Lip pigmentation is the darkening of the lips due to the excess production of melanin. Unlike our skin, our lips have only five to six layers and are more delicate, thus treating pigmented lips can take some time and a diligent care routine. Often we ignore our lips as part of our skincare routine, denying them the hydration and TLC that they need; this could lead to lip pigmentation. Of course, there are other reasons like hormonal changes, medications, smoking, travel, caffeine and the weather that affect our lips as well. 

Causes of lip pigmentation

1. Harmful sun rays can damage our skin easily as well as our lips. Sun damage can be countered by using a good, moisturising lip balm of SPF 30. 

2. Sometimes, medicines like oral contraceptives affect our hormones and can result in pigmentation. Other medications for conditions like cancer, mental health, etc can also affect our lip colour. Consult your dermatologist for treatment.

3. Inadequate consumption of water and excess intake of caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration, which affects our skin and our lips.

4. In addition to severe health hazards, smoking also stains our teeth and lips. Avoid it altogether!

5. The benefits of exfoliation extend to our lips as well. Taking the dead skin layer off our lips will help with cracks and with encouraging good circulation, restoring the natural bloom of our lips. As always, be gentle with exfoliation. 

6. Lip products that are not vetted and are heavy on metals and chemicals,  can also cause lip pigmentation. Instead, opt for organic, natural and good-quality lipsticks and liners.

7. Icing/Ice therapy/cryotherapy is meant to calm the skin, improve skin elasticity and increase firmness. For your lips use an ice cube in a muslin cloth for a gentle, soothing massage. 

The skin around the mouth

Perioral hyper melanosis is the darkening of the skin around the mouth. According to experts, multiple treatments are available to treat this skin condition such as lasers, chemical peels, and pigment removal agents like kojic acid and azelaic acids. Pigmentation around the mouth is more common than we realise, it is harmless and can be treated topically as well, though home remedies and skin-lightening creams do not always effectively work to counter the condition. Skin darkening is the excess production of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This condition is seen across the board irrespective of age and skin type. 

Hyperpigmentation around the mouth includes sunspots and damage caused by weather conditions or injury, and sometimes by picking or biting your lips and the areas around it. Medication such as tricyclic antidepressants, anti-malaria medication, and chemicals in ointments can also cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect, according to experts. More serious causes of pigmentation are Addison’s disease and haemochromatosis. Acne, burns, other injuries and infections (such as heat boils from fever) are also causes of melanosis. Another important cause can be Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiency, according to a study from 2018. 

Ways to treat hyperpigmentation around the mouth

As with all skin inflictions, seek medical advice from a doctor on how to treat yourself. Similar to treatments for the lips, discussed below are treatments for hyperpigmentation around the mouth area:

• Laser Treatments help with the removal of pigmentation and scars, and are effective with treating dark areas of skin, by lightening them. The results are not permanent and vary between individuals.

• Acid Peels like salicylic acid and glycolic peels, used by dermatologists, offer some relief from pigmentation. 3.

• Exfoliating around the mouth area regularly with a gentle exfoliator cae by help.

• According to expert sources, some brightening creams with kojic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, azelaic acid, arbutin, and curcumin help block the production of tyrosinase which is needed by the skin to make melanin. Consult your dermatologist for the best product for your unique skin. In fact, medically prescribed ointments containing hydroquinone will restrict the cells that make the pigment, slowing down tyrosinase production, thus making dark spots fade faster.

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