Pimple on Lip Line: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

If you’ve ever experienced a pimple on lip line, then you know how annoying and painful it can be. Not only does it look unattractive, but it can also make eating and talking uncomfortable. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of pimples on the lip line, treatment options, prevention methods, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What causes pimple on lip line?

Pimples can develop when hair follicles on or around the lip become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. This can lead to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules. So, pimple on lip line can happen for different reasons:

Cosmetic and Lip Care Products

The use of lip balms, lipsticks, or other lip care products that contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients can lead to the development of pimples along the lip line.

Poor Hygiene

Insufficient cleansing of the lips and the skin around them can contribute to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and excess oil, leading to pimples.

Hormonal Changes

A 2020 study published in the journal Dermatology found that the most common cause of pimples on the lip line is hormonal acne. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or while taking certain medications, can lead to increased oil production and acne breakouts, including on the lips.

Physical Irritation

Excessive friction or trauma to the lip area, such as biting the lips, can irritate the skin and lead to the development of pimples.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to lip care products or certain foods can cause redness, swelling, and pimple-like bumps on the lips and surrounding skin.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections can sometimes result in pimple-like lesions on the lip line. These infections may require medical treatment.

How to get rid of pimple on lip line

Pimples on the lip line can be uncomfortable and bothersome, but you can treat them effectively with proper care. Here’s how to treat pimples on the lip line:

Keep it Clean

  • Start by washing your hands thoroughly to avoid introducing more bacteria to the affected area.
  • Use a gentle, fragrance-free facial cleanser or soap to clean the pimple and the surrounding skin.
  • Gently pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel.

Apply a Warm Compress

  • Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water and gently apply it to the pimple for about 10-15 minutes.
  • The warm compress can help soothe the pimple, reduce inflammation, and promote drainage.

Avoid Picking or Squeezing

“If you have a pimple on your lip line, the best thing to do is to leave it alone,”, “Picking or popping the pimple can make it worse and lead to scarring.” – said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City. As tempting as it may be, avoid picking, squeezing, or popping the pimple. This can introduce more bacteria and potentially lead to scarring or infection.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Acne Products

  • Consider using OTC acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help dry out and reduce the size of the pimple.
  • Apply the product sparingly directly to the pimple according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Topical Antibiotics

If the pimple appears infected, consult a healthcare professional who may prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment.

Seek Professional Help

If the pimple persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment

Other home remedies for lip pimples

Tea Tree Oil

  • Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties. Dilute a drop or two of tea tree oil in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it to the pimple using a cotton swab.
  • Avoid ingesting tea tree oil, as it can be toxic when consumed.

Aloe Vera Gel

  • Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the lip pimple.
  • You can also use over-the-counter aloe vera gel products.

Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount of raw honey to the pimple and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Apply witch hazel using a cotton ball or pad to the affected area

Preventing lip pimples

Preventing pimples on the lip line involves adopting healthy habits that promote clear skin. Here are some tips to help prevent pimples on the lip line:

  • Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities.
  • Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria from your hands to your skin, which can cause breakouts.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to promote clear skin.
  • Manage stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes that can lead to acne breakouts. Try practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
  • Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to acne breakouts.

FAQs 

  1. Can chapstick cause pimples on the lip line? Yes, certain ingredients in chapsticks can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts on the lip line.
  2. How long does it take for a pimple on the lip line to go away? The duration of a pimple on the lip line depends on its severity. Mild pimples usually go away within a few days, while more severe pimples can take several weeks to heal.
  3. Can toothpaste get rid of pimples on the lip line? While some people claim that toothpaste can help to dry out and reduce the size of pimples, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
  4. What should I do if my pimple on the lip line becomes infected? If your pimple becomes infected, it’s important to see a dermatologist. They may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
  5. Can hormonal changes cause pimples on the lip line? Yes, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy can trigger acne breakouts on the lip line.

Final Takeaway

Pimples on the lip line can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but with the right treatment and prevention methods, you can keep your skin clear and healthy. Remember to avoid picking at pimples, use over-the-counter acne products, and adopt healthy habits like washing your face twice a day, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. If your pimples are severe or not responding to home remedies, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist for professional treatment options.

Top Picks for Moisturized, Plump Lips, Featuring the Best Korean Lip Balm of 2023

When it comes to the skincare industry, we have to admit that Korea has the most worth-trying, affordable cosmetic products ever. They have everything we need from a skincare item, nice packaging, pleasant smell, reasonable price. And if you’re considering what you should add to your shopping list next time, we are pretty sure you want to try out lip balms from Korea. As the summer is coming, it’s getting hotter and drier these days, lip balms will be a lifesaver to your chapped, crusty lips. Here are the best Korean lip balm you can find on the market.

Top 10 Korean Lip Balms that are Perfect for Dry Weather

Hanyul Rice Essential Lip Balm – For those who have sensitive lips, this is probably their best option ever. Hanyul Lip balm is made with rice bran oil, which is rich in antioxidants and helps to protect the lips from environmental damage. It is also free from artificial fragrances and colors, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Many customers praised this product for its affordable price and they really love its tint of color and how Hanyul lip balm is the best lip balm for sensitive lips they can find on the market. However, many people who want to try Hanyul lip balm find it difficult to buy as it’s not always available.

A’pieu Honey & Milk Lip Oil – If you’re finding a non comedogenic lip balm, you might want to try A’pieu lip oil. It is formulated with a blend of natural oils, including jojoba, argan, and sweet almond oil, to deeply moisturize and nourish the lips while not aggravating acne-prone skin. Most consumers that have bought this item, have a positive experience as it is really thick which can help users soften their lips really fast. But due to its stickiness, many customers have trouble keeping their hair clean when they put on A’pieu lip oil.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm SPF 15 – Laneige is one of the most chosen brands by consumers from all over the world. It is one of the best lip balms with SPF 15 to protect your lips from UVA/UVB rays. It also contains shea butter and murumuru butter which do wonders in moisturizing your lips. People love this product of Laneige thanks to its light flavor and smooth formula. However, the price of Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is pretty high for people who are on the cheap.

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm – If your lips are intensely dried and chapped, you should be considering adding this lip balm by Innisfree to your shopping cart as it has extracted canola honey which can soften and heal any crusty lips. It also has a very pleasant honey smell and no flaky texture after drying. But there are also people who got annoyed by its honey scent and claimed that the smell was too strong.

The Mamonde Overnight Moisturizer Treatment with Pomegranate – Formulated with natural oils and butter, this overnight lip mask helps to repair and rejuvenate the lips while you sleep. Users have praised it for its hydrating and nourishing properties, with many reporting that it left their skin feeling soft and supple. The product’s pleasant scent has also been a hit with reviewers, and many have noted that a little goes a long way, making the product a great value for money. Some users with dry or sensitive skin have reported that the product caused a slight tingling or stinging sensation upon application, but it was not a common complaint.

Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask – People who are desiring healthier and plumper lips might want to try out this lip mask as there are ginger extract and sugar crystals which are really good for exfoliating in the ingredients. Many users have complimented it for its effectiveness in softening and smoothing dry, chapped lips, and have noted that it provides long-lasting hydration. The pleasant and invigorating scent is also a huge contribution to its popularity. Like the Mamonde overnight moisturizer, slight tingling and stings are inevitable when you apply it to your lips.

The Sun Bum CocoBalm Variety Pack – The Sun Bum CocoBalm Variety Pack is a set of three highly rated lip balms that are designed to moisturize and protect the lips. Each balm in the pack contains a blend of coconut oil, cocoa butter, and aloe vera, which work together to nourish and hydrate the lips. Many customers love this product for its effectiveness in treating dry, chapped lips, and its long-lasting, non-greasy finish. However, some users have reported that the balms can be a bit too soft and may melt easily in warmer temperatures which is a big minus for people who live in hot areas.

I’m From Honey Lip Balm – Another honey lip balm in this list is a lip balm from a brand with a quite unique name: “I’m From”. People go for I’m From lip balm thanks to its natural ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter which provides customers with a soft, non-irritating, effective product.  Additionally, the product’s compact size and easy-to-use tube applicator make it convenient to carry and apply on the go. But according to other reviews, many users weren’t satisfied with the stickiness of the product. They claimed that the sticky and greasy texture made it less suitable for use under lipstick or other lip products. 

TONYMOLY Mini Cherry Lip Balm – If you’re into products with cute packaging, you should check out this lip balm from Tonymoly. It is liked by many consumers thanks to its adorable and compact packaging, as well as its effectiveness in treating dry, chapped lips. The lip balm’s cherry scent and flavor are also its biggest plus, with many describing it as sweet and pleasant. Moreover, the product’s smooth, non-greasy texture makes it easy to apply and wear under lipstick or other lip products. But like the Sun Bum CocoBalm Variety Pack, the hot temperature will affect the quality of the product.

Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack – For those who are searching for the best lip balm for eczema, Klavuu lip balm can satisfy your demands. The lip sleeping pack’s natural ingredients include avocado oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, which is very gentle and non-irritating for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. However, some customers experienced greasy and sticky products, making it less suitable for daytime use or under lipstick.

Korea has one of the biggest beauty industries in the world, and Korean beauty products are well-liked and used by people from all over the world so you don’t have to worry about their products’ qualities. Even when you’re on a budget, you can still purchase an effective and expensive-looking lip product from Korea.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Korean Lip Balm

Like other skincare items, it’s important to consider your skin status and preference before purchasing a product if you don’t want it to end up in your trash can. If you’re experienced with choosing the best option, we’re here to help.

Skin Type: Consider your skin type and any specific concerns you have, such as dryness, sensitivity, or eczema. If you’re having any of these listed skin conditions, you should look for a lip balm that is formulated to address your specific needs for the best result.

Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to make sure the lip balm contains nourishing ingredients, such as natural oils, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid as well as avoiding any ingredients that can cause you irritation, drying or even allergic reactions, such as menthol or camphor.

Texture: Choose a lip balm with a texture that you find comfortable and easy to apply. Some people prefer thicker, more emollient balms, while others prefer lighter, gel-like textures. It’s really up to your preference, but we highly recommend a thicker-texture product for heavily chapped lips.

Scent and Flavor: If you prefer scented or flavored lip balms, look for one with a fragrance or taste that you enjoy. Be aware that some fragrances or flavors might aggravate sensitive skin or certain allergies.

Packaging: Consider the packaging of the lip balm, especially if you plan to carry it with you on the go. Some lip balms come in convenient tubes or pots, while others may be more difficult to apply or prone to leakage.

Lip Balm vs Chapstick 

Lip balm and chapstick are both types of lip moisturizers that are designed to prevent and treat dry, chapped, or cracked lips. They indeed have a lot in common but there are still differences between these lip products.

Formulation: Lip balm’s ingredients usually have a mix of oils, butter, and waxes to create a barrier on the lips that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors. Chapstick, on the other hand, is typically made with petrolatum or beeswax as the main ingredient, which provides a protective layer to the lips.

Branding: Chapstick is actually a brand name for a particular type of lip balm made by Pfizer. Over time, the term “chapstick” has become synonymous with lip balm, and many people use the two terms interchangeably. However, there are many other brands of lip balm available, and they may have different formulations and ingredients.

Purpose: While both lip balm and chapstick are designed to moisturize the lips, some lip balms may have additional benefits, such as providing sun protection, exfoliating the lips, or adding a tint of color.

Whether you choose to use lip balm or chapstick depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your lips. It’s important to choose a product that works well for you and provides the moisture and protection that your lips need to stay healthy and comfortable.

Korean skincare products have always been a staple in my heart as these items are so affordable as well as various ingredients, designs and scents. There is always a Korean lip balm out there that is perfectly suitable for your lips status as well as your wallet. If you’re a fan of the Korean beauty industry or just really a lip balm, don’t forget to check out our list.