Dry skin around the mouth: Causes and remedies

Causes of dry skin around the mouth

The skin around the mouth is more sensitive than other areas on the face. It is important to take care and not to aggravate the area.

Some of the common causes of dry skin around the mouth are:

  • Allergies or irritation
  • Cold, humid or windy weather
  • Overexposure to the sun
  • Excessive face-washing & using products containing alcohol or other fragrances.
  • Excessive licking the lips
  • Dehydration
  • Taking extremely hot showers
  • If the dry skin persists and if you have slightly more irritation, burning sensation or red, bumpy patches, it’s always better to consult a dermatologist in case of any allergic reaction or other skin conditions. This way you’d be able to get relief from it faster!

    The flaky dryness around the mouth is usually temporary, but it is still annoying. It sure does mess up our perfect Instagram pictures!

    What Causes Dry Skin Around the Mouth

    Dry skin around the mouth can be caused by a number of external factors, including the use of harsh skin care products or as a result of your environment.

    The skin’s outermost layer, known as the epidermis, acts as a barrier that protects the body and underlying layers of skin from damaging chemicals, pollutants and irritants. It also helps to maintain skin’s hydration and softness.

    Sebum is a yellow, oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands to bolster hydration. It is vital in keeping skin moisturized and protected; low sebum production can lead to dry skin around the mouth and chin.

    Fatty acids and cholesterol are also among the most important lipids for skin hydration. They improve the skin’s elasticity and help to heal a damaged skin barrier.

    While external damage to the skin’s barrier is often the cause of dehydrated skin, certain medical conditions can also be responsible, such as perioral dermatitis and angular cheilitis (AC) which can both lead to drier skin.

    Dehydration

    At its core, dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture in the outermost layer of skin. This can simply be the result of general dehydration due to a lack of water consumption. Most adults should drink about 2 liters of water a day, however many consume far less than this recommended amount.

    The lips and mouth are among the first areas where the visible symptoms of chronic dehydration occur. Before altering your skin care regimen, first increase your water consumption levels and track your skin’s progress over several days to see if the issue resolves.

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