Have you been noticing red, bumpy irritation around your nose or mouth? Are you desparately trying to figure out whether these flare-ups are acne or rosacea?
If you answered yes to these questions, you might be struggling with perioral dermatitis.
While only a dermatologist can confirm the cause of your concern, we chatted with Board-Certified Dermatologist and the Founder of MONA Dermatology Dr. Mona Foad to help understand what perioral dermatitis is, what triggers it, and how to treat it.
She also shared her top soothing skincare picks for sensitive skin plus the makeup that won't stress your skin out, all of which are discounted during Amazon's early Prime Day sale.
"Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that typically appears as small red bumps or patches around the mouth, nose, or eyes. It often looks like acne or a rash, but the causes are different," Dr. Foad explained.
"While the exact reason it develops isnât always clear, it is often a variant of rosacea and can be treated in the same ways. Sometimes, it can be linked to a disrupted skin barrier and inflammation triggered by factors such as topical steroid use, fluoride toothpaste, certain cosmetics, or harsh skincare products. Hormonal changes, stress, and even overuse of heavy creams or moisturizers can also contribute," she shared.
"Anytime your skinâs protective barrier becomes compromised, it can open the door for irritation and inflammation to take hold."
"To prevent perioral dermatitis flare-ups, stick to products that are free of fragrance or alcohol, which can irritate already-sensitive skin. Avoid topical steroids, heavy occlusive moisturizers like petrolatum and coconut oil, and fluorinated toothpaste if youâve noticed a connection with your breakouts," Dr. Foad shared.
She advised opting for skincare that includes ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and niacinamide as they help "strengthen and soothe the skin."
"When dealing with perioral dermatitis, simplicity is key," our expert said. To cleanse without stripping the skin, Dr. Foad suggests non-foaming, fragrance-free, creamy cleansers the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
This daily face wash with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin is designed to help hydrate skin without stripping moisture. It can remove face makeup, dirt, and excess oil, plus it provides 24-hour hydration and leaves a moisturized, non-greasy feel.
This cleanser is the mildest formula from Vanicream's line, and designed specifically for daily use on sensitive skin. It may help remove dirt, oil, and makeup without drying or irritating the skin.
This gentle face and body cleansing oil is formulated with niacinamide designed to replenish the skin barrier while soothing flare-ups. It's hydrating and safe for dermatitus-prone skin.
"For moisturizers, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic, and barrier-supporting formulas," she advised. "These hydrate and calm inflammation without occluding the pores or triggering flare-ups."
On the other hand, she says to "Avoid heavy ointments or thick creams during active breakouts, as they can clog your pores."
Packed with calming ceramides, this pH-balancing moisturizer has a lightweight, water-like gel texture that boosts barrier function and heals dry, sensitive skin. It's unscented and doesn't contain harsh alcohol.
This rich, nourishing cream boosts the skin's natural defenses to restore skin that has been compromised from harsh, acne treatments.
This buttery barrier cream is formulated with a derm-approved combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to help retain moisture and calm irritation.
Dr. Foad knows you can't always have a makeup-free day. So, "If you prefer to wear makeup, choose products labeled non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and for sensitive skin," she said.
She recommends mineral-based foundations such as Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, bareMinerals Original Foundation, or Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Powder, as they allow the skin to breathe while still providing coverage.
"Avoid heavy liquid foundations, primers, or products with silicones and alcohol, which can trap bacteria and worsen inflammation," she explained.
Additionally, she advises to "Always remove makeup thoroughly with a gentle cleanser at the end of the day to get rid of the day's pollution and prevent further irritation."
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Makeup Foundation helps improve the look of redness and skin clarity, tone, and texture with lightweight breathable coverage that feels soft and natural on the skin. Choose from four colors.
Lightweight, talc-free matte mineral foundation provides sheer-to-full coverage and promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin over time. Choose from several shades.
This talc-free, paraben-free mineral formula provides smooth, buildable coverage that diminishes the appearance of imperfections & delivers an impeccable, soft satin finish.
Shoppers can expect major discounts across categories including tech, beauty, home, kitchen, fashion, and wellness during Prime Day 2026. Amazon devices like Echo speakers, Fire TVs, Kindles, and Ring doorbells are usually among the biggest markdowns, but the event has also become known for impressive deals on viral beauty products, designer fashion, vacuums, cookware, and everyday essentials.
Brands often save some of their best online prices for Prime Day, making it a smart time to buy bigger-ticket items. If previous years are any indication, shoppers should also expect plenty of lightning deals and limited-time offers that sell out quickly.
While the main Prime Day event usually lasts about 48 hours, deals often start rolling out well before the official kickoff, including early Prime Day deals that we've found live, now.
Amazon typically releases early beauty, fashion, home, and wellness deals in the days â and sometimes even weeks â leading up to the event, giving shoppers a chance to score discounts ahead of the rush.
Popular categories like home, fashion, beauty, and tech tend to see early markdowns first. Once Prime Day officially begins, new deals can drop as often as every few minutes, so itâs worth checking back throughout the event.
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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.