Dark Spots Around the Mouth: Causes, Types & Effective Solutions

Whether you’re using lipsticks, lip balms, or are simply examining your face in the mirror, you may notice a bit of pigmentation at the end of your lips or around your mouth. This is called perioral pigmentation, which can shadow your best features while appearing out of place. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Keynotes:

Spots and dark marks around the mouth can result from hormonal imbalances, comedogenic products, friction, or conditions like perioral dermatitis or lip-licking.
The spots could result from melasma, sun spots, acne marks, and clogged pores.
Ingredients like niacinamide, Thiamidol, AHAs, and salicylic acid can help reduce pigmentation effectively.
You can prevent dark marks around the lips using non-comedogenic products, following regular cleansing, sun protection, and dermatologist consultation.

What Causes Spots Around the Mouth?

While acne and dark spots around your mouth are rare, they can be triggered due to a number of factors:

Hormones:
Hormones or androgens, such as testosterone, trigger your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This increasing sebum production leads to follicular hyperkeratinization, where the follicles on your skin become clogged with keratin. As a result, you begin to observe dark marks around your mouth. This is often found in women undergoing hormonal changes or suffering from PCOS.
Comedogenic Products:
If you use ill-formulated lip care products, makeup, shaving creams, or any oral hygiene products, chances are that you may observe acne and spots around the mouth. Comedogenic or irritating ingredients in toothpaste can also lead to perioral dermatitis, creating spots around the mouth.
Mechanical Factors:
Chronic friction due to helmet straps, activity caused by musical instruments, or humidity caused by face masks can trigger perioral acne, which is often called ‘maskne’. This form of acne mechanica is triggered because your skin loses hydration due to transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and microinflammation caused by repeated rubbing.
Cell Phones:
The surface of your cell phone may contain several skin-harming bacteria. If it comes in contact with your cheek and chin repeatedly, you may experience acne and dark marks around your mouth.
Lifestyle Factors:
Dietary triggers, particularly high-glycaemic foods and dairy have been known to trigger acne on your face and body.
Perioral Dermatitis:
Though often mistaken for acne, perioral dermatitis is a separate condition involving a rash around your mouth and nose. It is typically triggered by topical steroids, fluoridated toothpaste, and harmful skincare products. Perioral dermatitis may also leave spots around the mouth and nose, but it follows a distinct inflammatory pattern and treatment pathway.

Types of Spots Around the Mouth and What They Mean

The type of spots around your mouth can offer clues about their root cause and may suggest which treatment you should opt for, too.

Melasma (Grey-Brown Patches):
Melasma occurs due to hormonal fluctuations in the body and is commonly found in women. Women who have undergone pregnancy, menopause, or any major hormonal shifts are likely to develop these symmetrical patches on both sides of their face. It may occur around your chin, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Sun exposure (Tan Spots):
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin and can leave spots around your face. These are known as liver or age spots and are found on the skin that is frequently exposed to the sun. As you age, these spots begin to appear more prominent.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Acne Marks):
If you had a serious acne flare-up, pimples, breakouts, or infection around your mouth, you may notice dark marks around your mouth too. These are a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, caused when your skin tries to repair itself after injuries.
Comedogenic (Whiteheads and Blackheads):
If you are largely noticing dark spots around your mouth or white spots under your mouth, you may have clogged pores. Excessive sebum and dead skin cells on your skin clog the pores around your mouth to leave you with spotty white and blackheads.
Lip licker’s dermatitis (Patch around the lips):
If you habitually lick your lips and the skin around them very often, you may develop lip licker’s dermatitis or lip-lick cheilitis. The skin around your lips may begin to look scaly and inflamed.

How to Get Rid of Spots and Dark Marks Around the Mouth

To target both active breakouts and residual dark spots around the mouth, dermatologists recommend ingredients that help you balance sebum, improve cell turnover, and fade pigmentation:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
Known to reduce inflammation, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and fades dark spots. It is especially useful if the dark spots around your mouth are a result of acne.
Thiamidol:
Clinically tested and gentle on the skin, thiamidol is known to restore radiance and improve the appearance of dark spots and marks. Tackling pigmentation at its root cause, Thiamidol helps you get even skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs):
To remove residual dark spots around your mouth, try exfoliants. Glycolic and lactic acids help exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, unclog pores, and help diminish pigmentation over time.
Salicylic acid (BHA):
Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate pores to dissolve sebum. This is why salicylic acid is highly effective in preventing new acne lesions.
Retinoids:
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids increase cell turnover, reduce acne lesions, and improve pigmentation. However, it is recommended that you talk to your dermatologist before using strong retinoids.
Sunscreens:
If the spots around your mouth are a result of the sun’s UV, using daily broad-spectrum sun protection helps you prevent any darkening or new marks.

Tips to Prevent Spots Under and Around the Mouth

Use non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested lip and skincare products, especially if you have dark marks around the mouth.
Rinse your mouth and wipe your lips after eating or brushing your teeth, removing any toothpaste residue.
Clean your face masks regularly and choose breathable materials like cotton. Use soap-friendly soaps and detergents to wash them.
Avoid touching your face, popping pimples, or picking whiteheads to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and causing acne marks.
Maintain a consistent skincare routine including cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection.
Don’t use any skin actives or strong formulations without consulting your dermatologist.

Conclusion

Spots and acne around the mouth may be stubborn, but with the right combination of targeted skincare, lifestyle adjustments, and professional guidance, they can be effectively treated and prevented. Look to Eucerin for dermatologically-tested, gentle Anti-Pigment products that will help you tackle dark spots around the mouth. Always consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure about the cause of your breakouts or if your current skincare routine isn't delivering results.

FAQs:

What causes dark spots and acne around the mouth area?

Dark spots and acne around the mouth can be caused by hormonal changes, clogged pores from cosmetics, or irritation from frequent shaving or lip products. Friction from masks or hands, dirt on cell phone screens, and a poor lifestyle can also worsen the marks.
How can I remove dark marks or pigmentation under the mouth naturally?

Skin actives like niacinamide, retinoids, and Thiamidol can help you treat dark spots around the mouth with minimal side effects.
Are spots around the mouth a sign of hormonal imbalance?

Yes, breakouts around the mouth and chin can indicate hormonal fluctuations, especially in women. They’re common during menstruation, PCOS, or stress-related hormonal changes.
What’s the best cream to reduce dark skin around the mouth?

Look for creams with ingredients like Thiamidol, niacinamide, vitamin C, or kojic acid to lighten pigmentation safely. Talk to your dermatologist before adding any new creams to your skincare routine.