Acne Pimples Around the Mouth

Acne around the mouth can be frustrating and unappealing to look at. To effectively address your acne, it’s important to know what triggers those stubborn acne breakouts so that you can maintain the appearance of clear, healthy-looking skin.

What Causes Acne Pimples Around the Mouth?

Acne is caused by dirt, excess skin cells, and bacteria that get trapped under the skin, leading to clogged pores. The skin around the mouth has fewer oil glands than skin on other areas of the face, like the forehead or nose. Lack of oil glands can cause dry skin, which makes it more susceptible to inflammation. Dry skin also triggers the oil glands to overproduce sebum oil, which can clog the pores and make it easier for bacteria and dirt to get trapped on the skin.

Other Possible Causes

Genetics can make some people more susceptible to acne than others. Acne is also most prevalent during adolescence because of hormonal changes, but hormones can also fluctuate in adulthood due to stress, diet, smoking, and other factors. Smoking is especially damaging because nicotine slows oxygen flow, thereby slowing down the process your body needs to repair itself.

Acne around the mouth also has unique triggers compared to other areas of the face. Chemicals in lip balms, lipstick, shaving cream, and toothpaste can irritate and inflame the skin. Clogged pores can also develop because of residue from shaving creams or the waxy consistency of lip balms. The mouth area can also be exposed to dirt and bacteria from your cell phone, pillowcase, mask, razors, and other items you regularly use.

Types of Breakouts Around the Mouth

Recognizing what type of acne you have can help you develop an effective strategy. Here is what to look for in different types of acne:

Whiteheads and Blackheads

Whiteheads and blackheads are two of the most common types of acne, and usually the easiest to combat. Whiteheads are closed comedones caused by trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin; they earn their name because of the white pus-filled dot in the center of the acne bump. Blackheads result from excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, the same way a whitehead forms, but since the top of the pore is exposed to the air; oxygenation of the bacteria causes the darkened color. These types of bumps are not inflamed or painful.

Papules and Pustules

Papules and pustules are often associated with inflammation of the skin. Papules develop as solid, tender bumps while pustules are larger and have a white or yellow center of pus. These types of acne can cause discomfort and may need prescription medication to treat.

Nodules and Cysts

Nodules and cysts are more severe types of acne that can cause scarring if left untreated. Nodules are hard bumps on the skin, similar to papules, but they are caused by deeper inflammation and swelling under the skin. Cysts are typically large, painful bumps filled with pus. Pus develops from deep infection in clogged pores that causes the follicle to rupture, leaking bacteria into the surrounding tissue.

How to Visibly Reduce Acne Pimples Around the Mouth

There are several simple yet effective ways to prevent acne breakouts around the mouth. Many people try to cover their acne with cosmetics but this can create a vicious cycle of clogged pores and continuing breakouts. If you do wear makeup, cleanse your face thoroughly at night to remove all makeup products. Your face should also be cleansed after exercising to remove sweat buildup. Another way to prevent clogged pores is to wipe your mouth after eating, especially when eating greasy foods. You should also try to avoid certain cosmetics, especially if you notice breakouts after using certain products.

To limit the risk of inflammation and infection, make sure to regularly change your sheets and pillowcases. Regularly cleaning makeup brushes, towels, and facecloths is also helpful. If you shave, clean the razor blade after each stroke and use a gentle shaving cream that won’t irritate the skin.

Our Recommend Products

We offer several high-quality skincare products designed specifically for acne. These products contain exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or sulfur and nourishing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera.

If you are battling a stubborn acne breakout, try these products:

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods cause acne around the mouth?

Greasy foods or fatty foods can clog the pores, increasing your risk of acne around the mouth. Sugary or high-carb foods can also cause acne because they increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and can inflame the skin.

Does stress cause mouth acne?

Although stress does not directly cause acne, it can lead to a breakout or trigger worsening symptoms. When you are stressed, the body produces cortisol. Cortisol production triggers the oil glands to produce more oil, which can clog the pores.

What vitamin deficiency causes acne around the mouth?

Vitamin B deficiency has been linked to acne breakouts. Vitamin B contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help irritated skin and acne flare-ups.

Finding the Right Acne Skincare Routine with Epicuren Discovery

At Epicuren Discovery, we rely on clean ingredients and science-backed skincare so that you can trust in the products you use. Our products are carefully made for different skin types and skin conditions. If you want to develop a great skincare routine and visibly reduce your risk of acne breakouts, take our Skin Quiz and shop online today.