Healing Perioral Dermatitis & Rosacea Naturally: A Holistic Approach to Skin Barrier Repair
Did you know that nearly 50% of women and 37% of men experience sensitive skin due to an impaired skin barrier? A weakened skin barrier is the root cause of 9 out of 10 skin concerns, including perioral dermatitis and rosacea.
At Sabbia Co, we take a full wellness approach, formulating products that work with your skin—not against it—to restore its natural balance and resilience.
What is Perioral Dermatitis & Rosacea?
These two common inflammatory skin conditions often get confused, but they have distinct triggers and symptoms:
Perioral Dermatitis (PD): Appears as red, bumpy, irritated skin around the mouth, nose, and eyes. It is often linked to topical steroid overuse, fluoride toothpaste, harsh skincare, and gut imbalances.
Rosacea: Causes persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like breakouts. Triggers include heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, and an impaired skin barrier.
Both conditions are often worsened by a compromised skin barrier, making barrier repair the most effective way to calm flare-ups naturally.
What Causes a Weakened Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence against irritation, bacteria, and environmental stressors. When it’s weakened, the skin becomes more prone to inflammation, dehydration, and sensitivity.
Common Causes of an Impaired Skin Barrier:
- Over-exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids)
- Harsh cleansers with sulfates
- Fragrance & preservatives in skincare
- Chronic stress & poor gut health
- Lack of essential fatty acids & hydration
Ingredients to Avoid for Perioral Dermatitis & Rosacea
If you struggle with flare-ups, redness, or breakouts, eliminating barrier-damaging ingredients from your skincare routine is essential:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Strips natural oils, increasing dryness and irritation.
- Retinoids & Strong Acids: Can be too harsh for compromised skin.
- Heavy Emollients & Silicones: Can trap heat and bacteria.
- Essential Oils in High Concentrations: Can trigger inflammation in sensitive skin.
- Fluoride: Often linked to perioral dermatitis.
How to Heal Perioral Dermatitis & Rosacea Naturally
The key to healing these skin conditions naturally is a holistic, skin-first approach that includes skincare, gut health, and lifestyle changes.
1. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
- Use a Gentle, Barrier-Supportive Cleanser – Avoid foaming cleansers; opt for a creamy or oil-based cleanser.
- Incorporate Soothing Ingredients – Look for aloe vera, niacinamide, zinc PCA, and cucumber extract.
- Lock in Hydration – Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like avocado oil and squalane are ideal.
2. Balance Your Gut Health
- Prioritise Omega-3s & Antioxidants – Eat fatty fish, flaxseeds, and leafy greens.
- Reduce Processed Foods & Sugar – These can worsen inflammation and gut imbalance.
- Incorporate Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes – A healthy gut = healthy skin.
3. Reduce Inflammation & Stress
- Practice Stress Management – Meditation, deep breathing, and movement support your nervous system.
- Support Your Liver Detox Pathways – Dandelion tea, bitter greens, and lymphatic drainage techniques help flush toxins.
- Protect Skin from UV Exposure – Use zinc oxide-based sunscreen daily.
Sabbia Co: Skincare That Heals from the Inside Out
At Sabbia Co, we go beyond skincare—we take a wellness-first approach that supports skin holistically.
Our formulations have been created by an Australian Cosmetic Chemist and Dermal Clinical with over 20 years of skin knowledge to heal and strengthen the skin barrier naturally, reducing inflammation and restoring balance for long-term skin health.
