Acne Around Mouth And Chin: Causes And Effective Home Remedies

What Causes Acne Around Mouth and Chin?

Acne around the mouth can be caused by various factors. One common cause is the accumulation of bacteria and oils from the mouth and nose on the skin, leading to clogged pores.

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty or menstruation, can also contribute to acne development around the mouth.

Chin and mouth acne may also be caused by high dairy consumption. Hormonal shifts tend to stimulate the production of oil, which can then raise the chances of having bacteria trapped in the pores.

This then results in cystic pimples, painful acne, or pustules. This form of breakout is common in adult women between the ages of 21 and 45.

Because the breakout around this area is often cystic, it can sometimes be very hard to treat it with the traditional drying spot treatments. What these treatments do is dry the surface, leaving a spot underneath. Understand that cystic warts are both large and severe.

After treatment, they are likely to leave a dark scar that could linger for a long time. If your baby has small protrusions around the mouth, it could be due to saliva. Also known as drool rash, the lumps of a toddler present as raised and flat patches with small red swellings. Other causes of acne around these areas in adults include:

Stress

If you are constantly stressed, there are high chances that you could develop chin or mouth acne. Sebum production would be accelerated by a heightened level of stress. People who are sleep-deprived are also prone to stress.

In such cases, you might want to exercise more or engage in activities that could contribute to bringing your stress levels down. If you sleep for less than 7 hours each night, work towards getting enough sleep to control your breakouts.

Birth Control Pills

Contraceptive pills can be used to control breakouts because the hormones they contain can decrease the production of androgen. Once androgen is decreased, sebum production is brought down. The moment you stop taking these pills, however, excess sebum may be produced. This then leads to an almost instantaneous outbreak of acne around your chin and mouth.

Menstruation

About two weeks before the onset of your menstrual cycle, you may notice pimples popping around your jawline. This is the period during which the levels of progesterone and androgen increase, leading to stimulation of the sebaceous glands, which then produce excess oil.

Hormonal Acne

You might notice that chin and mouth acne are particularly common in women and are often linked to hormones. The hormone androgen, responsible for the generation of sebum, is to blame.

Some women, however, produce a higher amount of this hormone than others. Increased production of this hormone may be triggered by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [1]. Because the level of hormones produced is very high in the teenage years, teenagers are prone to mouth and chin acne. While you may use creams to treat acne, it seems to always come back.

What If It Is Not Acne?

Understand that not all bumps appearing on your jaw area or your mouth are acne. You might experience red lumps filled with pus and think it is a typical outbreak because they resemble acne. However, it could be rosacea.

Rosacea presents itself with many bumps and visible blood vessels. Ingrown hairs could also be to blame. When a strand of hair grows inside the skin, ingrown hair results, leading to inflammation and redness. This is common in men. Pimples caused by ingrown hair tend to be itchy and tender.

Mouth and Chin Breakout Remedy

If it is normal acne, there are several treatments you can try. Treatments do not always work the same on every person, and some may require that you use them for extended periods to get results.

Severe acne should be evaluated by a dermatologist. If yours is mild acne, here are some of the treatments that might help reduce it.

Home Remedies

If you’re dealing with acne around your mouth and chin, there are several effective home remedies to help combat these pesky blemishes. Keep in mind that individual results may vary, and it’s essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine.

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least twice daily, but don’t overdo it because this can cause irritation.

• Apply ice around the affected area to reduce pain and redness.

• Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it to the affected areas with a cotton swab. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then rinse it off.

• Take over-the-counter medication.

Medication Treatment

Your dermatologist may recommend the following medications, depending on the severity of your breakout:

• Antibiotics: These may be prescribed to kill bacteria on the skin.

• Topical treatments: These include gels, ointments, and creams used to kill bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce oil.

• Accutane: This is only recommended in severe cases after all other medications have failed.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in many acne treatments. It works by killing the bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation.

• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and exfoliates the skin, making it an effective treatment for blackheads and whiteheads.

• Retinoids: Retinoids help promote skin cell turnover, preventing the formation of new comedones and reducing acne scarring.

Professional Treatment

• Chemical peels: These are administered to reduce blackheads and pimples.

• Laser therapy: This helps reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria.

• Surgical extraction: If you have a large and painful cyst, a surgical extraction may be required.

• Microdermabrasion: This includes both clinical and at-home products that you can use at home to exfoliate your skin. Not only does microdermabrasion get rid of blackheads, but microdermabrasion for acne scarring is also one of the common reasons people use this method. It is known to be an effective yet milder procedure as compared to other treatments that may use chemicals and needles.

The Role of Diet in Controlling Mouth Acne Breakouts

Psychological and physical factors are not solely to blame. Your dietary habits can also trigger the onset of a breakout. IGF-1 is an insulin-like growth hormone produced during puberty.

Its production quickly triggers a flare-up. Although studies have not been done to prove that diet causes breakouts, there are reasons to believe it does.

There are foods scientifically known to heighten levels of insulin-like growth. These include foods with a high glycemic index and glycemic load and dairy products. Processed foods have a high glycemic index. By reducing or avoiding the intake of these foods, you could eliminate acne.

The area around your mouth is the most acne-prone area on your face. One of the best ways to avoid it is by understanding its cause. Because what works for one may not be the outright remedy for another, there is no definitive cure. The good news is that flare-ups are preventable and treatable.

6 Tips for Managing Mouth And Chin Acne Breakouts

1. Don’t Pick or Squeeze: Picking or squeezing acne lesions can worsen inflammation, lead to scarring, and introduce more bacteria.

2. Avoid Excessive Makeup: Using heavy makeup can clog pores and worsen acne around the mouth and chin, especially with products like lipstick, lip balm, or foundation. Opt for non-comedogenic products and avoid makeup when possible. This also applies to shaving cream for men.

3. Stress Management: Stress can trigger hormonal changes, leading to increased acne. Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation.

4. Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall skin health.

5. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity improves blood circulation, which benefits the skin.

6. Proper Sleep: Adequate sleep allows the skin to regenerate and repair, reducing the likelihood of acne.