So, here’s the deal: I’m in Mexico City for a quick getaway, and I wake up the morning after arriving to find this wild rash on my face. We’re talking beyond the usual breakouts—this was like a full-on skin crisis. At first, I brushed it off, blaming the altitude and weather change. But as the days went by, it only got worse. Cue panic mode.
I didn’t want to freak out too much, so I waited until I got home to see a doctor. The verdict? Childhood eczema making a surprise return. But here’s the kicker—the doctor couldn’t really explain why it was coming back. So, I was left feeling a little lost and pretty disappointed.
Of course, the steroid cream was supposed to be my miracle cure, right? Wrong! Instead of calming things down, it made my skin even worse. After two weeks of using it, things seemed a little better. But the second I stopped? It transformed into something even crazier—perioral dermatitis.
August 2023
September 2023
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: dealing with this skin saga felt like a never-ending nightmare. There were moments when I thought, How am I going to get through this? But after tons of trial and error—and with some help from a few trusted pros—I finally found a skincare routine that worked wonders for me. If you’re dealing with stubborn skin issues, here’s what I swear by:
Rich Cushion Cream by Summer Fridays
This cream feels like a hug for your skin 🫂. The Rich Cushion Cream by Summer Fridays is packed with nourishing vitamins and peptides, making it a perfect match for irritated, sensitive skin. It helps calm redness and hydrate without irritating eczema or perioral dermatitis.
I made this my go-to morning cream—even though I don’t typically include creams in my morning routine—and it worked wonders on both the redness and the persistent itchiness I experienced during the height of my perioral dermatitis. The cream has a luxurious, thick texture, yet it feels surprisingly light once applied, with no greasy residue. Another feature I love is that it’s fragrance-free, which I deeply appreciate in skincare products, as strong scents can often feel overwhelming for me.
Thermal Spring Water Spray by Avene
Sometimes, simple really is better, and Avene’s Thermal Spring Water Spray is a perfect example of that. This refreshing burst of hydration is a lifesaver for anyone dealing with irritated or sensitive skin. Packed with soothing minerals, it works its magic to calm redness and discomfort almost instantly.
I found myself reaching for it multiple times a day—whether it was to combat the itchiness creeping in during the afternoon, to refresh my skin after a long day, or even as part of my post-shower routine. It quickly became a staple before applying makeup, helping to prep my skin with a soothing, lightweight layer of hydration. The fine mist feels incredibly gentle, making it a joy to use whenever my skin needed a little extra love. It’s simple, effective, and so versatile—a true must-have for everyday skincare.
Hydraphase HA Light Face Cream by La Roche Posay
Hydration is key, but not all hydrating creams are created equal. Some -like this one- are designed to give you next-level hydration, like a 72-hour level. Yes, you read that right. The Hydraphase HA Light Face Cream by La Roche Posay is a game-changer for skin that’s dealing with perioral dermatitis. Designed for normal to oily skin, this cream is lightweight, non-greasy, and sinks beautifully, giving a natural plump look.
Let’s talk about why this little green bottle is such a game-changer. First off, it’s so lightweight. If you have normal to oily skin, you know the struggle—finding a moisturizer that hydrates without making you look like a glazed donut by noon? Nearly impossible. But this one? It sinks right in, leaves zero greasy residue, and makes your skin feel plump and fresh, not suffocated.
The secret? Hyaluronic acid. This superstar ingredient is all about locking in moisture, keeping your skin bouncy and smooth without clogging pores or triggering irritation. And if you’ve ever dealt with perioral dermatitis, you know how tricky it can be to find products that don’t make things worse. This formula is gentle, soothing, and won’t disrupt your skin’s balance—just pure, breathable hydration that lasts.
Jet Lag Mask by Summer Fridays
If you haven’t tried the Jet Lag Mask, what are you doing?! This is by far the best skincare product that I’ve ever tried and I still use it religiously till this day. This multitasking hero works wonders on stressed-out skin and truly helped me repair my skin after that whole perioral dermatitis apocalypse.
Whether you’re using it as a quick hydration boost or leaving it on overnight as a nourishing mask, this formula helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and leave your skin feeling like a million bucks. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores (a huge win when dealing with perioral dermatitis).
Tip: Put your Jet Lag Mask in the fridge for 10 minutes before applying, this will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. You’ll go to bed feeling luxurious, moisturized and refreshed. You can thank me later. 😌
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Aging Face Serum by La Roche Posay
Let’s talk about the Hyalu B5 Face Serum by La Roche Posay. This serum is lightweight but powerful—it plumps up your skin, reduces fine lines, and helps soothe irritation. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with perioral dermatitis or just looking for some extra hydration and skin healing.
Managing skin issues like perioral dermatitis is a challenge, and while I’m definitely no dermatologist, these products helped create a space for my skin to heal and regain some balance. Of course, always check in with your doctor to get advice based on your unique skin needs. Sometimes you might need oral meds, and that’s totally okay! Trust your gut and do what feels right for you and your skin.
Oh, and let’s not forget: consistency is everything! Be sure to patch-test new products before diving in headfirst.
Here’s to healthier, glowing skin—because we all deserve it.
