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Acne around the mouth is a common issue that affects one’s appearance and often leads to self-consciousness. This area is particularly sensitive and susceptible to the effects of hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and diet. So, what are the safe and effective treatment options? In this article, Dr. Thai and Hbio Clinic will help you understand the causes and explore scientifically-backed solutions.
Causes of acne around the mouth
Acne around the mouth often stems from a combination of internal bodily factors and daily lifestyle habits.
Hormonal changes
During stages such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can stimulate sebaceous gland activity. This leads to an accumulation of excess oil and dead skin cells, clogging pores and causing acne to form around the mouth.
Improper facial hygiene
Failure to thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, and sebum allows impurities to accumulate on the skin over time. This creates a favorable environment for *P. acnes* bacteria to thrive, leading to acne outbreaks around the mouth.
Use of unsuitable cosmetics
Overusing cosmetics or using low-quality products can clog pores and compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier, thereby worsening acne around the mouth.
Lifestyle habits
A diet high in grease, spicy foods, and sugar—and lacking in green vegetables—can trigger inflammatory responses and increase the risk of acne around the mouth.
Additionally, staying up late and prolonged use of electronic devices hinder the skin’s recovery process, creating conditions for acne to appear and persist.
Psychological stress
Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, stimulating sebaceous glands to become overactive and produce more oil.
The combination of excess oil and sweat makes the area around the mouth prone to clogging, fostering bacterial growth and acne flare-ups.
Effective and scientifically-backed ways to treat acne around the mouth
To improve acne breakouts around the mouth and chin, you need to combine methods that treat the skin externally while addressing underlying internal causes.
Proper, gentle skin hygiene and care
Cleansing is a fundamental step that removes excess oil and dirt, helping to prevent clogged pores in the area around the mouth.
You should wash your face twice daily using a gentle cleanser suitable for oily, acne-prone skin to avoid disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance. Prioritize cleansers containing low concentrations of BHA or AHA to help remove dead skin cells, keep pores clear, and reduce acne formation.
You might consider the following safe, mild, and gentle cleansing products:
✔️ Sebium Gel Moussant Actif: A gel cleanser specifically designed for oily, acne-prone skin.
✔️ CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: A gentle cleanser for sensitive skin.
✔️ Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: A cleanser suitable for all skin types—especially sensitive skin—featuring a lightweight texture that cleanses while maintaining the skin’s moisture.
Advantages:
- Low cost, easy to do at home.
- No specialized equipment or techniques are required
Disadvantages:
- Need to do it regularly to maintain effectiveness.
- Choosing the wrong product can easily cause irritation.
- Not suitable for treating severe inflammatory acne.
Adjust healthy living habits
Diet has a direct impact on acne around the mouth, so you need to add lots of green vegetables, fruits and drink enough water every day.
Limit greasy foods, sugar and carbonated drinks to reduce the risk of stimulating sebaceous gland activity.
Besides, maintaining a habit of sleeping on time and resting properly will help the skin have time to recover, thereby improving the condition of acne around the mouth more effectively.
Advantages:
- Not only does it improve your skin but it also has a positive impact on your health
- Can be combined with other treatment methods.
Disadvantages:
- It takes a long time to notice changes.
- Requires high perseverance and discipline.
Medical standard acne removal treatment at HBIO Clinic
Removing acne is an important step to help safely remove acne deep inside pores.
At HBIO Clinic, the procedure is performed using sterile tools, combined with cleaning and disinfecting the skin before proceeding to limit infection. This method helps clean acne effectively and prevent recurrence.
Advantages:
- Quickly remove acne, shorten the treatment process
- Minimizes skin damage compared to self-treatment at home
- Limit acne inflammation and the risk of leaving dark spots
Cost: About 300,000 to 500,000 VND/time with treatment performed every 2-4 weeks depending on skin condition and usually performed periodically.
Chemical Peel
This technique utilizes active ingredients such as AHA, BHA, Retinol, or PHA to remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse pores. The process draws underlying acne (comedones) to the surface while regulating sebum production and reducing pore congestion.
Additionally, the method stimulates skin regeneration and visibly improves the skin’s surface texture.
Advantages:
- Effectively cleanses pores without harsh physical manipulation
- Improves skin texture, resulting in a more even tone and smoother feel
- Helps reduce dark spots and prevents acne recurrence
Cost: Approximately 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND per session; a course of 3 to 6 sessions is typically recommended depending on the severity of the underlying acne.
Laser and Bio-light Technology
Laser technology employs specialized wavelengths to penetrate deep into the skin, destroying *P. acnes* bacteria—the cause of inflammatory acne around the mouth. Simultaneously, the light energy stimulates collagen production, aiding tissue repair and minimizing the risk of scarring.
Combined with bio-light therapy (blue light to control oil and red light for skin repair), the treatment reduces inflammation and accelerates skin regeneration.
Advantages:
- Deep-acting; targets the root causes of acne from within the skin
- Minimizes trauma and offers maximum protection for the skin’s surface
- Improves skin texture, resulting in smoother skin and tightened pores
Cost: Ranges from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND per session; typically involves a course of 3 to 5 sessions or a personalized treatment plan.
Acne Treatment Using Exclusive Cosmeceuticals at HBIO Clinic
HBIO Clinic develops personalized cosmeceutical regimens tailored to the specific skin condition and the root causes of perioral acne (acne around the mouth). Key active ingredients are optimally utilized, including:
- Retinoids: Promote skin renewal and reduce pore clogging
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Eliminate acne-causing bacteria and rapidly reduce inflammation
- Niacinamide: Control excess oil, soothe the skin, and aid recovery
- Salicylic Acid: Deep-cleanse pores and reduce blackheads
This method effectively clears pores, regulates sebum production, and provides sustainable prevention against acne recurrence.
Advantages:
- Directly targets the mechanisms of acne formation
- Suitable for various skin conditions; treatment plans are easily personalized
- Delivers long-lasting results and minimizes acne recurrence
Cost: Treatment courses typically last 4 to 8 weeks depending on skin condition; product costs range from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per item.
HBIO Clinic advises on what to AVOID when caring for acne-prone skin
- Avoid touching your face: Hands harbor bacteria, excess oil, and dirt. Touching your skin with them increases the risk of infection and can trigger acne flare-ups.
- Avoid popping pimples without proper hygiene: Doing so can cause the pimple to swell further and increases the risk of spreading the infection, as well as leaving behind dark spots and scars.
- Limit the use of makeup products: Items like foundation and setting powder often contain ingredients that clog pores, prolonging acne and making it harder to treat.
- Avoid contact with items that harbor dirt and bacteria: Phones and face masks accumulate bacteria and dead skin cells, which can cause irritation, spread acne, and prolong inflammation.
- Avoid using low-quality face masks: These can cause constant friction against the skin, damaging the natural protective barrier and aggravating acne around the mouth.
- Avoid pulling blankets over your face while sleeping: Bedding often accumulates sweat, fabric dust, and bacteria, which can clog pores and create an environment where acne thrives.
Therefore, accurately identifying the cause and selecting the right treatment method are crucial for safely and quickly addressing acne around the mouth. Every skin type requires a tailored care approach to achieve optimal results. If you are concerned about your skin condition or unsure of the best solution, please contact HBIO Clinic for a detailed consultation and a personalized skincare plan.
Hbio Clinic – Facial Skincare & Spa
- Phone: 0947 697 795
- Location: 24 Truong Han Sieu, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Zalo: 0947 697 795
