How to treat spots & acne around the mouth

Published: November 2024

Acne is a common skin condition that happens when your pores get clogged with oil (sebum), bacteria, or dead skin cells. It can show up almost anywhere but is most common on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders, as these areas produce the most oil.

Sometimes, acne breaks out around the mouth. Several factors can lead to this, such as stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, facial products, and frequently touching the face. Discover effective ways to treat spots and around the mouth by understanding its potential causes and the types of acne in the article below.

Spots and acne around the mouth can be caused by several reasons, depending on your hormones, lifestyle, and hygiene. The most common causes include:

Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to increased oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores, resulting in acne or spots around the mouth.

Certain foods, such as high-glycaemic foods (like white bread and sugary snacks), dairy products, sugary foods and beverages, chocolate, processed foods, and greasy foods, can increase the risk of acne due to their impact on insulin levels, hormones, and inflammation in the body. Learn more about how diet can trigger acne.

Habits such as resting your chin on your hands or frequently touching your face can transfer bacteria and irritants to the skin. This can lead to inflammation and the development of acne or spots around the mouth.

Stress can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol, which increases oil production in the skin. This heightened oiliness can lead to clogged pores and subsequent breakouts; this type of acne is usually referred to as stress acne.

Facial products containing comedogenic ingredients can clog pores, while fragrances and harsh exfoliants can cause inflammation and irritation in sensitive areas around the mouth. Heavy or oily products can also cause spots around the mouth.

Lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalances, which may affect skin health and contribute to acne.

Expired or unclean makeup can cause spots around the mouth due to bacteria, oils, and irritants that can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Expired products applied around the mouth may become contaminated from repeated use, especially if they’ve been exposed to fingers, applicators, or unclean surfaces.

If you play wind instruments that require mouth contact, like trumpets, tubas, or saxophones, your chin may be more prone to acne. Friction, saliva buildup, and trapped moisture can clog pores and cause acne near the mouth. Regularly cleaning the mouthpiece and washing your face after playing can help minimise acne around the mouth caused by these instruments.

Sweat can cause acne around the mouth because the mixture of oils, dirt, and bacteria clogs pores and leads to breakouts. When sweat dries, it leaves residue that irritates your skin, so washing your face after sweating and avoiding touching it can help prevent this.

Helmet straps can cause spots on the chin because they trap sweat, oils, and dirt against the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. The friction from the straps can also irritate the skin, increasing inflammation and the likelihood of acne. To reduce this risk, it’s important to clean the skin regularly and ensure the straps are adjusted properly and not too tight.

There are different types of acne around the mouth, and each has different characteristics and treatment options. Get to know your type of acne around mouth below:

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are a type of acne that forms when pores on the chin become clogged with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. These appear as small white or flesh-coloured bumps on the skin. If you have lighter skin, whiteheads may have a pale or white centre, often surrounded by a slight redness.

On darker skin tones, the surrounding area might look darker or have a purple hue. Typically, whiteheads do not cause scarring and are less inflammatory than other types of acne.

Blackheads, or open comedones, are tiny, dark spots that can appear as flat or slightly raised bumps on the skin. The area surrounding a blackhead typically looks normal, but the centre appears darker than the rest of the skin. They occur when a hair follicle or a pore becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, blocking the opening. While blackheads are like whiteheads, the key difference is that blackheads remain open at the top.

Papules are small, raised bumps on the skin that can vary in colour and size, appearing in shades of red, purple, or pink. Like blackheads and whiteheads, papules form when pores become inflamed due to bacteria or irritation. They typically have a firm texture and may feel tender or itchy. However, unlike blackheads and whiteheads, papules usually do not contain pus. These inflamed lesions can be more reactive and may indicate a more severe form of acne, which also commonly known as Perioral Dermatitis. 

Learn more about the types of acne.

Treating spots around the mouth involves a combination of effective skincare practices, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, professional treatment. Using skincare with effective ingredients for blemish-prone skin helps target the root causes of acne and blemishes by controlling excess oil production, maintaining hydration without clogging pores, and soothing irritation. The right skincare helps prevent future breakouts, enhances skin textures, minimises scars, and supports clearer, healthier skin.

Regular gentle cleansing is important for treating spots or acne on chin because it helps remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria without irritating the skin.

Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Cleansing Gel is a great option for managing the symptoms of acne around the mouth and on the chin. This gentle yet effective cleanser contains salicylic acid, which penetrates pores to reduce inflammation, and lactic acid, which helps exfoliate and refine the skin's texture. Its soap-free and non-comedogenic formulation ensures that it won’t clog your pores, making it suitable for daily use, even on acne-prone skin. With its ability to cleanse effectively while maintaining skin hydration, this cleanser promotes a clearer and healthier complexion.

Exfoliation is important for treating spots on the chin because it helps remove dead skin cells from the top of your skin, preventing them from clogging pores. When pores become clogged, excess oil and bacteria can build up, leading to inflammation and breakouts.

Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Scrub is an effective exfoliating product suitable for helping to treat spots around the chin. The scrub contains lactic acid, which helps remove impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells, making it beneficial for preventing blackheads and spots. This product is specifically formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin, so it cleanses without drying the skin out. Regular exfoliation can significantly improve skin texture and decrease the chances of future breakouts. Learn more about how to exfoliate properly.

If you frequently experience acne or spots around your mouth, using an oil-free sunscreen is essential. It prevents clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. An oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage without adding excess oil or irritation, helping to maintain clearer skin in acne-prone areas like your chin and around your mouth.

Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF 50+ is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains key ingredients like licochalcone to soothe inflammation, salicylic acid to unclog pores, and glycerin for hydration. This product is perfect for daily acne treatment routines, as it helps prevent post-acne marks and irritation in sensitive areas.

Implementing a healthy diet can help treat acne on chin by reducing inflammation, regulating hormones, and maintaining skin health. It is recommended to consume foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, spinach, and carrots), vitamins (such as A,C, and E) and minerals to support skin repair and healing. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish (like salmon and mackerel) and flaxseed can also reduce inflammation.

Consult a dermatologist if your acne doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, your breakouts are severe or painful, or if they lead to scarring. You should also seek help if you experience additional symptoms like inflammation or redness, or if you're unsure about the best treatment options for your skin type.

There are several effective ways to prevent acne or spots around the mouth, as follows:

Maintain a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, moisturising, and sunscreen, using oil-free, non-comedogenic products suitable for acne-prone skin. Find out more about an effective skincare routine for acne-prone skin.

Skin around the mouth or chin produce more oil and are prone to acne. So it’s important to keep the area clean and avoid touching your face to reduce the bacteria transfer.

Managing stress is important for preventing acne around the mouth because stress can cause hormonal changes that increase oil production and lead to breakouts. Staying hydrated is also a key, as it helps keep your skin healthy by maintaining its natural barrier and preventing dryness, which can further contribute to excess oil.

To prevent spots around the mouth or chin, it's important to change your pillowcase regularly because they can collect dirt, oil, sweat, and bacteria. These impurities can transfer to your skin, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.

Implementing a proper post-acne routine is important for improving your skin’s overall health and reducing the risk of future breakouts. Effective post-acne treatments can promote skin healing, improve texture, and help prevent new blemishes from forming.

The Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control products work together to effectively help prevent acne and breakouts while also reducing the appearance of post-acne marks. Eucerin Triple Effect Cleansing Gel gently cleanses and unclogs pores, while the Eucerin Triple Effect Serum promotes skin healing and reduces blemishes with key ingredients like salicylic acid and licochalcone. Eucerin Protective Fluid SPF 30 offers sun protection without clogging pores, further preventing breakouts. Together, these products help maintain a clear complexion and enhance overall skin appearance. Learn more about how to reduce acne scars.