health
Product overload! Has your skincare routine gone too far?
Beauty products have never been more advanced. But as people layer them up, experts have seen a rise in perioral dermatitis. What is the too-much-skincare rash, and what can you do about it?
TL;DR
- Perioral dermatitis is an increasingly common inflammatory skin condition presenting as red bumps around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Potential triggers include overusing active skincare ingredients, certain 'clean beauty' products, topical steroids, hormonal changes, and ingredients in toothpaste like SLS.
- Misdiagnosis is common as it can resemble acne, but perioral dermatitis lacks blackheads and is often accompanied by burning or tightness.
- Treatment involves a 'less is more' approach, pausing most products and using gentle cleansers and bland emollients, followed by the slow reintroduction of calming ingredients like azelaic acid.
- In persistent cases, prescription antibiotics or topical treatments may be necessary, and aggressive facial treatments should be avoided.
- Prevention focuses on simplifying skincare routines, reducing the frequency and strength of actives, and being cautious about influencer advice that promotes complex routines.