Many adults and teenagers suffer from acne. Pimples and blemishes around the lips and oral cavity can be particularly difficult to fight; also, avoid applying face creams or cleansers so close to the mouth. Thanks to the tips in this article, you can proactively treat acne around the lips in a safe and effective way.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Quick Remedies to Fight Acne Around the Lips
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide
It is considered a very effective anti-acne treatment. Its goal is to eliminate bacteria from the area and quickly fade pimples. It is an over-the-counter product that is readily available in pharmacies.
When applying this product around the mouth, be careful. If the acne directly affects the lips, it would be better to avoid this treatment and instead try a natural cure among those described below
Step 2. Apply ice to the pimples
Ice helps fight acne inflammation and redness. It also compresses the blood vessels, which partially eliminates sebum and bacteria, accelerating healing.
- Wrap an ice cube with a towel or handkerchief and apply it to the affected area. Take it off after a few seconds.
- Wait for a few minutes and repeat. Repeat the process several times.
- Repeat the treatment several times throughout the day for better results.
Step 3. Apply lemon juice to the pimples
The acidity of lemon juice simultaneously eliminates bacteria and dries imperfections. Dip a sterile cotton swab in the juice and apply it on the pimples before bedtime.
Make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The packaged one may contain potentially skin irritating preservatives
Step 4. Expose the pimples to steam
The steam opens the pores and lets dirt and bacteria escape. This helps relieve inflammation and prevents new blemishes from appearing. You can do this by taking a hot shower or by bringing your face close to a bowl full of boiling water. Steam your skin for 20-30 minutes for best results.
Method 2 of 3: Preventive Treatments for Acne Around the Lips
Step 1. Stop using lip balms and lip glosses
These products can cause and worsen acne around the lips for many reasons.
- Lip balm wax clogs pores. It traps dirt and bacteria, causing pimples to form.
- The fragrances of these products can stimulate the production of sebum. The increased sebum associated with clogged pores will cause an acne breakout.
- Lip balm could spread pimple-causing bacteria. If that happens, you will get reinfected every time you use it.
- If you can't quit completely, use an aroma-free product instead. It will still clog pores, but will not stimulate sebum production.
Step 2. Clean your mouth after eating and drinking
Crumbs or food debris that remain around the lips is a breeding ground for bacteria and could cause blemishes.
Step 3. Use a toothpaste that is free from aromas and fragrances
Just like with lip balm, the artificial flavors in the toothpaste can irritate the skin and increase sebum production. You can try toothpastes that are free from artificial or organic substances.
Step 4. Brush your lips
Provided you use a fragrance-free toothpaste, brushing your lips, not just your teeth, can also decrease acne in the mouth area. This will allow the lips to get rid of the dirt that builds up every day, preventing the appearance of pimples. Before doing this, be sure to rinse your toothbrush so you don't spread bacteria on your lips. This could make acne worse.
Step 5. Drink more water
This can help you clear the body and cleanse the skin from the inside. In addition, it can eliminate bacteria from the mouth, which will help prevent pimples.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Acne with Prescription Medicines
Step 1. Make an appointment with a doctor
If it has become a persistent problem and you can't find a viable solution, you should see a dermatologist. There are many prescription treatments that you may try to solve the problem.
Step 2. Use creams containing retinoids
Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, help to clear the follicles and pores. They can allow you to get rid of existing pimples and prevent new ones from appearing; they also help reduce inflammation caused by acne. Incidentally, these products can also be effective in fighting wrinkles. There are several brands of retinoids on the market, such as Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac.
Step 3. Use topically applied antibiotics
These creams help eliminate the bacteria that cause pimples and can also decrease inflammation. Some of the creams most prescribed by dermatologists are those based on erythromycin, metronizadol and clindamycin.
Step 4. Take oral antibiotics
Sometimes it is not possible to apply topical acne treatments this close to the mouth. Oral antibiotics are effective because they work systematically; they can intervene to fight inflammation, reduce redness and eliminate the bacteria that cause pimples.
Step 5. Ask your dermatologist to explain hormone-based treatments
Acne that occurs in adulthood is often caused by hormonal imbalances. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe a variety of treatments to help you regain hormone balance.
Advice
- Make sure you buy facial cleansers that are gentle, hypoallergenic and suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, don't use oily skin cleansers, and vice versa.
- Be patient. There is no miracle cure for acne. However, making manageable changes in your lifestyle can help you achieve great results over time.
- Try not to touch your face. This can make acne worse, as you will expose your skin to oil and dirt from your hands.
- Don't stress yourself out too much about it - the tension will only make acne worse.
Warnings
- Try not to use multiple scrubs or facial cleansers at a time, as they may further irritate the skin.
- Don't tease the pimples. The skin would become even more irritated, and this can even cause a serious infection.
- Make sure you follow the instructions your dermatologist gives you about using prescription medications.
