Dark patches or black spots around the mouth is something that bothers most people. It causes asymmetric coloration of the skin and can ruin your looks. Whether the dark spot around the mouth that accumulates over the years or the constant blackness around the mouth, one must be conscious of the causes and the best way to correct them in order to have a healthy, radiant complexion.
In this blog here, we are going to discover why pigmentation around the mouth happens, its causes, effective treatments, and how to prevent pigmentation around the mouth from re-occurring.
What Is Pigmentation Around the Mouth?
Pigmentation around the mouth refers to the appearance of darkened patches or black marks around the lips. This can occur due to several reasons, including hormonal changes, sun exposure, skin irritation, or even a deficiency in certain vitamins. In some cases, darker patches around the mouth can also be genetic.
What Are the Reasons for Darkness Around the Mouth?
Darkening of the skin around the mouth may be caused by various factors ranging from lifestyle to skin illnesses. Among the most frequent causes are:
Sun Exposure: Continuous exposure to the harmful UV light of the sun can lead to increased melanin production and dark patches on the lips.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, hormonal changes due to birth control, or other hormonal changes can lead to hyperpigmentation of the lips.
Skin Irritation: Chafing, waxing, or the application of harsh skincare products can irritate the skin around the mouth, and thus lead to dark patches.
Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin deficiencies like B12 deficiency or folate deficiency can lead to abnormal pigmentation.
Melasma: This condition, frequently brought on by hormonal fluctuations, leads to pigmentation, particularly on the mouth and cheeks
Effective Treatments for Dark Pigmentation Around Lips
If you have black marks around your mouth or persistent pigmentation, several treatment options can help.
Natural Remedies
- Lemon and Honey Mask: Lemon brightens the skin, while honey hydrates and soothes it.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has soothing and lightening properties that can reduce dark patches.
- Cucumber Extract: A cooling agent that can help fade pigmentation and lighten the skin.
Topical Treatments
- Vitamin C Serums: Known for its brightening and skin-evening effects, Vitamin C is essential for reducing dark marks around the mouth.
- Niacinamide Creams: This treatment helps lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone.
- Hydroquinone: A potent skin-lightening agent used in many topical creams to treat dark patches around the mouth.
Professional Treatments
- Chemical Peels: A dermatologist can use chemical peels to exfoliate the skin and lighten dark patches.
- Laser Skin Treatment: Lasers can target deep pigmentation and remove black marks around the mouth.
- Microneedling: This treatment stimulates collagen production, helping to fade dark spots and even skin tone.
Prevention Tips
Preventing pigmentation on the mouth depends on an active skincare regimen. The following are some tips for an even-toned skin:
Use Sunscreen: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV rays.
Prevent Skin Irritants: Steer clear of products that are irritating to your skin, such as harsh exfoliants or acidic skincare.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy skin and keep it moisturized.
Care through Diet: Consume foods high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E to keep your skin healthy and prevent pigmentation.
Don’t wait for pigmentation to worsen. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Swetha to find the right treatment for your skin!
When to Consult a Dermatologist
While natural remedies and topical treatments may work for mild pigmentation, persistent or severe dark marks around the mouth might require professional intervention. You should consult a dermatologist if:
- The pigmentation does not improve with home remedies or OTC products.
- The black patches around the mouth are accompanied by other symptoms like irritation or swelling.
- You are concerned about the appearance or cause of the pigmentation.
Conclusion
Skin discoloration of the skin around and on the mouth in the shape of dark patches, black patches, or a discoloration spot on lips is an ugly ailment, but here is the bright side that through the pursuit of the correct treatment, you can have your skin’s radiance back. Through home treatments, creams, or expert treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy, solution is in the pipeline.
For even more tailored skincare advice, head to the professionals at Dr. Swetha’s Cosmoderm Centre to receive a personalized treatment plan according to your need.
Frequently asked question.
Q1: How to remove pigmentation around the mouth?
Q2: Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation around the mouth?
Q3: How do dermatologists treat mouth pigmentation?
