How to Treat Acne Around the Mouth, According to Dermatologists

Medically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MDFact checked by Anna Harris

Acne around the mouth ranks highly on the list of most annoying areas for a breakout. Its presence is proudly displayed on what's possibly the most prime real estate on our face. Every movement and facial expression provides a reminder of its existence—no mirror necessary. That profound statement we made? Punctuated by a pimple. The first bite of birthday cake? Accompanied by the tightness of a blemish. Posing for a new headshot? A combination of trying to get our zit to disappear while simultaneously caking on makeup to disguise whichever acne treatment we've slathered on. And don't even get us started on first-date-kissing-scenario woes. Needless to say, we're infinitely happier as a breakout starts to subside and take its redness and irritation with it.

To learn more about why some people may break out around their mouths, how to treat mouth breakouts, and how to prevent more from returning, we spoke with dermatologists, Craig A. Kraffert and Estee Williams. Read on for their insight on identifying the cause and keeping the symptoms at bay.

Meet Our Expert

• Craig A. Kraffert, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and President of Amarte Skincare.

• Estee Williams, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatologist in New York City.

What Is Acne Around the Mouth?

If you break out around the mouth, you’ve likely noticed the same types of pimples popping up in that spot. That’s because certain acne symptoms are more common than others in certain areas of the face and body:

• Comedones: “Comedonal acne is common around the mouth,” says Dr. Kraffert. Comedones are small bumps that are often close to the color of the skin, and consist of blackheads, which are “open” comedones, and whiteheads, which are “closed” comedones. “A rosacea component sometimes exists alongside acne in this area and in these cases, the breakouts are more inflammatory and bumpy,” he adds.

• Cysts and papules: While whiteheads and blackheads can frequently pop up around the mouth for some people, Dr. Williams states that there are other types of breakouts that may be even more recurrent in that area of the face: “Cysts and papules are more common than blackheads and whiteheads on the lower face and around the mouth because of the different types of skin there." What’s so different about the skin around the mouth and chin? According to Dr. Williams, there are fewer sebaceous glands here, which can result in less oil being produced. Every hair follicle, or pore, is attached to a sebaceous gland, and when these glands produce too much oil, it can become clogged within a pore. Acne symptoms, like cysts and papules, occur when that extra oil combines with dead skin cells within a pore to create P. acnes bacteria, which can lead to breakouts.

• Perioral dermatitis: Some bumps may look and feel very similar to acne breakouts, but are actually the symptoms of different skin conditions: “A unique acne-like condition occurs around the mouth and is particularly common in young women,” says Dr. Kraffert. “Perioral dermatitis has a distinct appearance but is easy to misdiagnose as acne or rash. Perioral dermatitis requires twice daily tetracycline treatment for six weeks to predictably cure.” Dr. Williams adds that eczema, contact dermatitis, and rosacea also frequently appear around the chin and mouth and may be easily mistaken for acne. If your skin is covered in dry, flaky skin or small red bumps, you may not have acne at all and should consider consulting a dermatologist to get the proper treatment plan in order.

Common Causes and Prevention

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for the condition of acne, there are measures we can implement to treat and prevent breakouts, which are best used when we understand what’s causing them.

• Hormones: “Acne is, to a great degree, hormonal,” says Dr. Kraffert. Sex hormones, specifically, androgens, are known to kick the sebaceous glands into high gear, causing them to produce extra oil.

• Product buildup: Ever notice how sweat from a sports bra leaves breakouts under the bra line, or how certain hair products may result in bumps along the hairline? The same thing can hold true for what comes in contact with our mouths and the areas around it. “In some cases, cosmetic products used on the lips and hair removal products and treatments used on the chin can be contributory,” explains Dr. Kraffert. If you spot breakouts right around your lip line, try checking your chapstick or lipstick for coconut oil or other potentially comedogenic ingredients.

• Know your triggers: Having acne doesn’t mean anyone has to assess or avoid every single thing that might potentially result in a breakout, but noticing patterns between certain factors, like notable ingredients, and breakouts, may help you avoid them in the future. For example, if you notice more breakouts when your skin becomes dry, try adding a physical or chemical exfoliant to your weekly skincare routine, which will slough away any dead skin cells that might contribute to clogged pores.

How to Treat Acne Around the Mouth

If you’ve identified those bumps around your mouth as acne breakouts, you can begin treating your symptoms with over-the-counter products, skincare methods, and, when needed, prescription medication.

Regularly Cleanse and Exfoliate

Skincare 101, we know, but keeping the surface of your skin free of debris, which includes dead skin cells, is half the battle in maintaining clear pores. Dr. Kraffert recommends the Amarte ExfoliPowder ($49), which works to cleanse and exfoliate simultaneously, making this step as simple and effective as possible.

Thoroughly Remove Makeup

Hopefully, everyone is removing their makeup before bed, and that practice should include areas of the face that may not be super noticeable, like above the lip or under the chin. To ensure that skin is truly clean and makeup-free, try a double cleanse using a micellar water followed by a more traditional cleanser.

Use "Good" Oils

This one is especially true for anyone who may use an over-the-counter wax or sugar hair removal product above the lip or on the chin to remove facial hair. Often, these products come with an oil to use after waxing to help remove sticky residue, but depending on the ingredients, they can be pore-clogging. To clean your skin after waxing, stick to lighter oils like sweet almond oil or neem oil, which may be less likely to clog pores.

Add a Retinoid to Your Routine

“For persistent troublesome breakouts around the mouth, prescription topical retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide are the first line,” says Dr. Kraffert. If you’re looking for an over-the-counter retinol to try before taking the plunge, Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment ($64) is a tried and true fave.

Retinol

Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant used in anti-aging skincare products.

Talk to Your Derm About a Prescription

If you find yourself battling chronic acne around your mouth, or notice flare ups at certain times of the month, talking to your dermatologist about topical or oral prescriptions may save you, and your skin, from unnecessary stress. “For a few or solitary cysts, a topical treatment may be enough,” says Dr. Williams. For topical prescription medications, Dr. Kraffert recommends Aklief Gel, which features the retinoid trifarotene, and Epiduo Forte Gel, which contains adapalene, a retinoid, along with benzoyl peroxide. If you have severe cystic acne, especially those that leave you with marks or scars, Dr. Williams recommends talking to your doctor about oral medication.

Consider Chemical Peels

Seek in-office treatments when possible. “For acne around the mouth, I recommend medication based on the severity of the condition. I take a very hands-on approach to acne—by combining home medications and in-office procedures,” says Dr. Williams. “[In-office] l have access to our trusted procedures for face and body acne such as chemical peels and my favorite, Lumenis’ M22 Acne IPL.”

The Final Takeaway

Acne around the mouth is an irritating situation to navigate. Concealing blemishes on an area that's constantly in motion is only the tip of the iceberg, as these breakouts may also cause pain whenever we eat, talk, or emote in any way. While the cause may be different for everyone, hormones, product buildup, and external triggers like dry skin are often at the root. Luckily, once the type of acne is properly identified, treatment and prevention are possible through targeted products, skincare methods, and, if necessary, a visit to the dermatologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does acne around the mouth mean?

Acne around the mouth can be caused by a variety of factors including hormones and buildup from sweat, topical products, or dead skin. Bumps around the mouth can also be mistaken for acne but may actually be symptoms of skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, and rosacea.

Can hormonal acne be around the mouth?

Yes, hormones are a common cause of acne breakouts around the mouth, especially if they coincide with a woman's cycle.

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