Perioral Dermatitis

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes irritated skin and redness around the mouth, nose, and — in some cases — the eyebrows and forehead. In short, it is caused by an imbalance in the skin. The disorder changes the skin's structure and will often be associated with insecurity in social situations and can generally create an unpleasant feeling in the face. Perioral dermatitis most often affects women aged 20 and over.

The redness can appear as small red sebum bumps — both with and without inflammation — and will likely spread over time if the inflammation is not brought under control.

Typical causes of perioral dermatitis

The causes of perioral dermatitis can be many, and for most, it is not a single factor that triggers the condition. Research points to a combination of microbiome imbalance, irritants, and hormonal factors. The most common causes are:

• Hair follicle mites (Demodex mites) — microscopic mites that live in sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When they multiply uncontrollably, they can trigger inflammatory reactions that resemble perioral dermatitis
• Strong steroid creams — one of the most frequent triggering causes, especially with prolonged use of corticosteroids on the face
• Overly rich moisturizers — occlusive care that "seals" the skin can disturb the skin's natural balance and provide good growth conditions for bacteria and mites
• Neglected facial cleansing — build-up of sebum, dirt, and bacteria worsens inflammation over time
• Fluoride in toothpaste — fluoride is a documented trigger, especially for perioral placement around the mouth
• Inhaled steroids — asthma medication via inhaler can in some cases contribute to the condition
• Extreme weather conditions — wind, cold, and intense heat can further worsen the condition

What to avoid with perioral dermatitis

With perioral dermatitis, what you stop doing is at least as important as what you start doing. Here are the four most common mistakes — and they can keep the condition going even when you're doing everything else right:

1. Steroid creams — even mild ones
It seems obvious to use a cortisone cream to quickly reduce redness. But steroids are actually one of the primary causes of perioral dermatitis. Although they provide short-term relief, the skin typically flares up even more violently when you stop. The result can be "steroid-dependent" skin that is much harder to treat than the original condition. Avoid steroid creams on the face entirely unless a dermatologist specifically prescribes them for another purpose.

2. Heavy, rich creams and rich oils
Rich creams with an occlusive effect can block pores and provide ideal growth conditions for bacteria and Demodex mites. Instead of more moisture, you should switch to a light, non-comedogenic cream that does not unnecessarily burden the skin.

3. Acid-based actives — AHA, BHA, and retinol
Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) are popular in many skincare products, but with active perioral dermatitis, they are too aggressive. They can further break down the skin barrier and intensify inflammation. The same applies to retinol in most cases. Pause actives until the skin has calmed down.

4. Strong toothpaste with fluoride and whitening effect
Fluoride is a documented trigger, especially for rashes located close to the mouth. Try switching to a mild, low-fluoride toothpaste during flare-ups — and rinse thoroughly around the mouth after brushing your teeth.

ZZ-Cream — works where other creams fail

Zinc oxide and sulfur calm active inflammation and redness in perioral dermatitis. Nature's own ingredients in a mild, gentle formula.

Try ZZ-Cream →

Treatment of perioral dermatitis

At NIMO SKIN, we are committed to helping you tackle perioral dermatitis. Fortunately, the skin condition is not necessarily chronic, and with the right products, it can be managed to the extent that it no longer bothers you. Even if the skin condition seems overwhelming, we just need to remember that good results can be achieved in surprisingly short time — and it all starts with a good and gentle facial care routine.

The products on this page have helped many people with this particular skin condition. With a combination of healthy products and good facial hygiene, you will, with great probability, be able to enjoy life with good skin before you know it.

With our facial kits, you get everything your skin needs to overcome the challenges that perioral dermatitis brings:

1. DemSol Mild Foam Cleanser is developed for unpleasant skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis, rosacea, and acne. It is produced with gentle cleansing of the face in mind before applying ZZ-Cream, but can also be used with any other day or night cream.
   
   The ingredients have been carefully considered to protect the skin, and regarding the soap, it can be added that it:
   
   
   • Contains no perfume
   • Removes make-up
   • Does not dry out the skin
   • Does not sting the eyes
2. ZZ-Cream is our little miracle worker. In our opinion, the product is the ultimate solution for those struggling with rosacea, acne, or perioral dermatitis! Its unique formula, with ingredients such as zinc oxide, sulfur, glycerin, and Chinese herbs, helps reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation while keeping your skin hydrated and protected.
3. Finally, our facial kits include a moisturizer based on your skin type. If you have normal to oily skin, you should choose the kit that includes DemSol Moisturizer. This product absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving it greasy. Some of the wonderful properties of this product include:
   • Moisturizing and hydrating
   • Reduces itching and redness
   • Helps reduce acne scars
   • Helps lighten dark spots from acne-damaged skin
4. If, on the other hand, you have normal to dry skin, it is recommended that you choose the kit that includes Grums Hydra Calm Cream. This cream is made with concentrated hydrating ingredients, along with extract from recycled coffee grounds, which helps with protective antioxidants, caffeine, and vitamin B3. The cream is perfect for both dry and sensitive skin, contributing to increasing the skin's moisture level and supporting the skin barrier.

When should you see a doctor for perioral dermatitis?

Most people with perioral dermatitis can manage well with a consistent and gentle home care routine. But there are situations where it is wise to seek professional help:

• The condition spreads rapidly to cheeks, eyes, or forehead in a short time
• You have used steroid cream on your face for more than 2-3 weeks — tapering should be gradual, as the skin can otherwise flare up strongly
• Pustules with pus appear or visible signs of secondary bacterial infection
• The condition worsens despite correct care after 4-6 weeks with a mild, consistent routine
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy — certain treatments require special consideration

A dermatologist can assess whether a shorter course of topical metronidazole — a gel that directly reduces inflammation — or oral antibiotics like doxycycline is needed. These treatments are effective but work best in combination with a gentle daily care routine that does not further irritate the skin.

Ready to bring peace to your skin?

ZZ-Cream with zinc oxide and sulfur is created for sensitive skin with active inflammation. Simple, proven, and gentle.

See ZZ-Cream here →