Why Breakouts Form Around the Mouth
Breakouts around the mouth happen for several reasons, and understanding what causes them can help you prevent future pimples in this sensitive area.
The most common culprit is clogged pores. Your mouth area naturally accumulates oil, and when this mixes with dead skin cells, leftover lip balm, food particles, and even toothpaste residue, it creates the perfect environment for pimples to form. The skin around your lips is delicate, which makes it especially prone to irritation and breakouts.
Your hormones play a significant role in mouth breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, stress, or other hormonal changes can increase oil production in your skin. This extra oil makes the lip area more likely to develop inflamed bumps. Women often notice more breakouts around their mouth during these hormonal shifts.
The products you use on your lips and teeth can trigger breakouts too. Certain toothpastes contain ingredients like fluoride, mint, and SLS that may irritate the delicate skin around your mouth. Matte lipsticks, lip balms, and glosses can also cause problems if they contain comedogenic oils, fragrances, or flavoring agents that irritate your skin.
Your daily habits matter more than you might think. Resting your chin on your hand while you work or scroll through your phone transfers oils and bacteria from your fingers to your mouth area. Your phone screen itself collects dirt, oils, and germs that press against your face. Even your pillowcase can contribute to breakouts if it harbors bacteria or if you sleep with wet hair that transfers moisture and product residue to your skin.
The food you eat can influence breakouts around your mouth. Your digestive health is connected to this area of your face, so food intolerances and poor diet choices may trigger pimples. High-glycemic foods, dairy products, and sugar are common culprits that can worsen breakouts.
Stress is another factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones that increase oil production, making breakouts more likely around your mouth, chin, and jawline.
Sometimes what looks like a pimple around your mouth might actually be something different. Perioral dermatitis causes tiny bumps around the mouth and can be triggered by steroid creams, nasal sprays, irritating skincare products, or fluoridated toothpaste. These bumps require different treatment than regular acne, so it’s worth knowing the difference.
To reduce breakouts around your mouth, focus on keeping the area clean and free from excess oil and product buildup. Be mindful of what products touch your lips and mouth area. Avoid touching your face constantly, and keep your phone screen clean. Pay attention to your diet and stress levels, as both can significantly impact your skin. If breakouts persist despite your efforts, consider talking to a dermatologist to rule out hormonal imbalances or other underlying causes.
Sources
https://www.healthkart.com/connect/pimples-on-mouth/
https://sozoclinic.sg/acne-face-map/
