Acne around the mouth might develop from recurring pressure on the skin near the mouth, such as from daily cell phone use or a musical instrument. Cosmetics or other facial products, like toothpaste, lip balm, or shaving cream, might also be to blame. Hormones and genetics also play a role.
Products containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid can help get rid of minor pimples. These products work by killing bacteria, breaking down whiteheads and blackheads, or reducing the amount of oil the skin produces.
These pimple-like outrbreaks around the mouth may look like acne, but it's actually a skin condition called perioral dermatitis. If you have acne that just won't go away, you may want to take a closer look at your skin. It's possible that you don't have acne. Other skin conditions can look a lot like acne.
Acne in the jawline region is caused by sebaceous glands producing excess oil (sebum) due to hormonal stimulation. This sebum gets trapped in the follicle leading to clogged pores. Bacteria will then start to proliferate in the clogged pore because there is no oxygen in there to control the bacterial growth.
Sugar and Some Carbs
You're more likely to have acne if your diet is full of foods and drinks like soda, white bread, white rice, and cake. The sugar and carbohydrates in these foods tend to get into your blood really quickly. That means they are high on the glycemic index, a measure of how foods affect blood sugar.
Hormone imbalances are a common cause of acne around the mouth. If you suspect a hormone imbalance, consider scheduling an appointment for blood testing. Certain cosmetics like lip balm, toothpaste, shaving cream or aftershave contain ingredients that may irritate the skin, clog pores and promote the formation of acne.
Stress pimples will usually pop up in the oiliest areas of the face, like the forehead, nose and chin. Your T-zone might look greasier and more congested too. Doctors say that if you're getting clusters of pimples all at once, stress can be a factor—hormonal pimples happen one at a time.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
One of the telltale signs of a hormonal breakout is its location on the face. If you're noticing inflamed cystic acne on your chin or jawline area—anywhere around your lower face, really—you can bet your bottom dollar that it's probably hormonal acne.
What does hormonal acne look like? Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules are all common hormonal acne symptoms. Normally, whiteheads and blackheads do not cause pain, inflammation or swelling, but if they do, then they are most likely forming into cysts and pustules.
What causes hormonal acne? Acne is caused by clogged pores. Hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil your skin produces. This oil interacts with bacteria on the pores of your skin where hair grows (hair follicles) and results in acne.
A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air. Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria.
It's been shown that unhealthy sleep habits can trigger insulin resistance, increase stress, spike cortisol levels, and impact hormones that are typically associated with acne.
The acne-anxiety relationship has been a crucial part of various medical discussions for decades. Some researchers suggest that acne has a direct impact on a person's emotional well-being while others suggest that high levels of stress or anxiety may lead to the increased production of oil, resulting in acne breakouts.
Stress can't directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress does make it worse. Researchers have found that wounds, including acne, are much slower in healing when a person is under stress.
Anxiety, depression, and stress can cause acne breakouts in people who have underlying acne. Again, science doesn't yet fully understand all the reasons why this happens. Here's what the evidence says so far: Stress can increase oil production and possibly hormones (like glucocorticoids), both of which can worsen acne.
Lamb said it might be more challenging to get the acne under control because of the frequent flare-ups that happen over time. But if the breakout is from more of an acute stressor, like the death or illness of a family member, Dr. Lamb estimated that the acne could take about four to six weeks to clear up.
Prevents Pimples and Acne. Certain kinds of toxins will clog your small pores on your epidermis and can cause issues like acne and pimples. By drinking more water, you ensure that you won't suffer from severe pimples and acne. The more hydrated your skin, the less your pores will clog.
Dehydration contributes to Congestion, Blackheads and Breakouts! When skin is not hydrated properly it leads to congestion, blackheads and breakouts because the natural oils in your skin are thick and easily stuck in your pores causing bacteria growth.
Pimples (pustules): Pus-filled bumps (papules). Papules: Small, discolored bumps, often red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone. Blackheads: Plugged pores with a black top. Whiteheads: Plugged pores with a white top.
Fungal acne causes clusters of small, itchy, red bumps (papules) on your skin. Sometimes, the bumps get a bit larger and turn into whiteheads, small pockets of white or yellow pus (pustules).
Following a nutrient-dense diet, cutting out dairy, and limiting added sugars are evidence-based practices that may improve acne symptoms. Taking certain supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are other healthy ways to fight this disease.