Perioral Dermatitis: Why Are We Seeing More of It, Especially During the Colder Months?

Understanding the little red bumps, irritation and sensitivity around your mouth – and what you can do about them.

Over the past few months, we've been seeing more clients at Erika's Beauty coming in with concerns about redness, small bumps and irritated skin, particularly around the mouth, nose and sometimes even the eyes.

Quite often, clients assume they're experiencing acne, an allergic reaction or simply dry skin. However, sometimes these symptoms can be associated with a condition called perioral dermatitis.

It's something I wanted to talk about because I think it's important for clients to understand that not every breakout is acne, and not every irritated skin condition needs more skincare products.

In fact, sometimes doing less is exactly what your skin needs.

What Is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the area around the mouth, although it can also appear around the nose and eyes.

It often looks like clusters of tiny red or skin-coloured bumps, sometimes accompanied by dryness, flaking, tightness or a burning sensation.

One of the things that can make it confusing is how similar it can look to acne, rosacea or irritated skin.

However, unlike typical acne, perioral dermatitis usually doesn't produce blackheads or whiteheads. You may also notice that the skin immediately around the edge of the lips remains unaffected.

It's important to remember that perioral dermatitis isn't caused by poor hygiene, and it isn't contagious.

Why Does Perioral Dermatitis Seem Worse During Winter?

This is something I've been thinking about recently, particularly as we're moving into the colder months.

At Erika's Beauty, we often see clients struggling with more dryness, sensitivity and irritation during autumn and winter.

Cold outdoor temperatures, wind and central heating can all contribute to moisture loss and make the skin barrier more vulnerable.

When the skin barrier isn't functioning as well as it should, products that you would normally tolerate may suddenly begin to sting or cause irritation.

Although perioral dermatitis isn't necessarily caused by cold weather, these seasonal changes can aggravate sensitive skin and may make existing symptoms more noticeable.

There's also another factor I think is worth mentioning.

During winter, many of us start reaching for richer moisturisers, heavier creams and additional skincare products because our skin feels dry.

And while that might seem like the right thing to do, some heavy or occlusive products can actually make perioral dermatitis worse.

That's why understanding what is happening with your skin is so important before adding more products to your routine.

What Can Trigger Perioral Dermatitis?

There isn't always one clear cause, and different people may have different triggers.

However, there are several factors that are commonly associated with perioral dermatitis.

1. Steroid Creams

One of the most recognised triggers is the use of topical corticosteroid creams, particularly on the face.

Sometimes a steroid cream initially makes the redness look better, but when it's stopped, the condition can flare again.

This can lead to a frustrating cycle where clients continue using the cream because they believe it's helping.

If you've been prescribed a steroid cream, it's important to speak to your GP before changing or stopping your treatment. Steroid inhalers and nasal sprays may also be relevant, so mention these during your consultation.

2. Too Many Active Skincare Ingredients

I see this quite often with clients who are genuinely trying to improve their skin.

They might be using retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C, facial scrubs and several different serums, sometimes all within the same routine.

Although these ingredients can be beneficial for certain skin concerns, using too many products or applying them too frequently can irritate sensitive skin.

If perioral dermatitis is suspected, continuing with strong active ingredients may make the irritation worse.

3. Heavy Moisturisers and Occlusive Products

When our skin feels dry, our first instinct is often to apply more moisturiser.

However, thick creams, heavy balms and certain oily products can sometimes aggravate perioral dermatitis.

This doesn't mean moisturisers are bad. It simply means that the formulation needs to be appropriate for your skin and the condition you're experiencing.

4. Toothpaste, Cosmetics and Other Irritants

Some people find that certain toothpastes, makeup products, fragranced skincare or other products used around the mouth contribute to irritation.

Not everyone will react to the same ingredients, so identifying possible triggers often involves reviewing your routine rather than assuming one particular product is responsible.

How Can Perioral Dermatitis Be Treated?

This is probably the most important part of the conversation.

Perioral dermatitis isn't something I would recommend treating with aggressive facials, chemical peels or exfoliation.

When the skin is already inflamed, the priority should be to avoid making that inflammation worse.

Simplifying Your Skincare Routine

One of the first things we would discuss is what you're currently applying to your skin.

Sometimes that means temporarily reducing your routine to the basics, using a gentle cleansing approach and avoiding unnecessary products.

We would also look at whether your moisturiser is suitable, particularly if you're using several rich creams or facial oils.

The aim is to minimise irritation rather than overwhelm your skin with more ingredients.

What About Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is an ingredient I find particularly interesting because of its use in skincare for concerns such as acne, redness and pigmentation.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it may be considered in some cases of perioral dermatitis.

However, I want to be clear that azelaic acid isn't automatically suitable for everyone with perioral dermatitis.

Even a well-formulated product can cause stinging, dryness or irritation when the skin is already inflamed.

The evidence for azelaic acid specifically treating perioral dermatitis is also limited, so I wouldn't recommend introducing it during an active flare without appropriate medical advice.

When Medical Treatment Is Needed

Sometimes simplifying skincare isn't enough.

Perioral dermatitis may require treatment prescribed by a GP or dermatologist, such as topical metronidazole or other appropriate medications. More persistent cases may need oral antibiotics.

These treatments help manage the inflammatory condition, and improvement can take several weeks.

The important thing is to identify the condition correctly rather than repeatedly trying different skincare products and hoping something works.

Can You Have Facials If You Have Perioral Dermatitis?

This is something clients often ask us.

My advice would be to avoid active facials on affected skin while the condition is inflamed.

Treatments involving exfoliating acids, strong active ingredients, heat or other potentially irritating techniques may aggravate the skin.

At Erika's Beauty, we'd rather postpone a treatment or adapt your skincare advice than risk making an existing skin concern worse.

Once the condition has settled, we can review your skin and discuss which treatments may be appropriate for your individual needs.

How We Can Help at Erika's Beauty in Derby

As a salon offering advanced skin treatments, we regularly see clients with a variety of concerns, including redness, sensitivity, acne-like breakouts and changes in their skin barrier.

And recently, we've been noticing more clients presenting with symptoms that could be associated with perioral dermatitis.

One thing I always try to explain is that not every skin concern needs a stronger treatment.

Sometimes the best advice we can give is to stop using certain products, simplify your routine and allow your skin to settle.

During a skin consultation, we can review your current skincare routine, discuss possible irritants and help you choose gentle products that are less likely to aggravate sensitive skin.

We can also advise when it's best to avoid salon treatments and seek a diagnosis from your GP or dermatologist.

Although we cannot medically diagnose or prescribe treatment for perioral dermatitis, we're here to help you understand your skin, make sensible skincare choices and support your skin once the condition is under control.

My Advice If You're Struggling with Perioral Dermatitis

If you've noticed persistent redness, tiny bumps or irritation around your mouth, my advice would be not to assume it's acne or simply dry skin.

Avoid introducing multiple new products, particularly exfoliating acids and strong active ingredients.

If you're using a steroid cream on your face, speak to your GP about whether it could be contributing to the problem.

And if the condition isn't improving, or you're unsure what you're dealing with, arrange a medical assessment.

Skin conditions can look very similar, and getting the correct diagnosis makes a big difference to how they should be managed.

At Erika's Beauty, we're always happy to help you review your skincare routine and offer guidance on suitable cosmetic skincare.

Sometimes achieving healthier-looking skin isn't about doing more. It's about understanding what your skin actually needs.

BOOK YOUR ADVANCED SKIN CONSULTATION

Please note: Perioral dermatitis is a medical skin condition. Our consultations provide cosmetic skincare guidance and do not replace diagnosis or treatment from a GP or dermatologist. Treatment suitability varies according to individual skin concerns.