Rosacea and perioral dermatitis: A deep dive Into the skin

ROSACEA AND PERIORAL DERMATITIS

Flushing, rashes, bumps, and impurities. Rosacea and perioral dermatitis are two distinct skin conditions with similar symptoms that can be painful, irritating, and overall frustrating to deal with. We’ve probably all experienced the slight burning tingle from either contact allergy or simply flushing due to an emotional overload. Now imagine these flare-ups being a regular struggle.

Though symptoms of rosacea and perioral dermatitis can vary from skin to skin, they’re rarely a pleasant experience.

Therefore, we’re delving into these skin conditions to gain a better understanding of how to manage and care for our skin the way it deserves.

 What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. It’s often characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes, small bumps and rashes. People with rosacea may also experience a burning or stinging sensation following their flare-ups.

As of today, there’s no cure for rosacea, so treatment is focused on treating and preventing the reactions. The condition tends to worsen with triggers such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy food, and stress.

Rosacea can be managed with medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers, but it’s a lifelong condition that typically requires ongoing care. If you suspect you have rosacea, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the area around the mouth – but it can also appear around the eyes and nose. It’s most often characterized by small, red, bumpy papules and postules that may resemble acne. The exact cause of dermatitis has not yet been determined, but its’ believed to be linked to factors such as the use of topical steroids, certain skincare products, and hormonal changes. 

The condition can be itchy or uncomfortable and is more prevalent in women than men. Treatment typically involves discontinuing the use of topical steroids and certain skincare products. It’s important to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan if you suspect you have perioral dermatitis, as the condition can worsen if not managed correctly.

Some experts believe that perioral dermatitis is a type of rosacea, while others believe they’re two separate conditions bearing the same characteristics.

To moisturize or not to moisturize?

People with rosacea or perioral dermatitis are often advised to opt out of rich creams to avoid worsening their condition, because the oil concentration can risk clogging pores and encapsulate heat and moisture, thereby potentially worsening symptoms.

However, not all moisturizer is a no-no if you have skin challenged by rosacea or perioral dermatitis. It’s all about paying attention to the ingredient list.

What we recommend opting out of specifically, are mineral oils. These are a type of petrolatum-derived oils that’re often deemed too heavy for skin with rosacea or perioral dermatitis. This is because mineral oils possess occlusive properties, meaning they’ll form a barrier on the skin’s surface, potentially trapping moisture, heat, and bacteria, which can worsen the symptoms.

Furthermore, mineral oils won’t absorb into the skin’s deepest layers, which is what it takes to nourish the skin and counteract potential reactions.

As with everything else skincare-related, we always recommend doing a patch-test of new products on limited areas of your skin (like hands, arms, or your neck) to check that your skin is welcoming the ingredients. Skin is different, and what applies to some may not apply to yours.

Can I use Ultra-Rich Cream?

… if you have rosacea and perioral dermatitis? Yes! With an oil value of 29%, its low pH-value, and the molecular composition, our Ultra-Rich Cream is an essential choice for flushed and irritated skin that still craves replenishing ingredients. Here’s why:

It contains ingredients that soothe dry and damaged skin

The combination of oils and waxes create a unique composition of different fatty acids that allow the cream to absorb more effectively into the skin while preventing moisture loss. The formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient renowned for its ability to provide and retain moisture in the skin, as well as glycerin, which likewise works as a moisture booster and binder, bringing moisture deep into the skin cells to leave your complexion soft, bouncy, and supple. Furthermore, it acts as an anti-irritant, meaning it helps to reduce redness and soothes reactive skin by modulating the skin’s immune response.

It counteracts premature signs of aging

Generally, inflamed skin is at a higher risk of developing premature aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles, because the skin releases agents that cause damage and degrading of the skin’s structural components, including collagen and elastin, who are important factors in maintaining skin elasticity. This all together contributes to the formation of aging signs.

With its addition of hyaluronic acid and Pavlova Lutheri Extract, which helps activate the synthesis of collagen type I, Ultra-Rich Cream helps restore the skin’s barrier function, thereby protecting skin cells from oxidative stress and free radicals. Thanks to the ingredient blend, Ultra-Rich Cream dives deep into the skin layers instead of resting on the skin’s surface, which prevents it from oxidating –a process that accelerates the skin’s aging process. 

It calms and strengthens a damaged skin barrier

Our Ultra-Rich Cream is enriched with niacinamide, which is acknowledged for its ability to reduce redness and irritation, improve suppleness, provide a smoothing effect, and reduce the visibility of pores. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and the algae extract Pavlova Lutheri Extract protect the skin from stress, pollution, and external influences with their antioxidant properties, helping to maintain the skin’s defense. Additionally, aloe veraextract offers the skin soothing and moisturizing properties.

In short, this non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and potent cream will offer your skin soothing, comforting, and restoring benefits to counteract dryness and irritation while strengthening a compromised barrier to leave your skin stronger, softer, and more resilient. 

Sources:

  • What Triggers Rosacea Flare-Ups? By K. Cherney, medically reviewed by D. Sullivan, healthline.com, 2020.
  • Skin Flushing/Blushing by H. Hobbs, medically reviewed by A. Varma, healthline.com, 2023.
  • Perioral Dermatitis: Treatment, How to Cure, and Causes by T. Kinman and A. Gotter, medically reviewed by J. Paul, healthline.com, 2023.
  • Home Remedies for Rosacea by A, White, medically reviewed by D. R. Wilson.