Redness around the mouth and nose – what could it be?

Are you experiencing redness around your mouth or nose that won't go away? Maybe your skin feels irritated, dry, or you've developed small red bumps that look like pimples. We hope this helps you understand your skin better.

Redness around the mouth and nose can be caused by a number of different skin conditions, including perioral dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, or a weakened skin barrier. Understanding the cause is important in order to choose the right treatment and skincare. Many people find relief by switching to gentle products and reducing their skincare routine to a minimum. If you do not experience sufficient improvement, it is recommended to contact a dermatologist.

Why does the skin around the mouth and nose turn red?

The skin around the mouth and nose is particularly prone to irritation. This area is often affected daily by weather, skincare products, toothpaste, makeup, and touch. In addition, nasal congestion and allergies can cause a lot of moisture in the area, which can cause irritation and roughness.

When the skin barrier is weakened, the skin can react with:

• Redness
• Irritation
• Small bumps or rashes
• Dryness and flaking
• Burning, stinging, or pricking sensation

If the symptoms do not go away, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. You may have perioral dermatitis, eczema, rosacea or similar.

Perioral dermatitis

One of the causes of redness around the mouth and nose may be perioral dermatitis.

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that often appears as red areas with small bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes. Many people describe the skin as sore, tight, or burning.

Common symptoms of perioral dermatitis:

• Redness around the mouth
• Small red bumps
• Irritated skin around the nose
• Dry or flaky skin
• Skin that reacts to products it previously tolerated

The condition is often confused with atopic eczema, acne, and rosacea.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes persistent redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, and chin. However, it can also occur on the rest of the face.

Unlike perioral dermatitis, the redness of rosacea is often more diffuse and you often also have:

• Visible blood vessels
• Redding
• Warm sensation in the skin
• Sensitive skin

Rosacea can also cause bumps and pimple-like rashes, making it easy to confuse the condition with other skin problems.

Atopic eczema around the mouth and nose

Atopic eczema can also cause redness on the face. Most often, people have had atopic eczema since childhood, but in adulthood, the eczema can sometimes move to the face. People with sensitive skin or atopic eczema are often at greater risk of developing irritation around the mouth and nose.

In eczema, the skin is often:

• Dry
• Itchy
• Flaky
• Cracks and wounds

Weakened skin barrier

In Perioral Dermatitis, Rosacea and Eczema the skin barrier is always weakened but you can have a weakened skin barrier without having any of these skin conditions. Sometimes the redness is not due to Rosacea, Eczema or Perioral Dermatitis but rather to a weakened skin barrier.

Too much skincare, strong active ingredients or frequent exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation which in turn can lead to Perioral dermatitis if you continue to trigger the skin over time.

Common signs of a weakened skin barrier:

• Your skin stings when you apply products
• Skin feels tight and dry
• You react to products you previously tolerated
• Persistent redness

In such cases, it can help to simplify your skincare routine to 2-3 products and focus on soothing and moisturizing products.

How to calm down red skin around the mouth and nose?

Regardless of whether you have rosacea, atopic eczema, rosacea or a weakened skin barrier, many people will benefit from:

• Using mild cleaning products
• Avoid acids and active ingredients to calm the outbreak
• Choose products developed for sensitive skin without perfume and essential oils
• Protect skin from cold and strong sun
• Avoid exfoliation. Or, only exfoliate your skin a few times a year.

A simple skincare routine can often help reduce irritation and support the skin's natural barrier.

Our skin care recommendations for you with redness, burning and sore skin.

We recommend this for rosacea, perioral dermatitis and younger skin with a weakened skin barrier.

RÅ Skincare Barrier Care Cleanser

A gentle and soap-free cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and impurities without irritating the skin. We recommend cleansing the skin in the evening and avoiding unnecessary washing in the morning if the skin is dry, sore or sensitive.

RÅ Skincare Ectoin Light Moisturizer

A light and soothing moisturizer that helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce skin sensitivity.

Yes, it's actually that simple. When skin is out of balance, it often benefits from fewer products. We therefore recommend using only these two products until the skin has calmed down. In the beginning, you can apply the cream up to three times a day if the skin feels tight, dehydrated or irritated.

Also, be careful with makeup during periods of active irritation, as this can further trigger the skin. If sunscreen stings or increases redness, it may be a good idea to use less on your face and instead protect your skin with a sun hat, cap, and staying in the shade. Remember that both heat and strong sun exposure can worsen redness and sensitivity in the skin.

We recommend this for atopic eczema and dry skin with a weakened skin barrier.

RAW Pure Lipid Cleanser

A nourishing oil cleanser that can be used both as a cleanser and as a protector before showering or washing your face. Apply a thin layer before skin comes into contact with water to provide a temporary protective barrier.

RAW Favn Extra Nourishing Cream

A rich and nourishing face cream that helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce dryness and reduce redness in the skin. Use morning and evening.

RAW SOS Ceramide Balm

A protective balm that is especially suitable for dry, sore and eczema-prone areas. It can also be used on the lips. Feel free to carry it with you throughout the day and apply as needed to areas that feel dry, tight or irritated.

If you are unsure what to choose, start with the recommendation for rosacea and perioral dermatitis. If the skin is not getting enough moisture, we build on the routine with an additional product. Feel free to contact us by email, Instagram or take a personal skin test if you are unsure. If you have problems with your skin, we recommend uploading a picture and providing a thorough description of your skin to get the best possible guidance.

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