My Clean Beauty Secret: Perioral Dermatitis

For the last 3 years, I have suffered with perioral dermatitis. The best way I can describe it is a rash of sorts that can pop up on various parts of your face, but particularly around the mouth and nose. It manifests in the most annoying little red bumps that are almost impossible to treat without steroid cream or antibiotics. OH and the rash can lead to hyperpigmentation and dryness. SOUNDS REALLY FUN RIGHT?

There is no singular cause for a flare-up, but there are a number of ingredients in food and beauty products that can lead to the re-emergence of these horrid, soul-crushing bumps. They include: cinnamon (and its derivatives), sodium lauryl sulfate (LOOK OUT FOR A POST SPECIFICALLY ON THIS BANE OF MY EXISTENCE), and flouride. Any creams that are too occlusive (aka thicc) can cause a flare-up. Even the sun's UV rays and WIND are thought to possibly exacerbate the condition! Enjoy a photo of me pulling my hair out about it:

So, as you can guess, I have had to become very particular about what products I use. I am a serial ingredient-list-checker. I grew up eating organic, and my mom always taught me to check labels, but I never really had to apply that concept to my beauty products. I didn't start using clean beauty because it became trendy, I started using clean beauty because I had to!

If you would be interested in some posts on my daily products that are trustworthy and truly clean (because not all "clean beauty" is really that clean), I would love to share the specifics. Also, a post on some cult favorites that have shockingly bad ingredients might be fun!

Give this post a thumbs (or in this case, a boots) up in the comments below if you would like to know more about my clean journey!