Why is your skin dry around the mouth? Discover Causes and Solutions
Visit dry skin is a source of discomfort and can affect any part of the face. However, dryness around the mouth and lips is particularly bothersome and can be difficult to manage. If you've noticed that this area is more prone to dryness, you're not alone. A variety of factors, both biological and environmental, can be the cause.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Perioral Skin Anatomy
The skin around the mouth differs from that of the rest of the face. Although structurally similar, it has fewer sebaceous glands. This makes it naturally more prone to dryness and sensitivity. This anatomical particularity explains why this area is more vulnerable to dehydration.
Sun exposure
Lips and surrounding skin are constantly exposed to the sun, which can damage them more easily than other parts of the face. UV rays contribute to dryness by damaging the DNA of skin cells and reducing the skin's ability to retain moisture.
Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation and dryness at the corners of the mouth. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including deep skin folds around the lips and frequent licking of the corners of the lips, which leads to an accumulation of saliva.
Lifestyle factors
Some products used daily can also cause dryness around the mouth. Ingredients such as cinnamon in mouthwash and toothpaste can trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. What's more, fragrances in lip products can aggravate dryness.
Preventing Dry Mouth
Avoid drying ingredients
To prevent dryness, it's crucial to limit exposure to certain drying ingredients such as retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and sulfates. Although these ingredients are effective on other parts of the face, they can cause excessive dryness around the mouth due to the low number of sebaceous glands in this area.
Choosing Fragrance- and Flavor-Free Products
Fragrances and aromas in lip products can encourage licking, further drying out the lips. To minimize the risk of irritation, we recommend choosing products that are labeled for sensitive gums and fragrance-free.
Dry Mouth Treatment
Use Serums and Moisturizing Creams
To treat dryness, it's important to use moisturizing products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerine. These ingredients help repair the cutaneous barrier and retain moisture in the skin. It's essential to choose products that are fragrance-free and contain as few ingredients as possible to reduce the risk of irritation.
Gentle Cleaners and Humidifiers
The use of gentle, creamy, sulfate-free cleansers is beneficial to prevent further drying of the skin. In addition, sleeping with a humidifier can add moisture to the ambient air, helping to maintain skin hydration.
Dermatological consultation
If dryness persists despite these measures, or is accompanied by painful cracking, redness or flaking, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist. Prescription treatment may be necessary to effectively manage the condition.
Understanding the causes of dryness around the mouth and adopting good skin care practices can greatly improve your comfort and the appearance of your skin. By avoiding drying ingredients, using appropriate moisturizing products and consulting a healthcare professional if necessary, you can effectively treat and prevent dry skin in this delicate area.
