Blackheads on Lips Treatment and Home Remedies

Can u get blackheads on your lips? Yes you can. Blackheads are common in various parts of the body and the lips are no exception. What their causes are and what you can do about black heads around the lips include simple home remedies are discussed below.

Blackheads on Lips

Blackheads on lips occur when hair follicles within the skin become clogged. In the hair follicles are sebaceous glands found at its base. These are responsible for producing oil to keep the skin soft and protected as well as keep the hair lubricated.

In normal circumstances, the produced sebum moves through the pore to the surface of the skin where it spreads evenly forming a thin protective layer.

In case there is production of excess oil, it combines with dirt and dead skin cells at the opening of the hair follicle thus clogging it. This results in formation of a comedo which is a bump on the skin’s surface. In case this bump opens up, the substances causing the clogging of the pore are exposed to the air and get oxidized. This results in formation of a black bump which is referred to as a blackhead due to its color.

Blackheads occur as a result of clogged pores. These may be caused by numerous factors such as excess oil. The excess oil may be from overproduction of sebum in the skin or from external greasy products such as greasy food, cosmetic products. When this oil combines with dust, dead skin cells, cosmetics they accumulate and form tiny hard plugs in the hair follicles.

These are the initial stages of acne.  In case a layer of skin grows over a clogged pore, you suffer a whitehead. In cases of black heads though, the mixture will turn black if it gets oxidized due to exposure to air at the top of the pore. Where the blackheads become infected, the progress into lip pimples which are quite painful.

Causes of Blackhead on Lips

Generally, the presence of excess sebum on the skin is the major contributing factor. When production of sebum is excessive, the skin pores get block from accumulation of the same in addition to dust. Black heads on lips are no different from blackheads on other parts of the body. There are various circumstances that favor their formation. We get into the details of these below.

Hormonal Imbalances

In the teenage years, kids experience a lot of bodily changes. According to clearskinstudy.com, the growth of oil glands is facilitated by hormones. As a result, these are not developed in children. Instead, they are released during puberty. Once the oil glands are formed, an individual becomes susceptible to acne.

The andrenogen hormones which include testerone and DHEA-S are responsible for acne. When they are in excess in either men or women, they could result in excessive production of oil resulting in a buildup as well as clogging of pores.

Whenever there is a surge in hormonal levels such as during pregnancy, menopause or around the time one is expecting menses, an imbalance is likely to erupt. This could see you have blackheads on lips.

Beauty and Skin Care Products

Cosmetic products that are used on the face as well as lip care and makeup products can make the skin susceptible to blackhead breakouts. Lip gloss, lip balms, lipsticks when used excessively and allowed to buildup can result to clogging of pores. This could lead to formation of blackheads around the lips.

Lip products that come into contact with the lips and contain wax, fatty acids and triglycerides increase the potential of getting the pores clogged resulting in blackheads on lips. Moisturizers, pomades and foundations could contribute too. If you have oily skin, use products that are free from petrolum, lauryl alcohol, vegetable oils, oleic acid and butyl stearate. 

Environmental Factors

The environment can be harsh on the skin and result in various skin problems arising. Where there is excess pollution, dust and other small particles in the air, they end up clogging the pores thus leading to formation of blackheads.

Food

The glycemic index is used as a measurement of how carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels. Foods that result in an increase in insulin levels are said to have a high glycemic index. Foods with a high glycemic index include baked goods and white bread. These increase insulin levels. According to dermnetnz.com, the insulin induces production of androgens which provoke sebum production thus increasing the chances of blackheads on lips.

Medication

Drugs that include birth control pills, corticosteroids, androgens and lithium are said to trigger the outbreak of blackheads on lips, the lip line and around the mouth as well. This happens because the drugs influence the level of hormones produced thus affect how much sebum is present in the pores.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on lips

Are you wondering how to get rid of blackheads on lips?  There are various appropriate treatments ad home remedies that you can apply to help eliminate the black zits on your lips. Explore these below and pick the one you feel appropriate.

Prescription Products

Although any one can get blackheads on lips, they are most common and severe in people with oily skin. In case your blackhead breakouts are too much for you to handle at home, visit your dermatologist for prescription treatment. They will prescribe products that are most appropriate for your case and skin type. The aim of these products is to unclog the pores by exfoliating. The products may come in the form of creams, gels or lotions.

Benzoyl Peroxide

There are different products available over the counter for treatment of blackheads on lips. Benzoyl peroxide is one of them. This can be obtained from drug stores. The product is, however not suitable for persons with a sensitive skin. This product helps to clear this type of mild acne by unblocking the clogged skin pores.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid has exfoliating properties that help in clearing up dead skin cells thus unclogging pores. A combination peel containing salicylic acid and alpha hydroxyl acid will in addition break down oil. This way present blackheads are treated and the formation of more is prevented.

Blackhead on Lips Strip

Blackhead strips are readily available in drug stores. Get some and cut one into a shape suitable for application on the lip. Once this has been done, apply it on the lip blackhead and leave it on for 15 minutes. After this rip it off and it will come off with the blackheads.

Home Remedies for Blackheads around Lips

For blackheads on lips and around the mouth that are not severe, using home remedies can help. These are not only economical but also gentle on the skin. Most of these are readily available in the kitchen and can come in handy whenever that unexpected black zit appears on your lip.

Egg White Mask

Quite a number of people swear by the effectiveness of egg white masks in getting lip of blackheads on lips. This remedy works by tightening up the pores.

1. Separate the egg white from the yolk.
2. Using your finger, apply this and wait for a few minutes for it to dry.
3. Once dry, apply anther coat on top of the first one.
4. Leave the mask on for up to 15 minutes before peeling it off.
5. Repeat procedure until the blackhead on your lip clears.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is known for its effectiveness in clearing up quite a number of skin issues. It has antibacterial agents that help to clear up bacteria that may be infecting the zits. It is also rich in exfoliating properties that help in clearing up dead skin cells. Use lemon juice with honey, sugar or yoghurt to make a lip scrub.

1. Mix your ingredients of choice in a clean bowl.
2. Apply this on and around the lip paying extra attention to the blackhead.
3. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before washing it off with cool water.

Sugar Scrub

Sugar can be used to exfoliate the skin and thus unclog the pores that are causing blackheads around the mouth and on the lips.

1. Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a few drops of jojoba. You could also use honey.
2. Allow the mixture to stand for about five minutes.
3. Using your finger, massage the scrub on the affected area in circular motion.
4. Let this home remedy stand for 20 minutes before you wash it off.

Baking Soda Paste

To get rid of blackheads on lips, the lip line and around the mouth area, make a baking soda mask by mixing one portion of baking soda with an equal amount of water. Apply this on the area and let it stand for up to 15 minutes after which you wash it off.

Baking soda has exfoliative properties that help to extract debris that result in formation of black heads. Use it until desired results are attained.

How to Prevent Formation of Blackheads on lips

The best way to remove blackheads is by preventing their formation all together. By employing some simple regular procedures. Below are some tips to avoid the formation of blackheads on lips.

Cleanse the Lips

Like discussed above, blackheads are as a result of sebum, dead skin cells and dirt accumulation. Eliminating these on time and preventing their accumulation can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of blackheads.

Clean your face and ensure that you don’t sleep with makeup on. Use facial cleansing products that are appropriate for your skin. While at it, avoid harsh products.

Exfoliate

Regular lip exfoliation can help keep your lip skin healthy and supple. This will ensure that any dead skin cells are shed off and not left to accumulate. You can use various natural exfoliants or recommended products.

Steaming

Using a facial steam helps to open up pores. This way they do not clog and the likelihood of blackheads breaking out is minimized.

List of References

1. Clearskinstudy.com: What Hormone Causes Acne?
2. Totalbeauty.com: How to Treat Blackheads on Lips
3. Leaf.tv: Causes of Constant Facial Blackheads