Are you looking for ways to remove the dark spots around your mouth? The well-known home remedies and skin-lightening creams have not been able to help. Pigmentation around your mouth is much more common than you might think.
This hyperpigmentation can be treated topically and is considered harmless. We will explain how to eliminate these patches effectively and why they could occur. Scroll down to learn more!
Why is the skin around your mouth so dark?
1. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can make the skin around your mouth darken. This is a common condition. Hyperpigmentation refers to excessive melanin production in some regions of your skin. This makes those patches darker than the rest.
Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone of any age and all skin types. Hyperpigmentation around the mouth can be caused by sunspots or melasma. Melasma is also known as chloasma. It occurs when hormonal changes affect pregnant women.
2. Weather Conditions
Dark patches can form around the lips from sun exposure or darken skin after a burn. Licking your lips or the area around them too often in cold weather can cause the skin to look darker and discolored. During winter, dry skin can lead you to moisturize with your saliva. Therefore, an extraordinary remedy for dehydrated skin during the winter is suggested.
3. Medications
Certain medicines can cause pigmentation. This may also affect the skin around the mouth. Tricyclic antidepressants as well as anti-malaria medication. As a side effect, certain ointments may cause hyperpigmentation.
Addison’s Disease or hemochromatosis can cause pigmentation. Addison’s can lead to dark spots in the skin folds and joints such as knees and elbows. It can also affect the area around the mouth, inside the cheeks, and toes.
4. Trauma Inflicted Pigmentation
Skin discoloration can also be caused by trauma to the skin around your mouth. Hyperpigmentation can result from acne breakouts, skin injuries, or any other type of infection. Most skin injuries result in skin discoloring and the brown or black color of the bruises disappearing. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
5. Vitamin Deficit
Vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are linked to skin hyperpigmentation. A 2018 study found that vitamin D deficiency was the leading cause of melasma. This happens when you are away for extended periods from the sun.
How can you get rid of hyperpigmentation around the mouth?
1. Exfoliate
Regularly exfoliating the area around your mouth with a gentle exfoliator can help remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin. A chemical exfoliant is better because it won’t scrape the skin, which can worsen the condition.
2. OTC Skin-Brightening Creams
Creams for skin brightening can help reduce the appearance of dark circles around the mouth. Glabridin (a licorice root extract), vitamin C, vitamin K, grape seed extract, azelaic Acid, arbutin, curcumin, and niacinamide are all good ingredients to look for. These ingredients block the production of melanin-making tyrosinase, which the skin requires. Follow the instructions on the pack.
3. Ointments that are medically prescribed
Consult a dermatologist if other treatments have failed. A dermatologist may prescribe hydroquinone. This drug blocks the production of pigment cells and slows down tyrosinase manufacturing, which causes dark spots to fade quickly (in about a week).
4. Laser treatments
Laser treatments can be used to remove darkened areas around the mouth. They can lighten the skin, although they are not permanent. Your skincare routine and sun exposure are also important factors.
Fraxel laser treatment can be used to treat pigmentation. It is a microscopic, topical laser that promotes collagen regeneration. It can reduce dark spots and improve skin tone.
5. Acid Peels
To treat darkened skin around the mouth, your dermatologist might recommend a salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid Peel. These peels are not permanent and can cause pigmentation to return.
These peels penetrate the skin deep to repair damaged cells. The peels’ effects will last longer if you take precautions after treatment, such as protecting your skin from the sun and applying sunscreen.
6. Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can be used to treat darkened skin around the mouth. These natural ingredients are usually found in your kitchen. You can use them to treat your pigmented skin unless you are allergic to one of them.
- Oatmeal Scrub
Make a face pack with oatmeal, tomato pulp, and olive oil. Use the oil to massage your skin in a circular motion. It will brighten your skin and eliminate dead skin cells. It can also lighten the skin around your lips.
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great way to lighten your skin. The citric Acid found in lemons helps lighten dark spots and prevents them from recurring. Cut a lemon in half for 10-15 minutes and apply one half to the darkened area around your lips. Rinse.
Apply the honey mixture to your darkened skin. You can leave it on for a night and rinse it off the next day. This is an excellent remedy for people with dehydrated skin. Use lemon juice and grated cucumber to lighten dark circles around your mouth to make a face mask.
- Potato
For about 20 minutes, rub half a raw potato around the darkened areas. This treatment is excellent for people with sensitive skin.
- Papaya
Papaya is high in vitamins A and C. It can be used to reduce dark spots around the mouth. Combine a few raw papaya pieces with rosewater to create a thick paste. Use the mask to cover your skin and allow it to dry for at least half an hour. Rinse off with warm water.
- Aloe Vera
Aloesin, which comes from Aloe Verde, can lighten the skin around your mouth. It can also be taken in capsules to help those with melasma.
- Amla
Amla can be used in liquid, powdered, or raw form to provide excellent skin benefits. It can delay premature skin aging, lighten acne marks, and improve skin pigmentation. Apply amla juice to your face and allow it to dry. Then, use a cotton ball to wipe it off. Apply it to your face with your eyes closed.
- Gram Flour
Gram flour, or besan, is a great way to reduce hyperpigmentation. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and two teaspoons of gram flour. You can add rose water or milk to make it your own. Place the paste on your skin for about 10-15 minutes. Once it is dry, wash it thoroughly.
Here are some quick tips to get rid of darkness around the mouth
1. Combine rose water and turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply to the face, concentrating on the areas near your mouth. This will reduce pigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
2. Combine three tablespoons of each raw rice with two teaspoons of wheat flour and besan. Use the paste to make a mask. After 20 minutes, apply the paste to your face and scrub it. Rinse off. In 6 weeks, you will notice a visibly lighter complexion around your mouth.
3. A teaspoon of mustard oil can be heated to melt the hot wax. You can apply the oil daily to the darkened area and continue doing so. The dark patches will disappear within a few weeks.
4. Glabridin is a licorice extract that can be used in a topical cream to lighten the skin around your mouth. Research has shown that glabridin is skin-whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
Summary
Pigmentation around the mouth can occur for many reasons. Many reasons can cause pigmentation around the mouth, including pregnancy melasma and sun exposure. This condition can be treated. The dark spots can be permanently removed. Getting rid of pigmented skin completely will take some time. To protect your skin, practice healthy skincare habits.