How to Get Rid of Whiteheads and Blackheads Around the Mouth

How to Get Rid of Whiteheads and Blackheads Around the Mouth
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Acne refers to a skin condition caused by excess oil production and dead skin cells becoming trapped in your skin's pores. What forms are tiny bumps known as comedones, which common around your mouth and nose. Closed comedones are the technical term for whiteheads, while open comedones refer to blackheads. To remove acne blemishes from your mouth, you can opt for the natural or medicinal routes.

Step 1

Cleanse the skin around your mouth twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Non-detergent soaps are ideal for cleansing this area. Avoid abrasive scrubs that can actually worsen your acne flare-ups and damage the outer layers of skin.

Step 2

Ingest a daily supplement of zinc, brewer's yeast or guggul, suggests MayoClinic.com. These supplements have shown great promise in the treatment of acne although more research is required. Another natural treatment for acne around your mouth includes the use of tea tree oil gel. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-microbial agent that kills the bacteria present in blemishes.

Step 3

Apply oil-free cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic. This label indicates that laboratory testing determined that the cosmetic is not a source of comedone formation. Cosmetics that are oil-based only lend to your skin's natural oil production and help bind dead skin cells and bacteria in your pores.

Step 4

Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid gel to your skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these gels are available over-the-counter and are very effective in treating comedone formations.

Step 5

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and get plenty of rest. Your body responds to stress by increasing oil production. Being well-rested and keeping your skin hydrated can help undo the damage that stress has on your facial skin.

Step 6

Avoid wearing plastic masks or other accessories such as scarves around your mouth. These items trap sweat and bacteria, worsening acne conditions. While it may be tempting to bury your face into a new scarf, this will only irritate your skin.

Step 7

Visit a dermatologist. She can prescribe a topical antibiotic to help remove bacteria from your skin or another medication to treat your acne. Additional medical therapies and treatments, including chemical peels, are available for persistent acne.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Aug 6, 2011

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