Acne around the mouth, also called perioral acne, can be persistent and frustrating. Unlike breakouts on other parts of the face, this type of acne may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, skincare products, and lifestyle habits. Understanding what triggers acne in this area and how to treat it effectively can help achieve clearer skin.
Common Causes of Acne Around the Mouth
Acne in this area is often linked to several factors:
- Hormonal Fluctuations – Androgens (male hormones) stimulate excess oil production, leading to clogged pores. This is common in women before their menstrual cycle or individuals with conditions like PCOS (Thiboutot et al., 2013).
- Cosmetic and Skincare Products – Lip balms, toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or comedogenic face creams can block pores around the mouth.
- Dietary Triggers – Dairy, high-glycemic foods, and spicy foods may contribute to breakouts by increasing inflammation and sebum production (Smith et al., 2007).
- Friction and Bacteria Transfer – Resting hands on the face, using dirty phone screens, or wearing tight face masks (maskne) can trap oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts.
- Fluoride and Toothpaste Ingredients – Some people are sensitive to fluoride or SLS in toothpaste, which can cause irritation and clogged pores around the mouth.
Best Treatments for Acne Around the Mouth
Addressing the root cause is key to effectively treating perioral acne.
1. Topical Treatments
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): A beta-hydroxy acid that clears clogged pores and exfoliates the skin.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps kill acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) and reduce inflammation.
- Retinoids (Adapalene, Tretinoin): Promote skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. A 12-week study found that topical retinoids reduced acne lesions by 50-70% (Leyden et al., 2017).
- Azelaic Acid: An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that helps reduce redness and acne lesions.
2. Lifestyle and Skincare Adjustments
- Use Non-Comedogenic Lip Balms and Skincare Products: Look for labels that say "oil-free" or "won’t clog pores."
- Switch to SLS-Free Toothpaste: Brands that omit sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and fluoride may reduce irritation.
- Keep Hands and Objects Clean: Avoid touching your face frequently, disinfect phone screens, and change pillowcases regularly.
- Mask Hygiene: If wearing a mask, wash it frequently and use a breathable fabric like cotton.
3. Hormonal and Medical Treatments
If breakouts persist despite topical treatments, a dermatologist may recommend:
- Oral Spironolactone: A medication that blocks androgen receptors to reduce hormonal acne in women.
- Birth Control Pills: Certain contraceptives help regulate hormones and minimize acne flare-ups.
- Oral Antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline): These help reduce bacterial overgrowth and inflammation in moderate to severe cases.
Prevention Strategies
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: Too much scrubbing can strip natural oils, triggering excess oil production.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Reducing dairy and high-glycemic foods may help prevent hormonal acne.
- Moisturize with a Lightweight Formula: Dehydrated skin overproduces oil, leading to clogged pores.
- Manage Stress Levels: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can lead to breakouts.
- Supplement: Acne prevention supplements with phytoceramides can help prevent acne in the first place.
Acne around the mouth is often caused by hormones, skincare products, dietary factors, and bacterial transfer. Using targeted treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, along with proper skincare and lifestyle habits, can help clear breakouts and prevent recurrence.
Sources:
- Thiboutot, D., & Del Rosso, J. Q. (2013). Acne vulgaris and the role of androgenic hormones: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 6(12), 16–22.
- Smith, R. N., Mann, N. J., Braue, A., Mäkeläinen, H., & Varigos, G. A. (2007). A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(1), 107-115.
- Leyden, J. J., Stein-Gold, L., & Weiss, J. (2017). Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne. JAMA Dermatology, 153(8), 810-811.
- https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/antibiotics-for-acne-groundbreaking-study-shows-why-one-works-best/