Hyperpigmentation around mouth or an unbalanced skin tone is brought on by dark skin around our mouths. The entire face generates dark areas, which are signs of melanin buildup. Despite being aware that there are no obvious health dangers, excessive melanin deposition is frequently an early sign of skin cancer. If you have slightly darker skin, you may notice pigmentation in different areas of the body. The area around your mouth is the most visible location where you could detect this coloring.
The usual cause of this discoloration around our mouth is hyperpigmentation. While it may not be a skin disorder, hyperpigmentation is brought on by an excess of melanin, which is the chemical in our body that gives our skin its dark color, or by an imbalance in hormones. Because of the changes in hormones, pregnant women also frequently experience it. Research has indicated that this pigmentation may also be caused by deficiencies in specific vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
In this article, we will assist you with some at-home remedies and OTC (over-the-counter) skincare products if you’re sick of using different makeup products like concealers to cover up the dark spots or discoloration around your mouth.
First, let’s examine possible reasons for skin coloration around the mouth!
Read More!
Causes Of Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth
Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin its natural color. Melanin production can alter as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, drug side effects, and certain underlying medical disorders, especially when it comes to the face. This may result in hyperpigmented areas that look discolored near our mouth.
Melasma
Melasma, sometimes known as “the mask of pregnancy,” is characterized by areas of dark and gray-brown pigmentation on the upper lip, the cheeks, and the forehead. Usually, hormonal fluctuations in women are the source of them. These can happen when taking oral contraceptives, birth control pills, or hormone replacement treatment, in addition to periods of pregnancy.
The face is where melasma typically appears most frequently, especially on the chin, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and forehead. The blotches may become more obvious in the sun. Men are thought to account for 10% of cases of melasma overall, but they are less likely to have the disorder.
Adverse reactions to specific medications
The cells in your body that create melanin can be altered by a wide range of substances and drugs. These chemicals may occasionally harm the formation of melanin, causing lighter patches of skin. Medications that cause hyperpigmentation typically result in darker patches of skin.
The following are some instances of drugs that have been connected to hyperpigmentation:
- NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Blood pressure medications, such as Capoten (captopril) and Micardis (telmisartan),
- Anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine (Lamictal) and carbamazepine (Tegretol),
- Antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine
- Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline
- Antineoplastic medications, such as ifosfamide, thiotepa, and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), which treat conditions like cancer
- Psychoactive drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants and chlorpromazine
- Simvastatin, or Zocor
- Allopurinol, or Zyloprim
- Amiodarone
- Drugs for mucolytics
- Heavy metals, such as iron, gold, and silver
Exposure to sun
As you age, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds and the sun can make you more susceptible to dark spots. Among these are age spots, sometimes referred to as liver spots or sun spots. The face, chest, and arms are the most typical places for these. Moreover, sun exposure might exacerbate melasma.
If you often avoid applying sunscreen to your lips and mouth, you run a higher risk. There is fresh proof, according to a reliable source, that visible light plays a role in melasma development.
Skin trauma
Another reason for hyperpigmentation could be injuries. Darker patches that develop following an injury or irritation are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and they can take a while to go away. Apart from traumas, other inflammatory conditions like infections and autoimmune illnesses can also cause this kind of hyperpigmentation. About 65% of people of color who have acne get acne, making it one of the largest and most prevalent causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin tones.
Several potential causes of hyperpigmentation may arise from inflammatory diseases, and these may include:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Acne vulgaris
- Impetigo
- Exanthems that become viral
- Infections with fungi
- Intimal dermatitis
- Scleroderma
- Sarcoidosis
- Erythematous lupus systemic
- Dermatomyositis
- Bites by insects
- Dermatitis
- Lichen planus
- Rosapityriasis
- Chronic lichen simplex
- Burns
- The use of cryotherapy
- Peels made of chemicals
- Therapeutic radiation
- Fungoides mycosis
- Perstans erythema dyschromia
The following, in particular, can exacerbate hyperpigmentation issues around the mouth:
- Medications and drugs
- Cigarettes
- HIV
- Candidiasis
- Tuberculosis
- Exposure to heavy metals
- Graphite
- Pregnancy
- Thyrotoxicosis
- The hemochromatosis
- The neurofibromatosis
- The Peutz-Jeghers condition
- Syndrome Lauger-Hunziker
- The LEOPARD and LAMB syndromes
- Melanoacanthoma oral
- Birthplaces
- Moles or freckles
- Cancer of the skin
Vitamins deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies, such as those in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, may also be linked to changes in skin pigmentation. According to a 2018 study, vitamin D deficiency was also frequently observed in melasma sufferers. Unbalances and metabolic diseases are other frequent reasons for hyperpigmentation. This can include vitamin shortages and other metabolic problems, as well as illnesses such as Addison’s disease, which can affect the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which explains the connection to Addison’s disease; however, other metabolic illnesses may also be involved. The pituitary gland’s production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroid conditions have also been connected to hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can also result from shortages in the following, in addition to illnesses and hormone imbalances:
- B-vitamin
- Vitamin D
- Folic acid
- Iron
Learn More!
Best Ways to Speed Up Wound Healing On Your Face
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth?
Treatment is much simpler if you know why your skin is darkening in the first place. However, what would a dermatologist think about this?
Is it simple to treat this skin condition?
“Perioral hypomelanosis” is the medical word for skin darkening around the mouth, according to top dermatologist Dr. Harish Koutam. This skin problem can be treated using a variety of techniques, including chemical peels and Nd: YAG lasers. Azelaic acids and Kojic acid, two pigment-removing agents, are equally helpful.
-
Use an exfoliant
Regularly exfoliating the region surrounding your mouth with a mild exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells and brighten the surrounding skin. Choose a chemical exfoliant instead of a manual one, as the latter could exacerbate the issue by scraping the skin.
-
Over-the-counter radiance creams
Using skin-brightening lotions can help minimize the dark circles surrounding the lips. Azelaic acid, arbutin, curcumin, niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, and glabridin (a licorice extract) are examples of substances to look for. These prevent tyrosinase from being produced, which is necessary for the skin to produce melanin. As instructed on the pack, apply.
Caution:
Azelaic acid derived from wheat should not be found in items if you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Products containing kojic acid should be avoided by those with sensitive skin!
-
Ointments prescribed by doctors
See a dermatologist if you’ve tried alternative therapies and nothing has worked. He or she might recommend a hydroquinone-containing ointment. This medication inhibits the cells that produce pigment and reduces the amount of tyrosinase produced, causing the dark patches to disappear more quickly (about a week).
-
Laser procedures
Dark circles around the lips can be effectively eliminated with laser treatments. They can brighten the skin, though not permanently. Results are also influenced by your genetics, sun exposure, and skincare regimen. Pigmentation is treated with a specific procedure called fraxel laser therapy. It is a tiny laser used topically that encourages the regeneration of collagen and elastin. It works well to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
-
Peels with acid
Your dermatologist might clear up the pigmentation around the mouth with a glycolic or salicylic acid peel. These peels don’t provide a long-term fix, though, and the pigmentation may come back. These peels heal the damaged skin cells by penetrating deeply into the skin. The effects of peels can persist longer if post-treatment measures, including wearing sunscreen, avoiding the sun, and preserving the skin, are taken.
Natural solutions
The black skin surrounding your mouth can also be treated naturally. You may find the majority of these natural items used for produce in your kitchen. Try utilizing them to treat the pigmented skin, unless you have an allergy to any of them.
These items include:
-
Lemons Juice
Because the citric acid inside lemons lightens dark spots on the skin and keeps them from coming back, lemon juice is a great way to lighten the skin.
Get ½ a lemon, then spend ten to fifteen minutes rubbing one portion on the area of dark skin surrounding your lips. Wash it off thereafter. Even better, you can apply a little honey mixed with lemon juice to the dark areas of your skin. After leaving overnight, rinse off the following morning. For people who have dry to extremely dry skin, this cure works well. To lighten the black stains around your mouth, try using a face mask made of grated cucumber and lemon juice.
Pro Tip:
Since lemon juice should not be used in the sun, you should apply it in the evening if you want to brighten up the dark region around your mouth. Because lemon may dry out the skin. Always moisturize after using lemon. Lemon can cause inflammation, so if you have delicate or sensitive skin, try applying it to a tiny area first.
-
Potato
For around 20 minutes, apply ½ raw potato in a clockwise direction to the darker areas surrounding your mouth to eliminate the dark patches. Due to their bleaching properties, potatoes are an excellent therapy for people with sensitive skin.
-
Cucumber and lime
Combine one spoonful of cucumber and one teaspoon of lime juice. After 20 minutes of application and washing with warm water, remove the mixture from the affected region.
-
Papaya
Papaya can be utilized to lighten the dark areas surrounding the mouth because it is high in vitamins A and C. Using a blender, combine rose water with a few raw papaya slices to create a thick paste. Put on a mask and let it sit for 30 minutes. Use cold water to gently rinse it off.
-
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is the source of aloein, which is used to brighten the skin around your mouth. When taken as a capsule, it might also benefit women with melasma.
-
Amla
Whether consumed raw, powdered, or in liquid form, amla has tremendous skin benefits. It improves your skin greatly by lowering pigmentation, postponing premature aging of the skin, and lightening acne scars. All you have to do is dab some amla juice into your face and allow it to dry. Afterward, use a cotton ball to remove it. When applying it to your face, make sure to close your eyes.
-
Flour gram
Besan, another name for gram flour, is also an excellent way to lessen skin discoloration. All you have to do is combine two tablespoons of gram flour with ½ a tablespoon of turmeric powder. Add milk or rose water, according to your liking. On the skin’s affected area, apply this paste, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. After it dries completely, wash it off.
-
Flour and turmeric
Combine ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 tablespoons of gram flour, and ½ a cup of yogurt. After using this paste on the afflicted area for 30 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.
You May Also Love!
Best Ways to Effectively Exfoliate Your Legs
Additional Easy Ways To Remove Dark Spots Around Your Mouth
-
- Use rose water and turmeric powder to quickly make a paste. Apply it to the face, focusing on the shadowy regions surrounding the mouth. It will lessen wrinkles and fine lines as well as discoloration. After 10 minutes, remove with a warm water rinse.
- Add besan and 2 teaspoons of wheat flour to the blender along with 3 teaspoons of raw rice each. Mix milk into a paste and use it as a mask. After 20 minutes, wet it and wash your face. Next, give it a quick rinse. In roughly 6 weeks, the skin surrounding your mouth will be noticeably lighter.
- Heat a tablespoon of mustard oil until it’s as hot to the touch if you have a dark area around your mouth from a burn or hot wax application. Daily apply and leave on the dark area. There will be no more dark patches after a few weeks.
- The skin surrounding the mouth can also be made lighter by using a topical treatment containing glabridin, a licorice extract. This is due to evidence that glabridin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-whitening qualities.
When To Visit A Physician
If the hyperpigmentation in that area does not improve after using over-the-counter treatments, consult your physician. You can get stronger doses of the same chemicals, such as retinoids, in prescription-strength solutions.
If you experience any other symptoms, such as those of a vitamin shortage or Addison’s disease that may indicate the existence of a systemic illness that is producing hyperpigmentation, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Finally, discuss screening for skin diseases or other dermatological issues with your doctor if the dark area contains a mole or freckle that has an unsettling form or pain.
Lifestyle Changes: Taking Care of Healthy Skin
Long-term benefits can also be achieved by adopting specific lifestyle changes in addition to treatments such as:
- Healthy diet: Eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will help maintain the health of your skin and fight hyperpigmentation.
- Hydration: Maintaining hydrated skin helps to maintain overall skin vitality and a fair complexion.
- Sun protection: You can stop more skin damage and discoloration by using sunscreen every day and finding shade.
- Stress management: Prolonged stress can make skin problems worse. Maintaining good skin can be facilitated by practicing relaxation techniques.
- Skincare regimen: Positive outcomes can be obtained by regularly adhering to a skin care regimen and using gentle products appropriate for your skin type.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth
Protecting your skin from as many factors as possible is the best method to avoid hyperpigmentation. While it’s not possible to completely prevent hyperpigmentation, limiting your exposure to the sun can help prevent dark spots.
Dermatologists specifically advise the following measures to avoid hyperpigmentation:
- Healthy diet
- Hydration
- Sun protection
- Reapply sunscreen
- Stress management
- Skincare regimen
- Sun exposure
- Harsh cosmetics
The following varieties of sunscreen provide the best defense against the development of hyperpigmented areas:
- SPF 30 or greater
- All-encompassing defense
- Water-resistant formulas
- One of the ingredients can be either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Product Base Guide!
Wrapping Up
Hyperpigmentation around mouth can be caused by various factors. Anything from sun exposure and medication side effects to pregnancy-related melasma, etc. The good thing is that there is a treatment for this problem that can permanently eliminate black areas. Learn about your skin type by taking some time, and when receiving treatment, use patience. A significant amount of time will be needed to fully eradicate the pigmented skin. Maintaining good skin care practices to save your skin from more harm is also necessary.
Attractive section of content I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast
Somebody essentially help to make significantly articles Id state This is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now I surprised with the research you made to make this actual post incredible Fantastic job
Hi there.
Thank you for reaching out.
What i dont understood is in reality how youre now not really a lot more smartlyfavored than you might be now Youre very intelligent You understand therefore significantly in terms of this topic produced me personally believe it from a lot of numerous angles Its like women and men are not interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga Your own stuffs outstanding Always care for it up
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you find the content engaging and insightful. I’ll continue to explore different angles and keep producing content that resonates. Your support means a lot!
you are in reality a good webmaster The website loading velocity is amazing It sort of feels that youre doing any distinctive trick Also The contents are masterwork you have done a fantastic job in this topic
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying both the website experience and the content. I appreciate your support and will keep up the effort to deliver quality work.