Are the dark spots that have shown up around your mouth bothering you? You’re not alone, so don’t worry. A lot of people worry about this, and it’s sometimes called “hyperpigmentation: abnormal pigmentation around the mouth”. This piece will talk about the different reasons for this problem and some effective ways to treat it so you can feel better about yourself and get a glowing complexion.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is when some parts of the skin get darker because they make too much melanin. It can be very upsetting when this happens around the mouth. There are many things that can cause this condition, from choices you make about your living to underlying health problems.
Many people find hyperpigmentation around the mouth to be very bothersome. It can get worse from long-term sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics.
Also, bad skin care habits and habits like smoking can make discoloration worse in this area.
Getting rid of hyperpigmentation around the mouth usually takes more than one step. Sun protection, topical treatments, and sometimes medical help are needed to control and lessen the look of these dark spots.
Causes For Dark Area Around Mouth
An uneven skin tone around the mouth, known as “hyperpigmentation,” can be caused by several things. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem that shows up as darker spots on the skin compared to the rest of the skin.
There are several things that could cause the area around the mouth to be dark. One important factor is spending too much time in the sun, since UV rays can cause the body to make too much melanin, which causes dark spots.
Changes in hormones, like those that happen during pregnancy or because of some medical conditions, can also make hyperpigmentation worse. Using some medicines and cosmetics can also make the dark spot around your mouth worse, especially if they have ingredients that are irritating or cause allergies.
The last thing is that bad habits like smoking can hurt your face and make the area around your mouth darker. Discovering the underlying causes of hyperpigmentation is essential for finding the best ways to treat and prevent it and make your skin tone more even.
Here’s a detailed exploration of the key causes:
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that can be caused by changes in hormones, especially during pregnancy. Dark spots show up around the mouth and other parts of the face because of this condition. It is often called the “mask of pregnancy” because it is so common during pregnancy.
2. Excessive Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun cause melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, to be made more. Long-term, unprotected sun exposure can cause melanin to be distributed unevenly, which can cause dark spots around the mouth.
Following inflammation, hyperpigmentation (PIH) can happen.
Too much melanin can be made when your skin is inflamed from acne, injuries, or other skin problems. Dark spots may appear around the mouth and other hurt areas as the skin heals.
4. Poor Skincare Habits
If you don’t take care of your skin properly, like by not using sunscreen or removing your makeup completely, dark spots can appear around your mouth. Hyperpigmentation can get worse when dirt, oil, and other pollutants build up on the skin.
5. Ethnicity And Genetics
Hyperpigmentation is more likely to happen to people with darker skin. People with South Asian, African, or Mediterranean roots are more likely to get dark spots around their mouths because of their genes….
6. Certain Medications
As a side effect, some medicines, like antipsychotics, antimalarials, and some antibiotics, can change the color of your skin.
7. Ageing
As we get older, our skin may not be able to repair itself as well. This can cause melanin to be spread out unevenly, which can cause dark spots to appear around the mouth.
8. Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is helpful in many ways, but it can also cause hormonal imbalances that lead to hyperpigmentation.
How to Get Rid of the Dark Area Around the Mouth
Knowing the exact reason for your skin darkening makes the treatment far easier. But what is a dermatologist’s take on this? Is this skin condition easy to get rid of?
Our chief dermatologist, Dr. Harish Koutam says, “Skin darkening around the mouth is medically termed as perioral hyper melanosis. Multiple treatments are available to treat this skin condition such as Nd:YAG lasers, chemical peels, etc. Pigment removal agents like kojic acid and azelaic acids are equally beneficial.”
1. Exfoliate
If you exfoliate the area around your mouth regularly with a gentle exfoliator, it can clear dead cells and help to lighten the skin. Opt for a chemical exfoliant as it will not scrape the skin which in turn may worsen the problem.
2. Otc Skin-Brightening Creams
Skin brightening creams can be helpful in reducing the dark area around the mouth. Look for ingredients such as glabridin (a licorice extract), kojic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, azelaic acid, arbutin, curcumin or niacinamide. These stop the production of tyrosinase which is needed by the skin to make melanin. Apply as suggested on the pack.
3. Medically Prescribed Ointments
If other remedies have not worked, visit a dermatologist. He or she may suggest an ointment with hydroquinone in it. The dark spots go away faster (in about a week) because this drug stops the cells that make the color from working as fast.
4. Laser Treatments
Getting rid of dark spots around the mouth with laser treatments works well. They can make the skin lighter, but it won’t last forever. The results also rely on how you take care of your skin, how much sun you get, and your genes.
5. Acid Peels
The dark skin around your mouth might be treated with a salicylic acid peel or a glycolic acid peel. But these peels don’t fix the problem for good, and the color can come back.
These peels get deep into the skin to fix cells that are broken. Peels can last longer if you take care of your skin afterward by staying out of the sun, putting on sunscreen, and keeping it safe.
6. Natural Remedies
There are also natural ways to get rid of the dark skin around your mouth. These are mostly natural things that you can find in your kitchen. You can use these to get rid of the dark skin as long as you are not allergic to any of them.
A. Oatmeal Scrub
Use oatmeal, tomato juice, and olive oil to make a face mask. Put it on your face and gently rub it in a circle. It will make your skin look better and get rid of dead skin cells. It will also make the skin around your lips lighter.
B. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemons lightens dark spots on the skin and stops them from coming back. Lemon juice is a great way to get lighter skin. Half a lemon and rub one half on the dark spot near your lips for ten to fifteen minutes. Cleanse.
Even better, mix some honey with lemon juice and put it on the dark skin. Leave it on overnight, and in the morning, wash it off. People with dry to very dry skin can use this treatment. You could also use a face mask made of chopped cucumber and lemon juice to get rid of dark spots around your mouth.
C. Potato
For about 20 minutes, rub the dark spots around your mouth with half of a raw potato in a rotating motion. This will get rid of them. Because potatoes bleach, this method is great for people with sensitive skin.
D. Papaya
Papaya is full of vitamin A and C, and the dark spots around your mouth can go away with its help. Mix rose water and some raw papaya pieces to make a thick paste. Use as a mask and let it sit for an hour. Gentle rinse it off with cold water.
E. Aloe Vera
The chemical aloesin, which comes from aloe vera, can help make the skin around your mouth lighter. It might also help women with melasma if they take it in pill form.
F. Amla
Amla is great for your skin whether it’s raw, dried, or liquid. In addition to slowing down skin age and lightening acne scars, it does great things for your skin by lowering pigmentation. All you have to do is put amla juice on your face and wait for it to dry. After that, use a cotton ball to wipe it off. When you put it on your face, make sure to keep your eyes closed.
G. Gram Flour
Gram flour, which is also called besan, can help lighten skin that is too dark. To make it, just mix 2 teaspoons of gram flour with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. You can add milk or rose water, depending on your taste. This paste should be put on the skin problem area and left on for 10 to 15 minutes. After it dries, wash it off really well.
Medical Treatment
If you want to get rid of skin discoloration around your mouth for good, a doctor may suggest one of these options:
retinoids or hydroquinone that are strong enough to be prescribed azelaic acid to fade discoloration and lessen swelling kojic acid for melasma and age spots
Dark spots can be treated with lasers
chemical peels can help remove dead skin cells and lighten dark spots.
When To See A Doctor
Changes in the color of your mouth may go away over time or when you stop taking certain medicines. Some reasons, like sunspots and melasma, may last longer and need to be treated by a dermatologist.
You should also see a dermatologist if the discoloration doesn’t get better with home treatments.
A primary care doctor can help with color problems that are caused by underlying health problems or side effects of medications.
Wrapping Up
There are a lot of things that can cause spots around the mouth. The sun, melasma during pregnancy, and drug side effects are just a few examples. The good news is that this situation can be fixed, and the dark spots will no longer show up.
Spend some time getting to know your skin type, and be patient as you get better. It will take a long time to get rid of the dark skin problems for good. Protect your face from more damage by following good skin care habits.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is Hyperpigmentation Around The Mouth Permanent?
No, you can greatly lessen its look with the right care and treatment.
2. Can I Undergo Laser Therapy If I Have Sensitive Skin?
Different skin types can benefit from different laser treatments, so talk to a doctor to find the best way to go about it.
3. How Long Does It Take To See Results From Skin-Lightening Creams?
Results are different, but after a few weeks of regular use, you may start to see changes for the better.
4. Are There Any Natural Remedies For Hyperpigmentation?
Some natural ingredients can make your skin look better, but they might not work as well as medical methods.
5. Can Lifestyle Changes Alone Eliminate Hyperpigmentation?
A healthy diet can help your skin look better, but most of the time, you need to see a professional for big changes.