In a world saturated with curated perfection, where celebrity skin often appears impossibly flawless, Hailey Bieber—a beauty mogul herself and the face of “glazed donut” skin—recently pulled back the curtain on a common, yet often misunderstood, skin condition. It’s a testament to her transparency that even someone synonymous with a dewy, blemish-free complexion experiences the frustrating reality of perioral dermatitis. Her candid revelations, shared on Instagram and TikTok, offer a refreshing glimpse into how even those in the spotlight navigate skin challenges, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for anyone grappling with similar flare-ups.
Understanding Perioral Dermatitis: A Common Skin Challenge
Perioral dermatitis (PD) is an inflammatory skin condition that typically manifests as a rash of tiny red bumps and sometimes pustules. While its name suggests it’s confined to the area around the mouth (“peri” meaning “around,” and “oral” meaning “mouth”), it can also appear around the nose, eyes, or chin, in which case it’s sometimes referred to as periorificial dermatitis. Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist, describes it as a “baby” of acne and eczema, combining tiny red bumps with an itchy, rash-like sensation. The Cleveland Clinic notes that it is a common condition, often affecting women between 25 and 45 years old.
Key Characteristics of Perioral Dermatitis
- Appearance: Small, red, sometimes itchy or burning bumps, often clustered.
- Location: Primarily around the mouth, but also around the nose, eyes, and chin.
- Sensation: Can include a burning sensation in the affected areas.
Hailey Bieber’s Journey with Perioral Dermatitis
Hailey Bieber has been remarkably open about her struggle with perioral dermatitis, a condition she’s reportedly had since she was about 19 or 20. Her transparency began with an Instagram Story in 2022, where she aimed to be “as transparent as possible about my skin,” and continued with a candid TikTok video in March 2024, followed by another Instagram Story update in July 2025 detailing a current flare-up. She openly shared close-up, makeup-free selfies showcasing the red, irritated skin around her mouth and chin, normalizing a condition many people experience.
Identifying Flare-Up Triggers
Through her experiences, Hailey has pinpointed several common triggers that cause her perioral dermatitis to flare. She noted on Instagram that her flare-ups are consistently triggered by factors such as frequent travel, sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, the use of certain SPF products, trying new skincare products, and stress.
Dermatologists echo these observations, adding that PD can be brought on by an “overuse of certain skincare products.” Specific culprits often include heavy moisturizers and creams, topical steroids (especially stronger variants), fluoride toothpaste, essential oils, and the overuse of active ingredients like retinoids. Stress and hormonal changes can also exacerbate the condition.
Hailey’s Minimalist Approach to Managing Flare-Ups
When a perioral dermatitis flare-up occurs, Hailey Bieber adopts a “less is more” philosophy, opting for a highly minimalist and gentle skincare routine. This approach aligns with dermatological advice, which often recommends suspending current routines and simplifying products.
Her Go-To Flare-Up Routine
Hailey has consistently shared the specific products and steps she takes to calm her skin during a flare. Her regimen primarily relies on prescription-strength medications combined with very gentle, supportive products:
- Water Rinse (No Cleanser): During a flare, Hailey forgoes traditional cleansers altogether and instead simply rinses her face with water. This helps avoid potential irritants found in many cleansing formulations.
- Prescription Azelaic Acid: At night, she applies a prescription azelaic acid cream. She states this “really helps with the inflammation of the perioral dermatitis.” Azelaic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective for various skin conditions, including acne and rosacea, which perioral dermatitis can resemble.
- Prescription Clindamycin: In the daytime, Hailey uses a topical antibiotic called clindamycin, also obtained via prescription from a dermatologist. This antibiotic works to stop the growth of bacteria on the skin, addressing a potential bacterial component in the condition.
- Hypochlorous Acid Spray: She incorporates hypochlorous acid, found in products like Tower 28 Beauty SOS Rescue Spray, into her routine. This ultra-gentle mist is naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, helping to soothe skin and reduce redness.
- Rhode Glazing Milk: As the founder of Rhode, it’s perhaps no surprise she turns to her own brand’s Glazing Milk. She emphasizes that it is “super gentle” and helps to “calm the skin,” without further irritating it. This product provides a bland, gentle moisturizer that supports the skin barrier.
- SPF: Hailey consistently highlights the importance of using SPF during the daytime, even during a flare-up, to protect the skin and prevent further irritation. Choosing the right, non-irritating SPF is crucial, as she noted that the “wrong SPF” can be a trigger for her.
After following this routine, she’s shown how her skin appears “a lot less irritated and angry” by the next morning, showcasing the effectiveness of her pared-down approach.
General Advice for Managing Perioral Dermatitis
Hailey Bieber’s experience and the advice of dermatologists provide a clear roadmap for others dealing with perioral dermatitis:
1. Simplify Your Skincare
When experiencing a flare-up, the consensus among dermatologists and Hailey herself is to adopt a “less is more” approach. This often means discontinuing all active ingredients, harsh cleansers, and heavy moisturizers. Opt for non-fragranced, gentle cleansers, and lightweight, bland moisturizers.
2. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Pay close attention to what might be causing your flare-ups. Common triggers include:
- Topical Steroids: These are a frequent cause and can worsen the condition in the long run.
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Some individuals find fluoride toothpaste to be a trigger.
- Heavy Creams and Oils: Occlusive or rich products can sometimes exacerbate PD.
- Overuse of Actives: Retinoids, exfoliants, and other strong active ingredients can irritate sensitive skin prone to PD.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and frequent travel are also noted triggers, as Hailey experienced.
3. Seek Professional Guidance
While Hailey shares her personal routine, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics (like clindamycin) or anti-inflammatory agents (like azelaic acid) to help calm the condition.
4. Be Patient and Consistent
Perioral dermatitis can be challenging to treat and may relapse. Consistency with a gentle, doctor-approved routine and avoiding triggers are key to maintaining clear skin and managing future flare-ups effectively.
Hailey Bieber’s willingness to share her perioral dermatitis journey demystifies a common skin condition, reminding us that even those with seemingly perfect complexions face skin challenges. Her practical, minimalist approach to flare-ups, backed by professional dermatological advice, serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking relief and understanding for their own skin concerns.