Squalane Oil for Perioral Dermatits
What is Perioral Dermatits?
This is a common facial skin problem! Groups of tender small red bumps called papules (white fluid-filled bumps) or vesicles (clear fluid-filled bumps) form around the mouth, along with a rosacea-like rash that can cause an itchy or burning sensation. Your skin can become dry, scaly, and flaky. It can also form around eyes, nose, scalp, and occasionally genitals. Perioral dermatitis can often look like an acne breakout and is mistaken for it a lot, so if you have been having trouble with a stubborn breakout, P.D. may be the reason why.
Unfortunately the cause of perioral dermatitis is still unknown, but it is the result of inflammation and is sometimes triggered by steroid medication (oral, nasal, and inhaled), an overgrowth of normal skin mites and yeast, fluoride in toothpaste, Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate (foaming agent) in toothpaste, hair care, laundry, and skin care products, stress (this is a big one), immune function (people with overactive or under-active immunity may develop PD), diet, and there has even been a marked increase in the rate of PD with the use of cloth and surgical face masks which is why you may think you have “maskne”. It is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 20-45.
The following can make PD worse or trigger flare ups: heavy oils and creams, over-exfoliating, monthly hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, inflammatory diet (high in refined sugar, meat, and gluten), large amounts of coffee drinking, and stress.
Recommended Skincare Routine
The best thing you can do when you have PD, is to do less. A simple routine of a gentle cleanser and moisturizer day and night is key. Using a cleanser with minimal ingredients, especially one with colloidal oats and honey, help soothe inflammation and redness. Omit the use of washcloths or facial exfoliators, and pat (don’t rub!) your skin dry with a clean towel after cleansing. You can purchase our oats and honey cleanser here!
For a skin moisturizer, you want one that helps repair the skin barrier and absorbs quickly into the skin, which is why squalene oil is highly recommended for this. Squalane Oil is a non-oily moisturizer that won’t irritate or clog pores. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and contains lipids such as cermaides and cholesterol which works to repair the skins barrier. Squalane oil mimics your skins natural oils to boost hydration without the risk of clogged pores. You can view our pure plant derived Squalane Oil here!
