Black dots on the lips (above the upper, lower, around): why they appear, how to remove them

Published by: Laima Jansons

Black dots on the face - comedones - are an annoying cosmetic defect . It is especially unpleasant when they appear on or around the lips: the skin here is most sensitive, so getting rid of blackheads becomes problematic . Why do comedones appear and how to deal with them?

Photo 1: In the skin of the lips and around them, as in other areas, there are sebaceous glands. When their mouths (pores) become clogged with secretion, which subsequently interacts with atmospheric dust and the sun, black dots appear. Source: flickr (aZc.).

Blackheads around lips

As a rule, comedones on the lips are accompanied by the appearance of blackheads around the mouth. Bacteria, interacting with the secretions of the sebaceous glands, provoke inflammation of sensitive skin and the appearance of blackheads .

Black spots on lips

Comedones on the lips are a rather rare phenomenon; people with oily and mixed skin types are more often susceptible to . But it is necessary to know how to painlessly remove blackheads on the lips, because they can cause inflammation of the skin.

Factors that cause blackheads to form

There are several common causes of comedones on the lips.

Hormonal disorders

If the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body is disrupted, the sebaceous glands begin to work in increased mode. The face becomes oily, pores become clogged, and blackheads appear . In parallel with these signs, the voice becomes rougher, sweating increases, and body hair growth increases.

Cosmetical tools

Oil-based creams, masks, lipsticks and glosses clog pores, preventing the skin from breathing and become one of the reasons for the growth of bacteria. When purchasing cosmetics, you should pay attention to its composition to avoid unnecessary skin problems.

Poor hygiene

The habit of going to bed without removing decorative cosmetics from the face is one of the most common reasons for the appearance of blackheads on the face, inflammation and acne. The immunity of the epidermis decreases very quickly. Hence - skin irritation, a “bruised” face in the morning and acne.

Poor nutrition

If there is not enough fluid in the body, and, on the contrary, there is an excess of fat, comedones are formed , including on the lips. By adjusting your diet and making adjustments to your daily menu, you can achieve a significant improvement in your appearance and overall well-being. After all, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains cleanse the intestines and contribute to its normal functioning. And this is the key to healthy facial skin.

Side effects of drugs

Drugs that contain testosterone, estrogen, and steroids often cause a side effect in the form of increased activity of the sebaceous glands.

Smoking, alcohol and caffeine

All this activates the sebaceous glands and leads to clogged pores . As a result, black dots appear in the most unexpected places.

Interesting. Have you ever wondered how many microbes live on the common telephone handset? But modern people cannot imagine themselves without a mobile phone, spending many hours talking on the phone. You can protect yourself from bacteria that live on the surface of your phone and cause skin inflammation and blackheads by regularly using damp antibacterial wipes.

Why do blackheads appear on lips?

There are many special glands on the skin of the face that secrete sebaceous secretions through the pores. It protects the epidermis from exposure to the external environment and microbes.

Expert opinion

Anastasia Zaslavskaya

Dermatologist, cosmetologist

In some cases, pores can become clogged with dead cells along with dirt and makeup residue. In this case, spots and blackheads appear on the face.

A cosmetic defect is expressed differently in different people. The color range ranges from dark gray, light bluish to black. Sizes and shapes can also vary.

Reasons for the appearance of blackheads near the lips:

Hormonal imbalances lead to increased functioning of the sebaceous glands. The skin of the face becomes oily and the pores become clogged faster. A person's voice becomes rough, sweating increases, and the amount of hair on the body increases.
Oil-based cosmetics clog pores immediately after application.
Failure to comply with hygiene rules when girls and women go to bed without removing decorative cosmetics from their faces.
The presence of large amounts of fatty foods in the diet leads to metabolic disorders. In this case, the skin of the face suffers more than other parts of the body.
The use of hormonal medications, smoking, excessive consumption of black coffee and alcohol lead to disruption of the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Using a contaminated mobile phone. When this object is taken with unwashed hands and then pressed against the face, there is a high possibility of pathogenic microbes getting into the pores. To reduce the risk of infection, you should wipe your phone with antiseptic wet wipes every day.
Any of these factors can lead to cosmetic defects around the mouth. Most often they occur in adolescents during adolescence.

How is it formed

Every person from birth has a genetically determined skin color - the so-called permanent pigment.
When exposed to external and internal factors, an additional one is produced, which can be either a temporary physiological phenomenon (natural tanning) or a pathological one, difficult to remove even with special lasers (lentigo, vitiligo, etc.). The formation mechanism itself occurs in the epidermal layer. Here are located keratinocytes - epidermal cells. Their life cycle is up to 60 days, so they are constantly updated. To protect young and vulnerable cellular structures from sun exposure, melanocytes exist. They belong to the nervous system and are called upon to produce melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

If the body is healthy, there is no overdose of solar radiation, melanocytes will produce a sufficient amount of protection. However, if there are failures, the “protectors” begin to be distributed unevenly, which leads to the formation of hyperpigmented areas.

How to remove blackheads from the lips

If you act in the old fashioned way - squeezing out comedones, then such a procedure can only aggravate the problem. Firstly, it is quite painful. Secondly, an infection can get into the wounds, after which inflammation will begin. Its consequences are difficult to remove.

There are several ways to help remove blackheads painlessly. Moreover, these do not require visiting specialists. They are as effective as expensive salon treatments.

Home remedies are good if comedones appear in small quantities.

Age spots and peeling

Melanin accumulation occurs in the upper layers of the epidermis. In order to remove unaesthetic problems, products that stimulate the renewal of the dermis are used. The most effective peelings are: chemical, mechanical, laser. They promote the regeneration of epidermal cells, forcing keratinocytes to produce new ones as quickly as possible, which will not have a large accumulation of coloring pigment. When eliminating the root causes of hyperpigmentation, there is a chance that you will forget about various spots for a long time.

Home methods to remove blackheads around mouth

Under no circumstances should you immediately begin to remove such a problem as blackheads around the lips.

First, you need to thoroughly cleanse your face with makeup remover and lotion. This procedure will greatly facilitate the removal of comedones. Then you should take a steam bath or put a warm compress on your face for 5-7 minutes. The skin will soften and the pores will open. Only now is the time to remove blackheads.

The simplest and most popular is to use a special patch. If you follow the instructions and act carefully when removing the sticky product from the lip contour, the positive effect will appear immediately. But you need to remember that the patch cannot be used very often, so as not to cause irritation around the lips.
Apply a mixture of starch and vinegar, diluted in equal quantities to obtain a thick paste, to problem areas. Remove with a soft sponge dampened with water after 10–15 minutes.
Mix 1/8 cup of warm boiled water with two drops of iodine and 0.5 teaspoon of extra salt. Wipe the area around the upper and lower lips with this solution and let the solution dry. And then rinse with warm running water.
Take 3 tablespoons of kefir, heated to room temperature, add 2 tablespoons of chopped oatmeal, mix. Add 1 tablespoon each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil and stir again. Apply this mask to blackheads and leave for 5-7 minutes. Then rinse off with running cool water.

If home remedies do not give the desired effect, you should consult a dermatologist.

What causes pigment spots to appear on the face after sunbathing?

Most manifestations of hyperpigmentation occur after the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Among those that immediately appear are freckles, various melasma and chloasma. There are also those that have a cumulative effect, for example, lentigo.

Also, if during the summer vacation there were inflammatory processes in open areas of the body, most likely after they heal, a change in shade can be clearly observed.

Prolonged exposure to the hot sun with the presence of existing tumors and increased pigmentation can be fraught with the degeneration of harmless spots into aggressive cancer - melanoma. Therefore, you should limit your tanning time and use special cosmetics for protection.

Cosmetic and therapeutic methods for eliminating blackheads around the mouth

After conducting a series of tests, the doctor prescribes various medications:

Zinc ointment dries out inflammation, narrows pores, and prevents them from clogging.
Salicylic gel as an antiseptic removes inflammation of the epidermis.
Thanks to special components (retinoic acid), Differin cream dries out comedones.
Skinoren gel (azelaic acid) has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. It dries the skin very much, it should be used with moisturizing creams.

Medications that help get rid of blackheads around the lips can cause allergies. Therefore, you should not use them without consulting a specialist.

In specialized stores and pharmacies there are cosmetics for the face that help cope with cosmetic defects:

Fabric masks contain a concentrate of medicinal plants that can penetrate deep into the pores.
Clay-based masks remove excess sebum and tighten pores, thereby preventing them from clogging.
Gel applicators with salicylic acid have an exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effect.

These drugs are used in accordance with the instructions.

Types and symptoms of age spots

Let's consider the most characteristic signs of hypermelanosis, as well as control methods that are relevant for each specific type of pathology.

Freckles

The most common type of melanin accumulation. They are mainly located on the face, in the cheek area. In advanced cases, they can completely cover the entire surface of the skin with small distances between the spots. And also have a round or oval shape, small diameter, clear contours.

Genetic predisposition plays a major role, so freckles can appear in childhood. People with red and blond hair are most susceptible to them. This is due to the need for high melanin production to protect the skin.

Freckles can be easily distinguished from other types of spots by the complete disappearance of pigmentation in cold weather, and the appearance of a whole scattering on the face with the arrival of warmth. Therefore, to combat them, creams with maximum sun filters are used throughout the year, as well as lightening cosmetics.

Melasma

Spots without clear boundaries and endings, varying in shade from bronze to dark brown. They have the ability to stretch, grow, and merge with each other into huge pigmented areas that occupy a large surface of the body. The main provoking factor is considered to be hormonal disorders caused by menopause, pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives. Treatments include peeling methods and procedures that promote cell renewal. When the root causes are eliminated, the stains quickly disappear.

Melasma

The second name is melanosis. It can be acquired or hereditary, manifests itself in the form of an accumulation of melanin with uneven but clear boundaries and localization in open areas of the body. May occur as a result of Addison's disease, hemochromatosis, due to sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, anthracene or acridine substances, diseases of the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, treatment with hormones. Pigmentation is accompanied by redness, itching, peeling, and roughening of the skin.

To prevent progress, sunscreens are used, drug therapy is prescribed with steroid groups, retinoids, hydroacids, and vitamins B (1.6) and C are additionally used.

Becker's nevus

A characteristic defect in men, it is much less common in women. The first manifestations can be as early as 10 years of age. It is a hyperpigmented area protruding above the surface of the skin, on which dark long hairs grow. It occurs both as a result of genetic factors and can appear after sun exposure, changes in hormonal levels, in particular androgens. The location most often is the upper back and chest; it is not often found on the legs, groin, or head. It has a warty surface on which acne or comedones can be seen. Does not respond well to any cosmetic procedures or medications. An argon laser is used to minimize the aesthetic defect.

Secondary

Occurs at the site of mechanical damage. They can be either deep cuts, scratches, or acne, comedones, ulcers and other superficial causes that trigger the inflammatory process in the skin cells. There is an excess of melanin, resulting in staining. They are localized where the damage was and go away after the area returns to normal and the inflammation disappears. To speed up the lightening process, you can use special lightening creams or cosmetic procedures aimed at renewing the epidermal layer.

Age

As we age, the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation lead to increased melanin production in certain areas of the body. These are usually open areas that have been exposed to a lot of sunlight during their lifetime. With age, spots appear with a diameter of 1 to 5 cm, which are darker in color than the entire surface of the skin.

Berlocc's dermatitis

Refers to contact types of immune response to irritants. Usually due to contact with perfumes, colognes, and deodorants. It is located where the skin came into contact with the substance. Symptoms may include not only a change in the color of the dermal layer, but also itching, peeling, and swelling. It disappears quickly, just stop using perfume and in a few days everything will return to normal.

Chloasma

Large spots can merge into one large skin defect. They do not have a clear contour or boundaries and can grow and increase in size throughout life. Among the provoking factors are pregnancy and lactation, menopause, changes in hormonal levels due to diseases, stress, taking oral contraceptives, steroids, the use of hormone-containing ointments and some cosmetics.

Preventing blackheads

When a person wants to get rid of a cosmetic defect for a long time, it is necessary to take measures to ensure that they do not appear again.

You need to know that mechanical removal of comedones is part of the problem. Blackheads cannot appear on their own. It is necessary to determine the main cause of their occurrence and eliminate it.

If a person has oily facial skin, then you should not buy masks, glosses and oil-based creams.
You need to drink enough clean water and minimize the consumption of fatty foods.
Daily removal of decorative cosmetics before bed is required with a special product, and then with salicylic acid-based lotion. It removes the head of the comedone.
Under no circumstances should you use cosmetics that have already expired.
Do not eat hot foods or drink cold liquids. Their use leads to mini-burns of the skin above and around the lip, resulting in the appearance of blackheads.

By adjusting your diet and making adjustments to your daily menu, you can achieve a significant improvement in your appearance and overall well-being. After all, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains cleanse the intestines and contribute to its normal functioning.

Rating

Localization of spots

They can have different sizes, both with clear contours and blurry ones, merge together or not grow at all. Depending on the differential diagnosis and the type of hypermelanosis, they can be located both in certain areas and without specific boundaries, covering absolutely any area of the body.

On the face

One of the most common sites of localization of many hyperpigmentations. This is due to the fact that the skin here is thin enough so that negative factors can attack them faster. Among the common phenomena are freckles, which can decorate the face all year round and also appear and disappear after exposure to the sun. They are also localized over the entire surface or located pointwise in the area of the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.

Anti-age drugs

Bb Laboratories – Delicate oil for deep cleansing

Laennec – solution for injection

Bb Laboratories – Two-phase serum concentrate

Two-phase placental serum concentrate

On the body

Namely on the arms, shoulders, chest, back, groin area. For each individual disease, there are areas where pigment accumulation is observed. For example, senile hyperpigmentation is typically located on the hands, forearms, and upper back.

What are comedones and what are they like?

Epidermal cells are constantly renewed throughout a person's life. And during the normal course of this process, the keratinized cells are exfoliated on their own, and the sebaceous ducts perform the function of secreting sebum ( sebum ). Sebum forms a hydrolipidic protective film on the surface of the skin.

However, in some cases, dead cells are not removed on their own, but form a stratum corneum that clogs the sebaceous ducts. Sebum can also become thicker for a variety of reasons, including being full of toxins. Due to the subcutaneous plug, a capsule is formed in the sebaceous gland, which creates an ideal environment for the development of bacteria. All this leads to inflammation, which is called comedones.

Let's look at the main types of comedones

Open comedones are the so-called blackheads. They are pores clogged with oxidized sebum and keratinized cells with melanin particles. Because of this, they have a dark shade and dense structure.

Closed comedones are small white subcutaneous nodules. They are formed when the sebaceous ducts are blocked by dead skin cells and sebum. Unlike blackheads, in closed comedones the plug is formed subcutaneously, and the duct does not have an exit to the outside. Papules quite often become inflamed, also cause pain, and a reddish tint appears around them.

Both types of comedones spoil the appearance, form irregularities, pigment spots, and depressions (as a consequence), and improper treatment and removal can cause the appearance of new lesions.

Many comedones form acne - a disease of skin rashes.

It is important not to confuse closed comedones with milia (epidermal cystic formations), sebaceous adenomas (benign skin formations characteristic of adulthood) and allergic rashes. Getting rid of these types of skin diseases is possible only in a beauty salon, under the supervision of a doctor.

How to avoid comedones

maintain hygiene , including regularly changing face towels and bed linen;
avoid touching your face with your hands;
normalize nutrition (avoid sweet, fatty, floury, fried foods and fast food), maintain a drinking regime, take vitamins;
maintain a sleep schedule and try to avoid overwork and stress;
do not neglect physical activity - this helps speed up metabolic processes, saturate cells with oxygen and remove toxins;
to refuse from bad habits;
use medications and medicinal products prescribed by a cosmetologist;
monitor hormonal levels and avoid any changes;
avoid prolonged exposure to the open sun;
Do not self-medicate and do not use unproven methods of traditional medicine.

Why do the sebaceous glands become overactive?

The skin can be affected by cleansers that contain a lot of alcohol, sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Pores can also expand due to the use of hydrophilic oils and frequent scrubbing of the stratum corneum.

If you regularly use such products, you can, of course, cleanse the skin, but there is also a risk of destroying the lipid barrier. It becomes thinner and integrity is compromised. The sebaceous glands want to help the skin, which is why they produce secretions. But as a result, the pores begin to actively expand. The more sebum, the wider the pores will become.

Pore enlargement also occurs in case of hormonal imbalance. When there are disturbances in the female body, testosterone begins to manifest itself more actively, as a result of which the production of sebum increases. That is, testosterone irritates the glands, and sebum promotes the expansion of pores.

Enlarged pores under the eyes can also occur as a result of loss of elasticity of the skin. The collagen framework sags after some time, because the body produces less elastin and collagen. The skin becomes flabby. Due to the fact that the condition and density of the skin changes, the pores change their shape.