How to Care for the Area Around Your Mouth

The perioral area needs gentle cleansing, targeted hydration, and consistent sun protection to prevent dryness, irritation, and premature aging.

1. Cleanse without stripping. Use a gentle, creamy cleanser morning and night, focusing on removing makeup and daily buildup without over-scrubbing. The skin around your mouth is thinner and more sensitive than your cheeks, so harsh cleansers will only create more problems.
2. Apply targeted hydration. Pat a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer around your mouth after cleansing. Focus on the corners and the area just above your upper lip where dryness tends to concentrate. Skip heavy creams that might clog pores or cause milia.
3. Protect from sun damage. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily, paying special attention to the area above your upper lip and around the corners of your mouth. These spots are often missed during regular sunscreen application but are highly susceptible to hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
4. Exfoliate sparingly. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with lactic acid once or twice a week to prevent flaky skin buildup. Physical scrubs are too harsh for this delicate area and can cause micro-tears that lead to irritation.