What causes acne around the lips and how you can prevent it

Acne, on any part of your body, is frustrating. Acne appearing around the lips is even more terrifying.

A swollen pimple is very painful, but if it is located around the lip it can be even more painful. This is because the skin around your lips is thinner and more sensitive than other areas, dermatologist Christine Ko explains to Insider . Besides, the frequent movements that our lips constantly make such as talking, eating, yawning also make the pain (caused by acne) seem more persistent.

Although lip blisters look like cold sores on the lips, a viral infection that is "marked" by fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips, these are two very different conditions. Common point. As dermatologist Joshua Zeichner explains to Byrdie , cold sores on the lips are known through a stinging sensation followed by "a cluster of small blisters."

Meanwhile, the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores, can appear on the lips. Lip bumps are red bumps, not blisters, and usually appear around the edge of the lips rather than directly on the lips. The good news is that lip acne can be prevented and treated with simple methods. Here's everything you need to know about lip acne and what you can do to prevent it.

What causes acne on lips?

Like most acne you see elsewhere, acne that forms near the mouth is caused by bacteria, excess sebum production, and clogged pores from sweat, makeup, and impurities. Speaking to Real Simple , dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo adds that one of the most common culprits for lip breakouts is scented products like lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm. If you regularly wear a mask, inevitably rubbing your lips, moisture plus abrasion will make the area around the mouth a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Medical News Today also points to a number of potential causes of milia around the mouth, including hormonal changes, oily skin, touching your face with your hands and holding your phone to your face. Leaving greasy foods and drinks around your mouth after eating can also make your mouth and lips more prone to breakouts as small food particles around your mouth can clog pores and cause acne. fish. Waxing (medicated hair removal), shaving, or plucking beards/mustaches around the lips can also inflame the hair follicles and cause breakouts near the mouth. While it's difficult to know when breakouts will appear on the edge of your lips, there are ways to avoid breakouts.

How to prevent and reduce acne on the lips?

According to SkinKraft , one way to prevent and reduce acne around the lips is to keep the skin clean. Before going out, always apply sunscreen to avoid affecting the skin. To keep skin and lips hydrated, drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day and never go to bed without removing your makeup first. You may want to limit your intake of greasy foods, dairy, and sweets as they can cause breakouts.

In the case of breakouts around the lip line, Healthline recommends applying benzoyl peroxide to your affected skin. Containing antibacterial agents, benzoyl peroxide is known to reduce inflammation, open pores, and release oxygen to kill pore-clogging bacteria. Castor oil, a moisturizer containing ricinoleic acid with anti-inflammatory factors, has been shown to be effective in minimizing inflammation as well as promoting hydration. Tea tree oil, an essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, is also an ideal home acne treatment.

In case of frequent breakouts, especially around the mouth, you should consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and prompt medical treatment.

No matter how frustrated you are about the pimples around your lips, try not to squeeze or touch them to avoid damaging the skin barrier and pushing bacteria deeper into the skin. This action will aggravate the swelling and may cause your face to form more acne.