Naturally and Intuitively

If you’ve ever experienced a stubborn rash around your mouth, chin, or nose that just won’t go away, you might be dealing with something called perioral dermatitis. I struggled with this confusing condition for months; despite doing “all the right things.” But healing began when I truly tuned into my body’s signals.

In this post, I’ll share:

1. What perioral dermatitis is
2. How it differs from other skin issues like rosacea and eczema
3. Common causes (including some you may not suspect)
4. What finally worked for me; naturally

1. What Is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a type of inflammatory rash that shows up mainly around the mouth, nose, or even the eyes. It can look like tiny red bumps, flaking, and dry patches; sometimes itchy or burning. In my case, it was a mix of dry, tight skin and recurring red bumps that felt almost like acne, but not quite.

It’s surprisingly common among women and can be triggered by a combination of:

• Skincare products,
• Hormonal changes,
• Stress, 
• Gut imbalances
• Nutrient deficiencies.

 

2. How It’s Different From Rosacea or Eczema

At first, I thought it might be rosacea or even eczema. But here’s how perioral dermatitis is different:

• Rosacea usually appears across the cheeks and nose with visible redness, flushing or broken blood vessels or capillaries.
• Eczema (or dermatitis) is often itchier and can appear anywhere on the body, not just around the mouth.
• Perioral Dermatitis, on the other hand, typically forms a distinct ring around the mouth and is often more sensitive than itchy.

 

That “around the mouth” pattern is a big clue.

 

3. The Root Causes

There isn’t one single cause, but here are the most common culprits:

• Overuse of steroid creams (even natural-looking ones)
• Fluoride toothpaste (you won't find one in my household!)
• Skincare that disrupts the skin barrier
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Gut imbalances
• Micronutrient deficiencies - especially zinc
• Chronic Stress! (yes, always)

For me, I knew that it was a mix of hormonal fluctuations with pregnancy and postpartum changes, gut imbalance (Helicobacter pylori; a post for another day!) and stress. But one breakthrough moment helped everything click.

 

4. What Helped Me Heal (Naturally)

 

Step 1: I Started Craving Oysters and I Listened

One of the oddest but most powerful clues came when I started craving oysters. Yes, really! It sounds random, but I’ve learned to really trust my body’s signals. Oysters are one of the richest food sources of zinc, a mineral essential for skin healing, inflammation control, and immune health.

Once I began eating oysters weekly and added a quality oral zinc supplement, my skin calmed within weeks. I later mentioned this to my GP, and we both had an “aha” moment - it was likely zinc deficiency all along.

Zinc deficiency is more common than most people think—especially during periods of stress, digestive issues, or hormonal shifts.

Why Zinc Matters for Skin:

• It supports skin cell turnover
• Regulates oil production
• Soothes inflammation
• Boosts wound healing
• Protects the skin barrier

 

Step 2: I Switched Back to 100% Natural Skincare

I had drifted from my usual low-tox routine because I even had a dermatologist telling me to use some mainstream products again, thinking they were gentle enough. But many contained ingredients that were too harsh or disruptive.

So, I stripped everything back and returned to my core skincare philosophy; only using nourishing, barrier-repairing ingredients like those in our own Jessica Wellness formulations. No essential oils near the rash, no actives like AHAs or retinol; just barrier-loving botanicals.

With perioral dermatitis, less is truly more.

My skincare routine was three simple products, Cleansing oil 40% Ultra-Healing, Magic Skin, Sunny or Cloudy light SPF 30.

Step 3: I Took Stress Seriously

It’s easy to dismiss stress when you’re a busy mum juggling work, kids, and life; but chronic stress affects the skin deeply. It disrupts the skin barrier, weakens immunity, and can trigger or worsen inflammatory conditions like perioral dermatitis.

I didn’t overhaul my life overnight, but I did make conscious, manageable changes that compounded in powerful shifts:

• Morning breathwork or 10min yoga session before the kids woke up. Thank you @yoga_with_kassandra for your 10min yoga morning videos!
• A strict “no phone in bed” rule
• Herbal infusions to support my nervous system before bed (hello, chamomile, California poppy, blue butterfly pea + tulsi) blended into my Magical Turmeric tea.

Step 4: I Lowered Inflammation with Magical Turmeric Tea

Perioral dermatitis is often driven by low-grade, chronic inflammation. And while topical support is important, I knew I had to address it from within too.

I started drinking my Magical Turmeric Tea twice daily, a blend I created by Jessica Wellness with organic turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and natural stevia leaf. It became more than a soothing ritual; it was my way of lowering systemic inflammation gently and consistently.

Why Turmeric Works for Skin:

• Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound and our blend is formulated with black pepper to enhance its absorption.
• Supports liver detoxification
• Aids digestion (which impacts skin health!)
• Enhances antioxidant protection

 

I took my Magical Turmeric tea twice a day as a non-negotiable ritual!

 

In Summary

Healing my perioral dermatitis wasn’t about finding a miracle product, it was about tuning in to what my body was asking for.

• I listened to my cravings, and it led me to a zinc connection
• I simplified my skincare and went back to all-natural, skin-supportive routines
• I prioritised stress management and created space to manage stress in a way that felt doable
• I nourished my body with anti-inflammatory support through turmeric tea

If you’re dealing with something similar, know this:

 

Your skin is always talking to you.

 

You just have to learn how to listen.

 

Have you struggled with perioral dermatitis or skin flare-ups that don’t seem to go away? I’d love to hear your story; drop it in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram @jessicawellness.au.