Lifestyle Changes to Help Heal Perioral Dermatitis Naturally

After over a decade of managing my own perioral dermatitis—and writing extensively on the topic as both a medical professional and skincare formulator—I’ve become quite the expert on the subject. We receive a huge number of emails every week from people seeking a natural, long-term solution for healing perioral dermatitis after steroids and antibiotics have failed.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of seeing before-and-after photos where someone’s dermatitis is barely noticeable after four to six weeks of strictly following our perioral dermatitis protocol. Results vary, of course, but the stories are powerful: people going on first dates again, wearing less makeup, and simply remembering how to smile. (The images in this post are from a real Osmia customer—now thirteen years strong—who graciously allowed us to share her journey.)

In addition to using the Osmia Skincare products for perioral dermatitis, below you'll find some key lifestyle shifts and product swaps to help support your skin’s healing. And if you haven’t read our foundational article on perioral dermatitis, we recommend starting there first.

Toothpaste Tips: What to Avoid with Perioral Dermatitis

Look for a toothpaste that’s free of both fluoride and sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES). I’ve used Jason Seafresh Deep Sea Spearmint for years—the paste, not the gel. I also like Boka Refresh Mint Whitening Toothpaste, which has an octagonal cap that is oddly pleasant to use. Even "natural" brands can sneak in sulfates, so double-check those ingredient lists.

When traveling, I love Bite fluoride-free toothpaste bits. They're effective, eco-friendly, and safe for sensitive skin.

Choosing Sunscreen for Perioral Dermatitis-Prone Skin

This is one of the trickiest questions we get, and answers may vary person to person. The only two natural options when it comes to sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, referred to as barrier sunscreens. I prefer zinc oxide for its broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

But here’s the issue: many oil-based natural sunscreens trigger or worsen perioral dermatitis symptoms. Heavy oils can worsen red bumps, and non-nano mineral particles may emphasize dry, flaky skin. My go-to products are Mychelle Unscented SPF 28 and Sliptint by Saie—I blend them together in my hand before applying them, and they sink in nicely without exacerbating my dermatitis. 

Other brands I’ve had success with include Coola, Babo, and Suntegrity. I steer clear of non-mineral sunscreens because the chemical screens come with potential health concerns and because they irritate my skin. 

Best Hair Products for Dermatitis-Prone Skin

The key here is avoiding synthetic fragrance and sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, both of which are in almost every shampoo on the market. I share my PD-safe favorites for my thick, wavy, increasingly gray hair here, but you may have to play around with a few brands to find the right combination for your hair. It's worth the effort, though—your hair products come in contact with your face regularly, and it's critical that they don't keep your skin inflamed. 

My favorite hair care brands include the following:

• Josh Rosebrook
• Innersense Organic Beauty
• Evolvh
• Desert Essence (the unscented version)

Makeup That Won’t Worsen Perioral Dermatitis

If your skin is angry and inflamed, it’s best to skip makeup. Any day you can go without makeup will help your skin heal. But once healing is underway—or if you need it for a special event—these are my go-to clean makeup brands:

• Alima Pure: Beautiful powder foundation and eyeshadows in a wide shade range.

• Saie: My favorite across the board—it dominates my makeup bag.

• Ilia: Especially love their lip oils.

Avoid ingredients like bismuth (commonly found in mineral makeup), talc, parabens, petroleum, and possibly beeswax, which can be too occlusive for the facial skin (though it's fine on the lips). 

Pro tip: Wash your brushes regularly! I use our Oh So Soap and warm water every couple of weeks, though you might do it more often if you use your brushes daily. 

What laundry detergent is best for perioral dermatitis?

My two favorite brands are Molly's Suds and Branch Basics. They both offer loads of options, for laundry and lots of other tasks around the house, like dishwasher detergent and cleaning sprays.

Using an unscented, mainstream brand is not enough—if you have perioral dermatitis, you HAVE to get rid of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate in your laundry detergent. I can't tell you how many times I've helped people who think they're using a "clean laundry detergent," but when I ask them to check the label, they come back surprised to have found sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate! I can't stress it enough—everything you sleep on or wear or use to dry your face has been washed in your laundry detergent, and if you want to get rid of perioral dermatitis, you have to get rid of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate in your whole life.

What body wash is best for perioral dermatitis?

Ditching the body wash is best for perioral dermatitis! Switch to a natural bar soap made without sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate or synthetic fragrance, both of which are found in many body washes. Simplifying the ingredients you're using on your body may not seem critical, but it's amazing how products in the shower end up on your face, even if you're trying to be careful.

Dietary Shifts for Perioral Dermatitis Relief

Limit Coffee (Temporarily!)

This is a tough one—I know. But try cutting back to 1–2 cups a week, replacing with tea when possible. Once your skin stabilizes, you may be able to return to a daily cup or half-caff routine like I do. 

Reduce Gluten, Dairy, and Sugar

Traditional Chinese medicine connects the perioral area with digestive issues. And in my experience, wheat (gluten), dairy, and sugar are often the biggest inflammatory culprits when it comes to digestion. Try swapping in more dark greens, fresh produce, and unprocessed foods.

That said, don’t become obsessive. Food anxiety can trigger stress, which worsens PD. Gentle awareness—not perfection—is the goal.

Evening Primrose Oil: A Natural Supplement for PD

If you’re not pregnant or trying to conceive, evening primrose oil may help. I’ve taken this supplement for over a decade for both skin and hormonal support. The science is limited, but I’ve seen it benefit many people (including myself). In fact, when I miss a few doses, I usually see some dry areas start to emerge on my face. 

I use this this evening primrose supplement with 500mg per capsule—a bit higher than average.

Stress Management: The Secret Weapon for Skin Healing

PD affects more than your skin—it impacts your confidence and sense of peace. But perspective is everything: it’s not life-threatening, and it’s a distress signal, not a wild fire. 

Many people with perioral dermatitis are Type A (I say this lovingly as a Type A+ myself). The same adrenaline-fueled drive that helps us succeed can also dysregulate our nervous system. But the simple fact is that the more you stress about having perioral dermatitis, the worse it gets. So give yourself permission to slow down. Stop Googling miracle cures. Put down the magnifying mirror. And—your skin called to ask this favor—please, no more apple cider vinegar. 

Instead, create daily rituals to reduce stress:

• Deep breathing or meditation
• Yoga or stretching
• Journaling
• Therapy
• Walks or time in nature

PD won’t calm down until your nervous system does. Approach your skin with the understanding that it is not doing this to you, but is telling you something important about your whole health. Make small changes and be consistent. Try things for three weeks at a time, rather than three days. Keep a journal, and take a photo in natural light without makeup once a week (and only once a week), so you can see changes over time. And have faith in your skin's ability to heal with the right support. 

Final Lifestyle Tips for Perioral Dermatitis

• Hands off: Only touch your face when washing or applying product—with clean hands.
• Be gentle: Skip exfoliation when skin is red or angry.
• Apply facial products before body products to avoid transfer of occlusive oils.
• Try doing your routine only at night—this allows healing to happen while you sleep.
• Avoid makeup on bad flare days. Your skin will thank you.
• Try a raw honey mask a few times a week. Let it steam in while you shower, then rinse thoroughly.
• If you go the antibiotic route, oral versions tend to be less irritating than topicals.
• Say no to steroids: If your dermatologist recommends them, ask if they’re aware steroids are a known cause of perioral dermatitis. 

With Patience, Progress Will Come

Perioral dermatitis can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone, and things are not hopeless. Email us anytime at info@osmiaskincare.com with questions or concerns. Healing takes time, but it’s absolutely possible.

With love and patience from all of us at Osmia,