansers, makeup, or corticosteroids. This disrupts the microbiome and makes the skin increasingly reactive.

Possible triggers

Fluoride in toothpaste

Fragrances in cosmetics

Foaming cleansers

Irritating ingredients in skincare

Increased histamine load

Food intolerances

Stress and overload

Disrupted gut barrier

Our approach to perioral dermatitis

At NovaSkin, we focus primarily on rest and recovery for perioral dermatitis:

Creating rest

Sometimes we advise temporarily stopping all products around the mouth.

Barrier recovery

Carefully selected products that support the skin barrier.

Microbiome balance

Products that help restore the microbiome.

Internal factors

We look at histamine sensitivity, food intolerances, and gut health.

Guidance

Personal attention with an approach that fits your skin and life.

When is collaboration with a doctor needed?

Although we can guide a lot from skin recovery and lifestyle, there are situations where collaboration with a doctor is necessary. For example, when symptoms remain severe, worsen, or don't respond to skin recovery alone. In those cases, we always advise involving the GP or dermatologist so that treatment can be safely and responsibly escalated. We work supplementary and supportively, with respect for medical care where needed.

Patience, guidance, and consistency

The skin needs rest to recover

Avoid quick fixes or intensive routines

Be consistent with a simple routine

Be patient - the skin can visibly improve but often remains sensitive

Together we build a stable foundation

Getting perioral dermatitis under control together

The success of a perioral dermatitis treatment strongly depends on collaboration. By reducing irritants, making conscious choices in skincare, and paying attention to internal triggers, the skin can gradually become calmer. We guide you in this with personal attention, clear explanation, and an approach that fits your skin and your life. No quick fixes, but lasting improvement.

Do you recognize yourself?

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