How to Support Perioral Dermatitis Naturally — Gentle, Holistic Skincare Tips

When I developed perioral dermatitis in my mid-20s, I had no idea how much it would affect my confidence and well-being. For over a decade — into my late 30s — I experienced flare-ups that came and went, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and using too many products in an effort to “fix” my skin.

It wasn’t until I started to simplify my routine, support my gut health, and turn to natural, plant-powered ingredients that I began to see real healing. Today, my skin is calm and clear — and I’m passionate about helping others find the same gentle path to balance.

This guide brings together what I’ve learned as both a clinical aromatherapist and someone who’s been there herself — practical, holistic ways to support perioral dermatitis and help your skin feel soothed, strong, and calm again. 

Supporting Skin with Perioral Dermatitis — Gentle Steps & Holistic Tips

Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a common yet often misunderstood skin condition that shows up as redness, small bumps, and irritation around the mouth, nose, and chin. It’s often triggered by a disrupted skin barrier, stress, hormonal shifts, or overuse of skincare and topical steroids.

As someone who’s personally experienced perioral dermatitis, I know how sensitive and reactive the skin can become — but gentle, consistent care can make a real difference. Here’s how I support skin naturally, from the inside out.

1. Cleanse with kindness

When your skin barrier is inflamed, less is more. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (or cleanse with lukewarm water only during flare-ups). Avoid foaming products, exfoliants, and rough cloths that can cause friction.
→ Read: Heal Your Skin from the Inside Out – Gut Health & Personalised Skincare

2. Soothe with pure hydrosols

Our Lavender Mist is a pure Lavandula angustifolia hydrosol — not a diluted essential oil blend — making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. Hydrosols are naturally calming and help reduce redness while restoring the skin’s natural balance.

Use lightly (a gentle mist, not a soak) and follow with a carrier oil like Jojoba to seal in hydration.

Reference:

• Lavender hydrosol’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (NIH)

3. Simplify your skincare

Keep your routine minimal — your skin barrier needs space to heal. A simple, soothing trio works beautifully:

• Lavender Mist – to soothe and hydrate

• Jojoba Oil – to nourish and protect the barrier

• Breathe Calm Blend – a calming synergy of Lavender, Frankincense & Sweet Orange to bring balance and relaxation

How to use them together:

1. Mist: After cleansing (or rinsing with lukewarm water), lightly spritz your Lavender Mist over the face. Allow it to settle for a few seconds.

2. Seal in moisture: While your skin is still slightly damp, gently massage 2–3 drops of Jojoba Oil into the skin.

3. Optional calming boost: If you’d like to add essential oils, dilute your Breathe Calm Blend properly before use:

   • Add 10 drops of Breathe Calm essential oil blend to 30ml of Jojoba Oil (≈ 1% dilution — ideal for sensitive skin).

   • For a larger batch, use 30 drops in 100ml of Jojoba Oil.

   • Alternatively, you can mix 1 drop of Breathe Calm into 5ml of Jojoba Oil each time you apply (a fresh, one-off blend).

Always patch-test new blends before applying to the face, and avoid the mouth and eye area. For perioral dermatitis, it’s best to keep essential oil concentrations low and routines simple — consistency and gentleness are key.

→ Read: Personalised Natural Skincare – How to Choose Your Perfect Elixir

4. Avoid common triggers

Certain ingredients and habits can worsen POD. Avoid:

• Topical or inhaled steroids

• Fluoridated or whitening toothpastes

• Heavy, occlusive or fragranced creams

• Essential oils applied neat to skin

• Over-cleansing, heat exposure, and stress triggers

5. Support healing from within

Your skin often reflects your internal health. Supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and nourishing your body helps your skin repair from within.

Try incorporating:

• Probiotic foods (fermented vegetables, kefir, kombucha)

• Magnesium and B vitamins (to regulate stress and inflammation)

• Hydration (2L water daily)

• Aromatherapy for stress relief, such as Breathe Calm or Rest Calm

6. Manage stress & sleep

Stress is one of the biggest perioral dermatitis triggers. Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises helps calm your nervous system and your skin. Aromatherapy can amplify this effect — lavender and frankincense both reduce stress and support skin regeneration.

References:

• Lavender essential oil for anxiety and skin barrier recovery (NIH)

7. Be patient with your skin

Healing takes time and consistency. Simplify your products, avoid frequent changes, and note any triggers. Many people find that within a few weeks of gentle care, their skin feels calmer and clearer.

Perioral dermatitis can be stubborn, but it’s not forever. The key is to support, not fight, your skin. With gentle products, stress awareness, and holistic balance, healing becomes a journey of self-care and patience.

Always consult a dermatologist for persistent or severe flare-ups — natural solutions are complementary, not replacements for medical guidance.

Your skin can heal — one calm step at a time. Healthy Wishes Becky

References & Further Reading

British Association of Dermatologists: Perioral Dermatitis

NIH: Lavender anti-inflammatory study

NIH: Lavender oil for stress and skin recovery

National Eczema Association – Barrier Repair Guide

Heal Your Skin from the Inside Out – Gut Health & Personalised Skincare

Personalised Natural Skincare – How to Choose Your Perfect Elixir