5 Ways to Treat Blackheads on the Lips

While blackheads most commonly appear on the nose and chin, they can also crop up in peculiar places, such as along your lip line. These blackheads can become inflamed and turn into pustules or papules, which are far more painful and noticeable.

Treating blackheads on the lips can be tricky. Due to the thin skin on your lips, harsh treatments should be avoided. You also don’t want to accidentally ingest anything you put on the blackhead.

How do you treat blackheads on the lips the right way? The answer: The right acne-fighting products, a little time and a lot of patience.

Here are three things you should know about treating a blackhead on the lips:

• Picking at the blackheads on your lips can damage the sensitive skin on your lips and cause permanent scarring.
• Applying Salicylic Acid can remove buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells to reduce the appearance of blackheads.
• You can also try newer methods of removing blackheads, including a charcoal face mask.

Ready to say goodbye to blackheads on the lips? Below, we’ll discuss five effective ways to get your lips blackhead-free.

1. Don’t Pick at Your Lips

You’ve probably been warned a countless number of times to avoid picking at your pimples. When it comes to acne on your lips, it’s especially important that you resist the urge.

The skin on your lips is super thin and delicate, which makes it more prone to acne scarring. Your lips also have a fairly large blood supply. In other words, you’re going to bleed a lot if you pick too hard.

2. Apply Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid has long been the acne-fighting ingredient of choice for blackheads. A powerful, beta hydroxy acid, Salicylic Acid is super effective at removing the excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads on the lips.

Unlike other hydroxy acids, Salicylic Acid is effective without causing the nasty side effects. In fact, one 2009 study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Science found that Glycolic Acid (a popular alpha hydroxy acid) increased sensitivity to UV light, while Salicylic did not (see claim: “Short-term topical application of glycolic acid in a cosmetic formulation increased the sensitivity of human skin to SSR, while a comparable treatment with salicylic acid did not.”)

Salicylic Acid is also available in many OTC men’s acne creams and is easy to use. Simply apply the cream to your face, making sure to cover the blackhead without applying it anywhere near the moist part of your lips.

3. Switch Your Lip Balm

If blackheads on the lips are a recurring problem for you, consider taking a closer look at the ingredients in your lip balm. Comedogenic oils and butters can clog pores just above the lips and cause blackheads, whiteheads and severe types of acne.

You don’t need to give up your lip balm entirely. Instead, switch to a lip balm that hydrates your skin without clogging your pores. Bonus points if it has SPF to protect your lips from sunburn!

4. Gently Scrub Your Lips

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and oils that clog pores. While Salicylic Acid does this naturally, you can also help the process along by using a gentle face scrub on your lips once a week.

Remember, the skin on your lips is incredibly delicate. Scrub your lips gently by applying a small amount to your index and middle fingers, touching your lips with the scrub and moving your fingers in a circular motion.

5. Try a Charcoal Face Mask

Activated charcoal face masks are everywhere these days. While there are currently no scientific studies that clearly prove the skin care benefits of activated charcoal, there has been plenty of buzz going around about its potential to banish blackheads.

In a 2017 issue of the European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, researchers reported that activated charcoal can draw impurities to the surface of the skin, thereby helping users achieve a better complexion (see claim: “Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne.”)

If you want to try a charcoal face mask, then go for it. While it might not eliminate blackheads on your lips, there are no studies indicating that activated charcoal by itself is harmful to the skin. (Be warned, though: It can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.)

Final Thoughts

Once the blackheads on your lips are gone, don’t let yourself get complacent with your skin care routine. Stick to a daily routine that includes washing your face twice daily and using a daily men’s moisturizer. By sticking to a regular skin care routine, you can say goodbye to blackheads and maintain your handsome skin.