“Why You’re Getting Whiteheads Around Your Mouth and Chin”

*By Dr. Rizwan Khan – Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur*

Whiteheads around the mouth and chin can be frustrating. They appear just when your skin seems to be doing fine — and they’re often stubborn too. So what causes them? And more importantly, how can you treat and prevent them? Let’s break it down.

 **What Are Whiteheads, Exactly?**

Whiteheads are a type of closed comedone. They form when your skin’s pores get clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Unlike blackheads, they stay closed at the surface, which is why they appear as small white or flesh-colored bumps.

**Why Around the Mouth and Chin?**

This area is part of the “hormonal zone” of the face — where acne is more likely to be triggered by internal or external factors. Here are some common causes:

 **1. Hormonal Fluctuations**

For many people, especially women, hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or due to PCOS can cause excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores in the chin and mouth area.

 **2. Touching Your Face Often**

Your hands carry dirt, oil, and bacteria. Resting your hand near your mouth or chin while thinking, working, or using your phone can clog pores in this area.

 **3. Skincare and Makeup Products**

Heavy lip balms, oily sunscreens, or comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients in your products may be blocking the pores around your mouth. Check for “non-comedogenic” labels.

 **4. Toothpaste and Lip Products**

Certain ingredients like fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste can irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Some lip balms or glosses can also clog the skin right around the lips.

**5. Mask-Wearing & Sweat (Maskne)**

Post-COVID, many people developed whiteheads from wearing tight masks. Sweat, friction, and trapped moisture around the mouth create the perfect environment for clogged pores.

 **6. Poor Cleansing Habits**

Not washing your face properly or skipping cleansing after sweating can lead to whiteheads — especially in oily or acne-prone skin types.

 **So, What Can You Do?**

**1. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser** twice a day.

**2. Exfoliate** 2–3 times a week with mild chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid or mandelic acid).

**3. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.**

**4. Choose oil-free makeup and skincare.**

**5. Switch to a gentle, SLS-free toothpaste** if needed.

**6. If you wear a mask daily, clean it regularly** and use a light moisturizer underneath.

**7. See a dermatologist** if breakouts are persistent or painful.

 **When to Visit a Skin Clinic?**

If whiteheads are frequent, deep, or turning into painful pimples or cysts — it’s time to seek professional help. At **Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic**, we offer customized acne treatments including:

- Comedone extraction

- Medical facials for acne-prone skin

- Peels with salicylic or mandelic acid

- Low-dose oral medications if needed

**Final Thoughts**

Whiteheads around the mouth and chin are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. A good skincare routine, smart product choices, and sometimes professional treatments can make a big difference.

**Got recurring whiteheads? Book a consult with us and get clear, healthy skin — no filters needed.**

*Clinic: Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur*