Laura got perioral dermatitis under control and rebuilt her skin barrier

Laura got Perioral Dermatitis under control and rebuilt her skin barrier

Perioral dermatitis can be frustrating to live with. Many people find that the rash subsides for a period of time, only to return when treatment ends. For Laura, it was the start of a long journey with sensitive skin, recurring breakouts, and a skin barrier that was constantly challenged. Laura shares her experience with perioral dermatitis.

Now the skin is more balanced

Today the situation is completely different. The skin is calmer, more robust and more tolerant. But she still has to take a lot of care to avoid the problems returning. Here Laura shares her experiences with Perioral Dermatitis, weakened skin barrier and what helped the skin return to balance.

Prescription creams helped, but the problem returned

For several years, Laura tried various prescription treatments for Perioral Dermatitis.

– I tried many prescription creams that helped for a while, but it often came back stronger when I stopped. It is often not enough to use prescription drugs alone. In addition, I had to find out what triggered my skin and make changes to get my skin in balance.

Eventually, she found a fragrance-free skincare brand that didn't trigger her skin.

– My skin didn't get worse, but it didn't get better either. I still felt like my skin was very dry and lacked what it needed to rebuild itself.

For many with perioral dermatitis, this is a familiar problem. The rash may subside, but the skin still feels sensitive, dry, and vulnerable.

When the skin barrier is weakened

Laura gradually experienced that her skin reacted to more and more things.

– Skincare with active ingredients and acids triggered the skin. I had to cut out many products. In addition, I had to be extra careful with the sun, sunscreen, dry air and contact with water. All of this made my Perioral Dermatitis worse.

When the skin barrier is weakened, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture and protect itself from external aggressors. The result can be redness, burning, dryness and skin that reacts to products it previously tolerated well.

The goal was to rebuild the skin

Laura holds ectoin light moisturizer from RÅ in her hand.

Instead of focusing on new treatments, Laura started focusing on the skin barrier itself. She received guidance from Amanda, a skin therapist and founder of RÅ Skincare. Amanda herself had atopic eczema as a baby, atopic eczema and rosacea as an adult and has spent many years learning what kept her skin in balance. Gradually, Laura experienced less irritation, fewer breakouts and skin that felt stronger.

– Right now, I have to highlight Ectoin Light Moisturiser as a favorite. It has undoubtedly brought my skin into balance, both in terms of perioral dermatitis and acne breakouts. I basically have combination to slightly oily skin and in addition to Perioral dermatitis, I have acne-prone skin. Ectoin Light moisturiser and Barrier Care Cleanser were the two products from RÅ that I started with to build up the skin barrier.

Then she knew her skin had become stronger.

One of the clearest signs that her skin had regained balance was that she was able to use serum again.

– Since the skin barrier has been strengthened and the breakouts have gone dormant, I can now use Multi-Active Serum as a delicious serum that works with moisture and fine lines. It has gentle active ingredients such as ectoin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides.

For many with sensitive skin, this is an important sign of progress. When the skin no longer reacts to mild active ingredients, it may indicate that the skin barrier is working better again. And then it is important not to push the skin and get too excited. For sensitive skin, a simple skin care routine is often the best.

The product she wouldn't be without

Laura also highlights Pure Lipid Cleanser as an important part of the routine. I initially used Barrier care cleanser but now I use Pure lipid cleanser and love it.

– I use this both as a cleanser to remove makeup, but also as a facial oil in the shower to protect against moisture loss.

This is a simple step that many with sensitive skin can benefit from. Water alone can be drying to an already weakened skin barrier.

If she could start over

After years of having sensitive skin, there's one thing in particular Laura would do differently.

– If I were to go back ten years, I would cut out all perfume and essential oils in my facial products.

Through her own experience with perioral dermatitis and conversations with clients in her salon, she has seen how often perfume can be a trigger for sensitive skin.

– Beyond that, I would choose products with good ingredients with documented effects. Fresh products with date markings are also a big advantage. Then I know that the skin care is fresh and of high quality. They also do not contain as many strong preservatives which are a trigger for my Perioral dermatitis.