Pimples can show up anywhere on your body. Clogged pores are to blame for causing pimples. When hair follicle and excess oil get trapped within your pores and with the presence of bacteria, this leads to form red bumps that could contain pus. The lip line area is sensitive and developing a pimple on your lips can be super painful and annoying. So How to get rid of pimples on lips? Fortunately, there are some home treatments that can help get rid of pimples on your lips in no time.
Stress and certain medication can cause pimples to form on your lips. Hormonal imbalances also increase your chances of developing pimples around the lips. A blood test can tell whether you have a hormone problem or not. Additionally, cosmetic products like lip balm, toothpaste, and makeup could clog pores and cause pimples.
Over-the-counter treatment and specific home remedies can treat pimples on your lips. Also, using a mild cleanser to lift away dirt, dead skin cells, sebum, and makeup from your skin helps prevent pimples. Moreover, keeping stress levels under control can reduce pimples. You may consult a dermatologist if you still have pimples after using OTC treatments or if you have regular lip pimples.
Don’t squeeze a pimple as this leaves a scar or causes infection. Your skin may also take more than normal to heal as popping pimples disrupt the skin barrier.
So here are some safe methods that can help you get rid of pimples on lips and reduce inflammation and irritation;
How To Get Rid Of Pimples On Lips?
Some medical treatments and home remedies can keep your skin clear and treat pimples effectively. These methods include:
Medical Treatments Include:
After your dermatologist examines your face, he may recommend treatments like:
1- Oral Medications
In some cases, taking oral medications can be super effective as they help to reduce acne. Antibiotics can treat pimples caused by bacteria. Your dermatologist may also recommend isotretinoin which is a drug that can heal severe acne by clearing up the skin. When your case doesn’t respond to other treatments, Isotretinoin could be the solution.
2- Topical Medications
Applying creams or ointments directly to the skin can unclog pores and keep your skin clear. Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, antibiotics, and retinoids help to get rid of pimples on your lips. Talk to your doctor to recommend some topical medications that suit the lip line area and your skin type.
3- Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can kill bacteria that are responsible for causing pimples on lips. Your doctor may recommend laser therapy along with other acne treatments. Usually, it takes a few weeks to notice the results and see an actual improvement. Chemical peels are also an effective method that your doctor may recommend as it can treat pimples.
4- Acne Extraction
Skin extractions help to clear up your skin and unclog pores. The doctor uses an extractor tool to get rid of pimples and prevent pore blockage by removing blackheads and other impurities which helps keep your skin clean. Usually, acne extraction isn’t the first option the doctor recommends as it takes time and it’s expensive but still effective.
5- Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical ingredient that can destroy the bacteria that cause acne to form on your skin. A lot of skin-care products contain this ingredient like:
- Gel.
- Lotions.
- Facial cleansers.
- Creams.
You can buy products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide without a prescription. You may ask the pharmacist about the best products that can treat pimples around the lip area. Read the information on the label of the product before using it and follow the instructions as directed.
These products can help reduce acne and keep the pores unclogged which prevents future pimples. Shop here for products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide.
6- Over-The-counter Skin-Care Products
OTC creams and cleansers can reduce pimples on your lips, Buy gentle facial cleansers and moisturizers for your face to avoid irritation or inflammation. Also, don’t rub your face or exfoliate as this can worsen the pimples and dry your skin out.
Home Remedies
1- Cold Compress
A cold compress can help relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Apply the cold compress to your lip pimple for 1-2 minutes per day to reduce the pain.
A hot compress may also help as it can clear the debris and unclog pores which makes it easier to get rid of pimples. It may also push out pus from the pimple and this relieves pain and irritation.
2- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has many health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A study showed that topical use of tea tree oil can treat mild to moderate acne.
Another study showed that tea tree oil may help reduce inflammation and prevent future pimples from forming. Test the topical tea tree oil on a small patch before using it to avoid allergy reactions. You can find it on Amazon, shop here.
3- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can reduce inflammation, irritation, and itching as it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It contains salicylic acid that helps to reduce acne and kill bacteria. Also, aloe vera can moisturize your skin as it’s rich in vitamins and enzymes. So aloe vera may help you get rid of pimples on your lips and relieve irritation and pain. Find it on Amazon, shop here.
4- Lemon
It’s a common home remedy for many skin conditions as it’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It may reduce pimples, unclog pores, and drain pus.
But it may also cause irritation and itching. There is no evidence that supports the effect of lemon juice on acne. If you wanna try it, use a q-tip to dab some of the juice on the pimple.
5- Honey
Several studies have shown that honey may heal certain skin conditions due to its active healing properties. Honey has antimicrobial properties that can work against bacteria to heal pimples. To use it, apply some honey to the pimple and leave it for some time then rinse. Repeat 1-3 times a day.
6- Tomato
Salicylic acid in tomatoes can clear up clogged pores and kill bacteria which helps treat pimples on lips. It’s an active ingredient in most over-the-counter skin-care products due to its ability to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads from your skin, leaving your skin clean and fresh.
To try it out, mash a small tomato with a fork then apply some of the pulp to the pimple and leave it on for 5-10 minutes then rinse with luke water. Reapply 1-3 times a day.
How To Prevent Pimples On Lips?
- Use a mild cleanser to lift away dirt, excess oil, and other impurities from your skin.
- Moisturize your face with a mild moisturizer to keep the skin barrier strong.
- Don’t scrub your face.
- Drink enough water daily to keep your skin hydrated.
- Don’t squeeze pimples.
- Remove makeup before going to bed. Lipstick, foundation, and other makeup products clog pores which leads to pimples. You can use micellar water to cleanse your face gently.
- Harsh skin-care products can irritate your skin and cause inflammation so avoid using them.
- Avoid comedogenic skin-care products as they can cause irritation and clog pores, this results in developing pimples.
- Touching your face can cause pimples to form on your lips because our hands carry bacteria and this can transmit infections. So avoid touching your face frequently.
- Add to your diet healthy food rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen your skin and keep it healthy.
- Reduce stress levels as a study found that high-stress levels can trigger pimples.
- Research showed that dairy products can cause pimples to develop in individuals aged 7-30. So it’s best to reduce dairy intake to prevent pimples.
According to The American Academy Of Dermatology, you should visit a doctor if you have regular pimples. Also, if pimples do not heal in 4-8 weeks after using home remedies or OTC treatments, consult a doctor.
The Bottom Line
Stress and hormonal imbalances could be responsible for causing pimples on your lips. Bacteria, excess oil, and clogged pores can increase the risk of forming pimples. Luckily, OTC medical treatments and certain home remedies can be effective in helping you get rid of pimples on lips.
Oral and topical medications can purify the skin, reduce acne, and prevent future pimples. Also, laser therapy and acne extraction destroy bacteria and unclog pores.
Studies showed that honey and tea tree oil may heal pimples and reduce inflammation and irritation. Aloe vera and tomatoes contain salicylic acid that can clear up skin and kill bacteria. Also, applying a cold compress to the pimple can relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Consult a doctor if many pimples develop on your lips. Also, if OTC treatments don’t solve the problem, see a dermatologist.