If your skin suddenly started burning, flaking, breaking out with pustules around your mouth or nose and everything you try makes it worse, you’re not crazy. You’re likely dealing with perioral dermatitis (PD), and it’s one of the most frustrating skin conditions out there.
The good news?
PD is manageable and in many cases, reversible, when you stop doing more and start doing less.
Let’s break this down simply.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis (and Why Does It Happen)?
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that shows up as red bumps or pustules, rash-like texture, or burning around the mouth, nose, or eyes. It’s often mistaken for acne or eczema, which is why people unintentionally make it worse.
PD is commonly triggered by:
- Overusing skincare products (especially actives)
- Topical steroid creams (even OTC hydrocortisone)
- Heavy moisturizers or occlusive products
- Harsh cleansers or exfoliants
- SLS or fluoridated toothpaste
- Hormonal shifts, humidity changes, stress
In short:
👉 Your skin barrier gets overwhelmed, disrupted, and inflamed.
PD is often caused by trying too hard to fix your skin.
After two weeks of using Saving Face Co. products + zero therapy.
Why “Zero Therapy” Is So Important for PD
One of the hardest (but most effective) steps in healing PD is something called zero therapy.
Zero therapy means:
- No actives
- No moisturizers
- No exfoliation
- No makeup
- No SPF
- No experimenting
- No constant product switching
This gives your skin barrier a chance to calm down and reset.
Yes, it can feel scary to stop everything…especially when your skin looks angry, but PD feeds on irritation. The less stimulation, the better.
Think of it like a sprained ankle: you wouldn’t keep running on it and hope it heals.
What to Expect (This Is Normal)
During zero therapy, dryness and flaking are very common — and yes, it can look worse before it gets better.
Signs PD is healing:
• Decreasing redness
• Reduced inflammation
• Fewer or smaller pustules
Temporary but normal signs:
• Increased dryness
• Flaking or peeling
This phase is uncomfortable, but it’s often where real healing begins.
- Typically, moisturizer, SPF, and make-up can be used on other areas of the face during zero therapy while carefully avoiding the flare.
Where Sulfur Fits In during Zero Therapy
Sulfur is one of the most underrated, PD-friendly ingredients out there.
Why sulfur helps PD:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial (without being harsh)
- Helps calm redness and bumps
- Supports healing without stripping the skin
When used correctly and minimally, sulfur can bring PD flares under control.
The ONLY product we recommend during zero therapy is sulfur. But it has to be the right % and the right formula.
This is why we spent months creating our now best-selling 3% Sulfur Cleanser. Gentle enough to avoid stripping or irritating your skin, but powerful in the way it calms the flare.
Re-Introducing Products (Slowly Is Everything)
Once your skin calms down, the biggest mistake people make is jumping back into their full routine too fast. Wait until the flare area has finished flaking before adding these products in.
The safest order is:
- BRB Mist – a soothing hypochlorous acid mist that calms angry skin and clarifies without compromising the barrier
- Soothing Microbiome Gel Creme – (only after the rash has calmed and pustules have flaked off) – a probiotic-packed PD- and rosacea-friendly creme that hydrates and soothes without being too heavy or greasy
- SPF – we love Elta MD UV Clear Tinted (again, only after the flare has cleared)
- Makeup—introduced last and sparingly to the flare area
- Make-up remover– Our go-to is Juno Cleansing Balm for the first cleanse at night.
If your skin reacts, you pause…not push through. If pustules or the rash reappears, you may need to do zero therapy a bit longer.
PD rewards patience, not urgency.
Feeling Lost? You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone.
If you’re overwhelmed, second-guessing every product, or stuck in a flare-cycle, I created a Perioral Dermatitis Guide that walks you through:
- What to stop immediately
- What actually helps (and what makes PD worse)
- How to do zero therapy the right way
- When and how to reintroduce products safely
- Ingredient callouts to avoid vs. look for
- Realistic healing timelines
Final Thoughts
PD is frustrating—but it’s not forever.
Your skin isn’t broken. It’s asking for fewer inputs, more consistency, and time.
If you’re in the middle of a flare right now, take a breath. You’re in the right place and healing starts with simplifying, not adding more.
You’ve got this 🤍
- Not medical advice. Please see your own provider for your specific skin condition.
