Breakouts can be irritating wherever they occur, but blemishes around the mouth can cause discomfort and pain whenever you open your mouth, which is quite a lot if you’re eating or talking. Some common causes of spots around the mouth include product build-up, your hormones, dry skin and even frequently touching the face. You don’t have to suffer in silence though, there are ways you can help to prevent and manage breakouts and effective treatments you can try.
Why are there blemishes around my mouth?
When it comes to breakouts, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding what’s causing your spots around the mouth can help you to manage them more effectively.
Are blemishes around the mouth hormonal?
Blemishes occur when your hair follicles are blocked with oil and dead skin, attracting bacteria and causing swelling and inflammation. Hormonal changes, such as during adolescence, the menopause and towards the end of each menstrual cycle, can kick the sebaceous glands into overdrive, causing them to produce more oil, increasing the chances of your hair follicle being blocked and exacerbating skin conditions such as acne.
Products causing blemishes around the mouth
Sweat, daily dirt, and the cosmetic products you use can all clog your pores, too. Lipstick and lip balm can both cause breakouts around the lip line. Be careful when applying to make sure any product does not make its way on to the skin around the lips. Look for noncomedogenic moisturisers and foundations too, which do not clog your pores – you want your makeup to not only cover the skin but help to improve its condition.
Relieving razor and shaving bumps
Shaving can also irritate your skin and cause breakouts and razor rashes. Before picking up a razor, cleanse your face to help reduce the likelihood of bacteria getting into your pores. Rinse your razor between strokes and change your blades regularly to also prevent bacteria from building up and a bumpy rash from forming. A gentle shaving foam or gel can help your razor glide across your skin more easily to prevent irritation. Follow with Kiehl’s Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief to calm and soothe skin feel after shaving. Enriched with Lipohydroxy Acid, our formula helps to decongest pores, remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs. It is also formulated with Aloe Vera, Willow Herb Extract and Vitamin E and helps to hydrate skin. The result is skin that feels less irritated and is more resilient over time.
How to manage and prevent blemishes around the mouth
Cleansing is key
Regularly and thoroughly cleansing the skin of daily dirt, debris and oil is essential to keeping pores clear. Clean your skin in the morning and evening, and after exercise or sweating with a gentle cleanser. Double cleansing in the evening can also help to remove makeup properly before bed. Make sure to also regularly clean your facecloths and makeup brushes to keep the skin clean and prevent bacteria building up. Find the right cleanser for your skin type and concern here.
Hands down
Bacteria can transfer easily onto the skin from your hands, pillowcases and even phone. Try to touch the area around the mouth as little as possible, and cleanse if you do. Also keep on top of your laundry and change your sheets and pillowcases frequently to prevent bacteria transferring onto your face while you sleep.
Kiehl's products for blemish-prone skin
When it comes to exfoliation and preventing the build-up of dead skin cells, you want to avoid harsh, scrubby formulas that can irritate your skin further. Instead, look for skin products with ingredients such as Salicylic Acid – a Beta-Hydroxy Acid. You want products that will minimise the appearance of pores, refine skin texture and visibly reduce blemishes.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Blemish Treatment Facial Lotion
Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide
Soothes the feeling of skin while evening skin tone appearance, resulting in a visibly clearer complexion. Our formula helps to prevent the formation of spots and can also be used to target blackheads. Suitable for use both day and night, it has been dermatologically tested.
Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner
Discover our Calendula collection, with formulas suitable for normal to oily skin types, including sensitive skin. We recommend our Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner. It gently cleanses and refreshes skin and is designed to soothe problem skin. Our formula reduces visible blotchiness and excess surface oil and is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
Key ingredients: Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Our non-comedogenic facial oil is suitable for all skin types, including problem skin. It calms the feeling of stressed skin, relieving feelings of discomfort and reducing skin blotchiness. It also works to strengthen the skin's barrier function and balance hydration.