How to Treat & Prevent Acne Breakouts Around the Mouth

Stubborn acne around the mouth area? Discover how to keep it at bay and gain clearer skin with these tips!

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin issues among adolescents and young adults. This condition affects approximately 85% of people between 12 and 24 years old. It can be stubborn, especially if it keeps occurring around your mouth.

What is Acne and What Causes it?

Acne is a common skin disorder caused by blocked skin glands called sebaceous glands. These are found near hair follicles beneath the skin. Most people suffer from acne on and off for several years before symptoms improve with age. 

Acne-prone skin, including dry skin, develops pimples more often. These may vary from environmental conditions to a poor skincare routine that irritates and clogs the pores.

What Causes Acne Around the Mouth?

Acne breakouts typically occur in the T-zone area of the face. The nose, chin, and forehead make up the T-zone and are historically prone to clogged pores. These areas develop acne more often than others because they have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicles.

Sometimes, pimples form around the mouth area. They can be painful and frustrating, especially if they seem to appear out of nowhere. 

Here are some known reasons why acne develops around the mouth:

Shaving and Improper Hygiene with Shaving Razors

Shaving does not cause acne, but it might create a razor abrasion that resembles acne. Using a dull, clogged, or filthy blade is the most common cause of razor burn. 

You can also get acne around your lips and jawline from the chemicals in your shaving cream.

Hormones

Hormonal changes during puberty or the menstrual cycle can cause pimples around the mouth area.

The secretion of androgens encourages sebaceous glands to produce more sebum which clogs pores and causes acne. Hormonal acne is traditionally assumed to affect the jawline and chin, but sometimes, it affects the lip area too.

Lip Balm

Are you aware that certain lip balms can cause acne? Lip balm wax can clog pores and cause breakouts. Moreover, the scent compounds used in lip balms may worsen acne, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Mobile Phone

Holding a filthy phone up to your face may cause friction and inflammation and encourage acne outbreaks. 

Did you know that our mobile phones contain up to 25,127 bacteria per square inch? Yikes! This makes cell phones one of the dirtiest devices we come into contact with daily.

Equipment and Apparel

When equipment or clothing apparel like a face mask brushes against the skin and trap heat and sweat, they can cause your skin to become irritated. This may lead to fresh breakouts if you have acne-prone skin.

Acne mechanica can be caused by wearing helmet straps, face masks, or having facial contact with musical instruments such as violins.

Types of Acne Breakouts Around The Mouth

Some acne symptoms are more frequent in particular areas of the face than others. If you have noticed, pimples on the face can also appear on the mouth.

Comedones

Comedones are tiny, flesh-colored, white or black bumps on the skin’s surface that give it a rough feel. Closed comedones are whiteheads, whereas open comedones are blackheads.

Cysts and Papules

Cysts and papules are small, inflamed bumps caused by excess sebum, live and dead bacteria, fluctuating hormones, and some medications. They lack the pus-filled tip that other types of acne have.

What Does your Acne Mean: Common Spots on the Face where Acne Develops

Have you ever wondered why you always get pimples on a particular spot on your face? You may develop acne on your temples, between your eyebrows, or around your mouth. 

According to old Chinese tradition, spots on the face could signify different health conditions. For example, a pimple in the ear could mean problems in the kidney, or a pimple on the cheek could reflect issues in the liver.

Face mapping is considered a pseudoscience, but some professionals believe there is some truth to this ancient wisdom. 

For example, certain hair products could cause acne around the hairline and forehead. Meanwhile, acne on the cheeks can result from friction and pressure from specific gear and apparel. 

Hormonal changes that occur throughout puberty or menstruation could likewise cause pimples around the mouth. So, chill out on that face map! That zit on your nose doesn’t necessarily mean you have an underlying condition to worry about.

How to Treat and Prevent Acne Around the Mouth?

Suppose you’ve recognized the spots around your mouth as acne. In that case, you might start treating your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, skincare regimens, and, if necessary, prescription drugs.

Let’s start with what you can easily find in a pharmacy:

Benzoyl Peroxide

A topical acne therapy that acts as an antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Likewise, it eliminates dead skin cells and excess oil. Best of all, repeated use does not cause antibiotic resistance.

Formulas containing benzoyl peroxide include skin cleansers, toners, gels, and lotions.

Salicylic Acid

A gentler alternative to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid can unclog pores and kill bacteria, too. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells and increases cell turnover as it penetrates the skin.

Retinoids

Retinoids help get rid of blackheads and whiteheads and prevent pores from getting blocked. They must be applied to the entire acne-affected skin area to prevent the formation of new pimples.

Sometimes, topical medications are insufficient to treat and prevent acne around your mouth. A healthy diet can significantly improve the skin’s overall condition. 

This highly informative eBook can help you understand your skin better and help you get started with a healthier diet and lifestyle. 

Use Non-Comedogenic Products

Avoid certain cosmetics that can clog your pores, such as foundations and concealers. You may opt for non-comedogenic cosmetics and ditch those sticky lip balms for good! 

Cleanse your Skin

Wash your face twice daily with a mild soap or gel, especially after sweating, and always take off your makeup before bed. 

Be Wary of Germs

Clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid introducing bacteria to your face and clogging your pores. Regularly washing towels and facecloths can additionally help keep the skin clean.

Remember to change sheets and pillows regularly. This will assist in keeping germs away from the face.

Always sanitize your mobile phones, musical instruments, and equipment for sports and road safety before and after putting them on your face. You want to avoid acne breakouts and keep those germs at bay, don’t you?

Avoid Touching your Face

Touching your face is one of the most common methods for germs to enter the body. If you can’t keep your hands to your face, regularly wash your hands and use a sanitizer whenever possible.

Improve your Shaving Routine

Shaving can irritate the skin and clog the pores, resulting in breakouts. Razor blades should be changed regularly because old blades can harbor bacteria. 

To prevent bacteria buildup, rinse the razor after each stroke and let it dry after use.

Cleaning the face before and after shaving can help to reduce the likelihood of bacteria entering the pores.

If you have persistent acne around your mouth or observe flare-ups at specific times of the month, consult your doctor. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medicines to spare you and your skin from unnecessary stress.

Is Acne Around the Mouth Dangerous?

Acne and blemishes around the mouth are not contagious. Often, it is not hazardous unless you have other underlying health issues. It is best to ensure that those bumps near your lips are nothing more than nasty zits.

If not acne, what could they be?

Cold Sores

Cold sores resemble pimples. Often appearing on the lips and mouth, they are primarily caused by Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1).

Cold sores are also called fever blisters. They occur in groups, are full of fluid, and form on and around your lips. 

Typically, blister clusters appear in patches with a burning sensation or prickling feeling. A scab forms after popping the blisters open, which may take several days to completely peel off.

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a scaly or red, bumpy rash around the mouth, which can be mistaken for acne. Perioral dermatitis may cause itching and burning but without tenderness.

Allergies

Certain skin care products can clog pores and produce acne. But some non-comedogenic products may still induce rashes and allergic reactions that resemble acne.

If your acne isn’t responding to treatments, call your doctor and have it checked immediately.

Conclusion

Acne around the mouth can be caused by the same factors that cause pimples elsewhere on the face. It can be treated with a mix of lifestyle changes and medications. This eBook will lead you to a life of a healthy diet to combat acne.

If your acne doesn’t clear up after treatment, resembles a rash, or causes pain, reach out to your dermatologist.

FAQs

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