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What causes the area from the corners of the mouth to both sides of the jawline to darken?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Frequently rubbing the corners of the mouth and chin vigorously with a coarse towel, or prolonged mask wearing that causes friction, may lead to thickening of the local skin's stratum corneum, melanin deposition, and darkening of the skin. It is recommended to gently pat the area dry with a soft towel, choose masks made from comfortable materials to reduce friction, and regularly exfoliate to promote skin metabolism and improve skin tone.

　　Darkening from the corners of the mouth to both sides of the chin may be caused by excessive friction, ultraviolet radiation, endocrine disorders, perioral dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis. Management should be based on specific conditions. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

　　1. Excessive Friction: Frequently rubbing the corners of the mouth and chin vigorously with a rough towel or long-term mask wearing can cause local skin keratinization thickening and melanin deposition, resulting in darkening. It is recommended to gently pat the face dry with a soft towel, choose comfortable mask materials to reduce friction, and regularly exfoliate to promote skin metabolism and improve skin tone.

　　2. Ultraviolet Radiation: Prolonged sun exposure can stimulate melanocytes with UV radiation, leading to excessive melanin production and skin darkening in the corners of the mouth and chin. Daily sun protection is important, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sun hats and masks when outdoors. Eating more foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and lemons, can inhibit melanin formation and improve pigmentation.

　　3. Endocrine Disorders: Irregular lifestyle and high stress can lead to endocrine disorders, affecting melanocyte function and increasing melanin secretion in the area from the corners of the mouth to both sides of the chin, causing skin darkening. Patients may use medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, or Vitamin E Softgel Capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Perioral Dermatitis: Often caused by local skin barrier damage, followed by external stimuli or microbial infection, leading to redness, papules at the corners of the mouth and chin. Pigmentation may remain after inflammation subsides, causing skin darkening. Patients may use medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or fusidic acid cream under medical guidance to improve symptoms.

　　5. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Overactive sebaceous glands and excessive proliferation of Malassezia fungi can cause inflammation affecting the corners of the mouth and chin areas. Post-inflammatory pigmentation can darken the skin, often accompanied by oiliness and flaking. Patients may use ketoconazole shampoo, selenium sulfide shampoo, or vitamin B6 ointment as directed by a physician to alleviate discomfort.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to reduce friction, choose gentle facial cleansers and skincare products, and avoid using rough towels to wipe the face.

　　References:

　　[1] Xie Jun, Zhang Fan, Li Nuo. Expert Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis with Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (2024 Edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 2025, 39(01): 1-9.

　　[2] Yan Xinyu, Song Yu, Xu Danting, et al. Clinical Observation on the Adjuvant Treatment of Perioral Dermatitis with Skincare Products Containing Portulaca Oleracea and Prinsepia Utilis Oil [J]. Dermatology and Venereology, 2021, 43(06): 759-760+766.

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