Did you know your epidermal barrier serves multiple functions? This protective barrier stops pathogens, acts as an immunity response, stops moisture and lipids from escaping and helps protect against UV exposure. Your barrier can be easily disturbed from both internal and external elements and if you are sensitive or prone to eczema, exposing yourself to certain ‘triggers’ can lead to your skin looking dry, flaky, red, and irritated. It can feel dehydrated, “thirsty” and rough-textured.
One common type of eczema is Perioral Dermatitis, an inflammatory condition that presents like a rash around the mouth and interestingly, affects women more than men.
What does Perioral Dermatitis look like?
Rash like - red, scaly, and sometimes presents as pimple-like bumps and / or tiny pustules.
What does it feel like?
You skin may feel itchy, tight, uncomfortable, or even feel burning.
What causes Perioral Dermatitis?
Prolonged use of topical steroid medication is a common trigger for this type of skin condition; along with other trigger factors like hormonal changes, stress, weak epidermal barrier, compromised immune system, heavy creams, asthma inhalers, toothpaste, chewing gum and excessive mask-wearing!
How do I know if I have P. O. D?
Ask yourself….
Do you have a rash anywhere else on your skin and what triggers have you been exposed too? Perioral Dermatitis is contained to around the mouth.
What can I do to help?
The barrier function is vital to a healthy skin because it keeps our skin protected from pathogens. A skin with a defective skin barrier has ‘small cracks’ in the bricks and mortar foundation of the epidermis, allowing microorganisms to penetrate the epidermis causing an inflammatory response. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand fix when it comes to treating any type of inflammatory response like Perioral Dermatitis. Every person is different in finding the right solution to help easing the symptoms; however, here are our top tips.
Improve your skin’s barrier function
Start with repairing the barrier function of your skin. Try nourishing and soothing skincare that protects and hydrates the skin. Avoid ingredients or topicals, like steroids, that are irritating. Put away any foaming cleansers or soaps, harsh scrubs or hydroxy acids that may potentially impair an already sensitised and sensitive skin.
Make the switch
Simplify your skincare. Switch from using products with potential allergens, such as artificial fragrance, colours, mineral oils, soaps, synthetic irritants or formulation fillers, to key products that aim to nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin, whilst avoiding any exfoliation. Avoid heat and putting your face directly under a hot shower.Our favourite simplified skincare regime includes the clean and pure Biologi Bc Refresh Cleanser, Bf Restore Face & Body Serum, and BL Nourish Lip Serum.
Review your lifestyle choices
Eat fresh, include foods that contain essential fatty acids, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and get adequate sleep. Try stress relievers like meditation, exercise, or pencil in time to enjoy a hobby you love.
Seek advice from a professional
Your skin reflects what is happening internally, so investing some time to visit a naturopath or herbalist to assist with supporting overall health and wellness with supplements may also help from the inside out. Seeking advice from a professional skin therapist by introducing some regular LED treatments that will accelerate the healing processes of the skin, reducing redness and strengthening the overall condition of your skin.
Hopefully you will benefit from the tips of the skin specialists at Biologi. Explore more of the innovative bestselling skincare collection from Biologi. Want to read and learn more about perioral dermatitis? We have written another blog post about this topic with a guide on how to treat perioral dermatitis with natural skincare products.
