Acne can really pop up anywhere. These sly zits plague our face, back, shoulders and whatnot! This year, our new problem is acne around the mouth or what some people are referring to as maskne! Today, we talk about the possible reasons why these little buggers appear around the mouth and what you can do to reduce them.
Why, why, why?
While there are no definite answers as to why pimples manifest, there can be factors that contribute to them occurring. Let’s have a look at some of them.
1. Hormonal changes – A usual suspect when it comes to acne, hormonal changes can cause pimples in various parts of the face. The mouth is a common one.
2. Face touching – If your hands are not clean, then touching your face can transfer bacteria from your hands, and this bacteria and dirt can clog your pores and cause acne.
3. Phones – We keep our phones all over the place and then lift them to our face to answer calls. There is a considerable transfer of bacteria that takes place and can cause acne around the mouth.
4. Sweat – Sweat can attract dust and dirt and clog your pores, leading to acne.
5. The pandemic – Wearing a mask for a long time can cause a build-up of sweat as well as a lack of ventilation. This can cause acne, specifically around the mouth region.
6. Excess makeup – Wearing a lot of make-up can clog your pores and result in acne! It is very important to wash off your make-up properly before going to bed. When your make-up is not taken off well, it clogs your pores.
7. Razors – Shaving your face with an old razor can transfer bacteria to your pores and cause acne.
8. Irritants – Things that come in contact with your face, like helmet straps, musical instruments, lip balm and toothpaste, can cause acne.
What can you do to prevent acne around the mouth?
The good news is that you don’t have to live in fear of getting acne on your face because of your mask and other reasons. There are certain things you can do to avoid getting them in the first place!
- Try to invest in good quality makeup that is light and non-comedogenic. This will help with preventing your pores from getting clogged.
- Remove all your make-up thoroughly. Make sure you do not use any products that irritate your skin.
- Wash your mouth and lips after you eat to avoid a build-up of bacteria from small particles left behind.
- Wear a clean mask that fits you right. It should neither be too tight or too loose. If you are using a cloth mask, ensure that you wash it well after each use.
- Make sure to use a fresh razor when your old one seems dirty. Keep your hygiene standards high and use a light shaving cream. It also helps to moisturise well after a shave.
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and avoid dirty towels or napkins to dry your face.
- Avoid touching your face. If you have to, then make sure to wash your hands well.
- Change your bed sheets and pillow cover regularly to avoid dust and dirt building up.
Treatments you can seek for acne around the mouth.
The safest thing you can do if your acne gets out of hand is to visit a dermatologist. They will give you the proper treatment depending on the skin type and severity of your acne. The treatments can be as follows-
- A proper skincare regime can go a long way in improving the health of your skin and avoiding maskne and other sweat and dirt related acne.
2. Over-the-counter products that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur can be prescribed for mild forms of acne.
3. If the situation is dire, then your doctor might even prescribe medication like antibiotics or retinoids.
The silver lining
Acne around the mouth might be cropping up as an increasingly common side effect of the pandemic, but you can manage it easily with the right steps towards prevention and treatment! With a side of love to add to it, your skin will be acne free in no time!
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. What home remedies can I use to treat acne around the mouth?
You can try a mixture of honey and turmeric to treat the acne around your mouth. Make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients. There is no guarantee that this will work, so use it with caution.
2. Can chemical peels help rid me of acne around the mouth?
In some instances, your doctor could recommend a chemical peel. However, this can only be done by your doctor in their clinic.
3. How do I know if the bumps around my face are acne or not?
The only way to be sure about this is to get your skin checked by a dermatologist or a doctor.
4. Is acne contagious?
No, acne is not contagious. You cannot give it to someone else because you have it.
