Dark pigment around the lip area is the major skin concern since the uneven-ness will be visibly shown compared to the rest of the face. This is because of licking lips often, hormonal changes, post acne-marks, irritation, sensitivity, and more. While people look for scrubs and exfoliating methods for quick results, these sometimes might even worsen the pigmentation rather than improving them!
The best part is that dark pigmentation around the lip area will be reduced consistently when you follow a better skincare, proper SSPF, and also when you include brightening skin ingredients. But the treatment depends on the underlying cause and also the skin type in major cases. In this guide, get to know in detail about how to remove the dark pigmentation around lips, because of it, along with every other thing in detail here.
How to Remove Dark Pigmentation Around the Lips
The dark pigmentation around the lip area refers to the brown, gray, or uneven-color compared to the rest of the skin; This is majorly because of the melanin production, which is responsible for skin color.
Here are some of the ways to remove them gradually:
1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen is not an essential, but should be a mandatory part of skin. Ensure to use SPF 50 sunscreen around the lip area to fade existing pigmentation and prevent the upcoming ones.
Also never miss to Add SPF based lip balms when exposing under sunrays.
2. Keep the Area Moisturized
People with dry skin tend to get irritated and flakier way more easily. This is why nourishment and hydration is important. Opt for moisturizers that contain ceramides, HA, glycerin, squalene, etc in your everyday morning and PM routine.
3. Use Brightening Ingredients
When you are using evidence based ingredients like vitamin C, alpha arbutin, licorice, kojic acid, niacinamide, etc. If you are new to these, ensure to add them slowly in your routine for avoiding irritation.
4. Exfoliate Gently
Yes, exfoliating skin helps in removing the dead skin cells while making product absorption better. But be gentle and slow while doing this, else it will backfire!
What Causes Dark Pigmentation Around the Lips?
1. Continuous exposure to rays of the skin triggers the melanin production making skin darker and pigmented. So, never miss SPF when you are outdoors.
2. Keeping lips moisturized is okay; But ensure that licking lips will not be able to moisturise skin. This will obviously cause irritation and dryness only.
3. After active acne, skin will have marks, spots, burns, etc which is also one of the reasons for pigmentation.
4. Due to hormonal changes happening in the body, skin triggers the melanin which obviously affects the upper lip and surrounding skin.
5. Even expired lip products or toothpaste ingredients might irritate skin around the lip area.
Can Dark Pigmentation Around the Lips Be Removed?
Yes, in the majority of the cases.
- When your pigmentation is because of environmental factors and cosmetic ingredients, yes they can be treated with proper usage of skincare products.
- But when the case is because of genetic, hormonal imbalance, etc getting help from dermats would be a better choice.
Best Ingredients for Dark Pigmentation Around the Lips
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Ingredient
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How It Helps
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Vitamin C
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Works on enhancing the dullness while making skin look even.
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Niacinamide
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Helps reduce the appearance of dark patches while strengthening the skin barrier.
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Alpha Arbutin
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Helps improve uneven pigmentation with regular use.
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Kojic Acid
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Helps reduce excess melanin production.
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Licorice Extract
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Contains glabridin, which helps brighten the appearance of pigmentation.
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Can Home Remedies Help?
When your pigmentation is mild, then yes they can help to an extent. But this cannot be a substitute for major or deeper conditions where dermat-help would be required.
Here are some of the DIY home remedies which dead with pigmentation around the lips:
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Natural Remedy
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How to Use
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Benefits
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Frequency
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Aloe Vera Gel
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Apply a thin layer around the lips and leave for 20 minutes or overnight.
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Makes skin soothing and promotes even looks.
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Daily
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Licorice Powder Mask
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Apply for 15 minutes and rinse gently.
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Fades away the darkness in the skin fades away gradually.
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2 times a week
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Papaya & Aloe Vera Mask
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Apply around the lips for 10 minutes before washing off.
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Sheds away the dead build ups which causes dull skin.
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Once or twice a week
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Potato Juice
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Dab onto the pigmented area with a cotton pad and leave for 15 minutes.
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Traditionally used to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
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3 times a week
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Turmeric & Yogurt Pack
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Apply for 105 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
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Provides antioxidant support while soothing the skin.
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Once a week
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Common Mistakes That Can Make Pigmentation Worse
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Scrubbing the skin aggressively while cleansing or product application
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Forgetting sunscreen on rainy days especially in the AM routine.
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Using too many active ingredients in the same routine altogether.
How Long Does It Take to Reduce Pigmentation Around the Lips?
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Treatment
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Expected Timeline
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Daily sunscreen
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Prevents further darkening immediately
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Brightening serums
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8–12 weeks
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Natural remedies
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Several weeks to months with consistent use
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Chemical peels
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Improvement after multiple sessions
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Laser treatments
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Depends on the depth of pigmentation and number of sessions
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Conclusion
The discoloration around the lips is something common, but it is also evident that they might make you less confident. Always rather than jumping into treatments directly, make sure to identify the cause and then opt for right remedies or treatments to heal faster.