Hailey Bieber Shares Her Honest Skincare Routine for Perioral Dermatitis
It’s always refreshing when celebrities remind us they’re human too. Glowing red carpets aside, they battle skin concerns just like everyone else. And yes, that includes Hailey Bieber.
Hailey Bieber, the model, brand founder, and skincare muse, recently opened up on TikTok about a very real and relatable issue—perioral dermatitis.
If the name sounds unfamiliar, you’re not alone. It’s a skin condition that often flies under the radar. But for those who deal with it, the impact can be frustrating and stubborn.
In her candid March 28 video, Hailey not only showed the reality of her irritated skin but also shared exactly what she uses to manage flareups. And no, it’s not just her own brand.
Let’s take a deep dive into her routine, understand what perioral dermatitis is, and explore why her honesty matters so much in today’s beauty space.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Before we get into the products, it’s important to understand what Hailey is dealing with.
Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition. It causes red bumps, irritation, and sometimes pus-filled spots around the mouth, nose, eyes, or chin.
It’s not acne, though it can look similar. It’s also not contagious. It can appear suddenly and take time to heal fully.
The exact cause isn’t always clear, but triggers can include heavy creams, topical steroids, toothpaste, or even hormonal changes.
Stress, weather changes, and an impaired skin barrier may also contribute. If you have sensitive skin, you’re at higher risk.
Many dermatologists treat it with a combination of gentle skincare and prescription medication. And that’s exactly what Hailey uses.
Hailey’s Skin Story: From Flawless to Flareups
Though she’s known for her luminous skin, Hailey has never pretended to be perfect.
In her TikTok, she admitted to dealing with perioral dermatitis since she was 19 or 20. That’s nearly a decade of managing the condition.
With calm narration and close-up shots of her skin, she showed her flareup in real time. And no filters were used.
“I’m having a pretty bad flareup right now,” she said in the video. “So I wanted to share what I use when I’m having one.”
This kind of transparency is rare in celebrity beauty routines. Especially when the usual image is airbrushed perfection.
Step One: Prescription Azelaic Acid Cream (PM)
The first product Hailey mentioned in her routine is a prescription azelaic acid cream, used at night.
Azelaic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for inflammation. It’s commonly used to treat rosacea and acne but works beautifully for dermatitis too.
It helps reduce redness, calms angry skin, and has antimicrobial properties to keep things clean.
Hailey didn’t name a brand, but most prescription azelaic acids come in 15% or 20% strength formulations.
Applied in a thin layer at night, it helps soothe flareups without clogging pores or disrupting the skin barrier.
Unlike harsh acids, azelaic is gentle enough for sensitive skin types, making it ideal for Hailey’s issue.
Step Two: Topical Clindamycin (AM)
In the daytime, Hailey switches to clindamycin, a prescription topical antibiotic.
Clindamycin stops the growth of certain bacteria that can worsen skin inflammation. It’s a common prescription for acne and skin infections.
For dermatitis, it helps calm irritation by reducing the bacterial component that may be contributing to the flareup.
Fans quickly noticed her choice and praised her openness. One comment read, “It’s so weird to see someone like Hailey Bieber also using clindamycin.”
Another added, “Nobody talks about it but it’s a life changer.”
Clindamycin is typically applied once or twice daily, depending on the strength and prescription directions.
It’s not for long-term use without a doctor’s guidance, but it’s very effective during flareups.
Step Three: Rhode Glazing Milk
Hailey’s brand Rhode is known for minimalist, barrier-supporting skincare.
While she keeps her own products minimal during a flareup, she does use Rhode Glazing Milk.
“It’s super gentle and helps calm the skin,” she explains.
Glazing Milk is packed with barrier-loving ingredients like beta-glucan, ceramides, and magnesium. It’s hydrating without being heavy.
It supports the moisture barrier, which is crucial when dealing with perioral dermatitis. When the skin barrier is damaged, irritation worsens.
Glazing Milk offers lightweight hydration and soothes sensitive areas without triggering new breakouts.
It also layers well under treatment products and SPF—something Hailey never skips.
Step Four: Daily SPF
As always, sun protection is non-negotiable.
Hailey didn’t mention a specific SPF in her video, but dermatologists universally agree: broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, especially when using active treatments.
Sun exposure can worsen perioral dermatitis and delay healing. It can also cause pigmentation in healing spots.
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tend to be the most soothing for sensitive or reactive skin types.
A lightweight SPF not only protects the skin but also reduces redness and inflammation over time.
Whether you’re dealing with dermatitis or not, SPF should always be part of your morning routine.
The Morning After: Real Skin, Real Results
At the end of her TikTok, Hailey shows her skin the next day.
It’s not airbrushed. The flareup hasn’t magically disappeared. But the inflammation is visibly reduced.
Her skin has a natural glow, even with small bumps still present.
That glow? It’s the result of barrier repair, proper treatment, and gentle care—not over-exfoliation or makeup tricks.
“Skin is skin and never will be perfect,” she says in the voiceover. And that’s a message we all need to hear more often.
Why Hailey’s Honesty Matters
In an age of filters, editing apps, and unrealistic beauty standards, Hailey’s raw video was refreshing.
By showing her skin during a flareup, she reminded her audience that beauty isn’t flawless—it’s real.
Fans flooded the comments with support. One wrote, “Thanks for sharing this. Everyone thinks your skin is PERFECT and there’s no such thing as perfection.”
Others asked about the mysterious Lip Treatment seen in her phone case, proving that even when her skin isn’t perfect, people are still obsessed—in the best way.
Hailey’s vulnerability made her more relatable. And that builds more trust than any ad campaign ever could.
Perioral Dermatitis Isn’t Rare—But It’s Often Misunderstood
Hailey isn’t the only one battling this condition.
Perioral dermatitis affects thousands of people—men and women, celebrities and everyday folks alike.
But it’s often misdiagnosed as acne or eczema. Many people treat it with harsh scrubs or drying spot treatments, which only make it worse.
That’s why conversations like Hailey’s are so important. They normalize skin conditions and promote awareness.
They also emphasize the importance of seeing a dermatologist instead of guessing at-home treatments.
How to Manage Perioral Dermatitis
If you’re experiencing symptoms like Hailey’s, here are a few dermatologist-approved tips:
Simplify your skincare: Avoid using too many products. Stick to a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum or milk, and sunscreen.
Avoid topical steroids: Unless prescribed specifically for dermatitis, steroids can make it worse.
Use barrier-supporting products: Look for ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, or beta-glucan.
Try prescription treatments: Azelaic acid or topical antibiotics like clindamycin can help under medical supervision.
Patch test everything: If you’re prone to flareups, test new products on a small area before full application.
See a dermatologist: Personalized advice from a pro is always best, especially for recurring conditions.
A Final Note from Hailey—and All of Us
Hailey Bieber’s skincare journey is proof that even beauty icons struggle with their skin.
And sharing that journey helps dismantle the myth that perfection is real—or even the goal.
Perioral dermatitis isn’t glamorous. But Hailey’s honesty gave people comfort, solutions, and maybe even confidence.
So the next time your skin acts up, remember: even celebs deal with flareups. And with the right care, yours will pass too.
