Trying natural remedies is a good place to start. Oil oil helps in softening the lips. There can be several reasons why you have that dark upper lip area. It can be very effective and is relatively affordable. Tip: Try to cut down on your black tea and coffee intake by switching to green or white teas instead. The only upside to my life of brown patches? Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Melasma can't really be "cured." ", "Good to a find a page writing about the remedies for removing the dark skin above upper lip. It might not disappear in one day, but you can apply calamine lotion or mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it for an hour -- or you can use Pond's Spot-less Cream. The second step would be using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. But if your skin gets red or flaky, scale back your usage again until your skin has had time to adjust. As a rule, apply a nickel-size blob to your face before you head out the door in the morning and then reapply every two hours after that. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. How do I get rid of a dark line that is beside my lips? The cancerous condition on the lips can result in various dry deep cracks on the lips that can bleed easily if something touches. Gently rub the. These include sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, excess caffeine consumption, and other lifestyle-related factors. It's generally thought of a last-resort medication, so if you've exhausted all your options with zero success, oral tranexamic may be worth bringing up to your doctor. Pomegranate 12. Gently peel off the egg white against the direction of hair growth. To wax their upper lip hair, a person can apply hot wax to this area of skin and press it down firmly with a cloth strip while it cools. Therefore, it's important to protect your lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing a lip balm that contains an SPF when you're out and about during the day. Using medications that make you sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing) can increase your risk of developing melasma. If you want to make your own mask, mix equal amounts of gram flour, turmeric, lemon juice and honey together in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Now for the good news: If you can't be patient and want your melasma gone ASAP (like for a wedding or special event), you can head to the derm for one of the treatments below: Professional-strength chemical peels can help improve the superficial pigment associate with melasma, says Dr. Maiman, who recommends the medium-depth Jessner peel to her patients. This dark . There can be one or more causes behind dark lips. And, as someone who will probably be dealing with melasma to some extent for the rest of her life, trust me when I say you kinda, sorta, eventually get used to it. Although melasma does not require treatment, a doctor can distinguish melasma from other skin disorders that may need to be treated. Applying lemon on lips can be an effective home remedy for lip pigmentation. It's the fastest way to correct your lip lines. Again, this is a professional treatment you should only consider after speaking with a dermatologist. The best electric diffusers to shop now. Coconut oil contains antioxidants[27] that combat free radicals to stop the formation of early wrinkles. Yes, there are many ways to improve the appearance of dark areas and hyperpigmentation of the skin around your lips. ", "I used the lemon and honey method, and within 9 days I can see the difference! Dermatology Intensive 3 in 1 Review for Wrinkle Removal & Antiaging; MAC RUSSIAN RED LIPSTICK REVIEW - For All Skin Tones (Fair Skin, Dark Skin, Tan Skin Tone) See Also Skin Lightening. Table Of Contents Tips for lightening upper lip skin 1. For more advice from our Cosmetics co-author, including what home remedies you can try to lighten your upper lip, read on! Find out eight reasons why you should try using hyaluronic acid. I tried so many different products and nothing has worked. If you experience this issue after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor and ask for an alternative. Here are important tips to help you get rid of black lips permanently or forever. UV rays are scientifically proven to cause premature aging, which is why a strong daily facial SPF is so important. Using your fingers, gently massage the baking soda into your skin using small circular motions. Rinse after 10 minutes. "Melasma happens when melanocytesthe cells that produce melanin in your skinbecome overactive and produce an excessive amount of pigment," says Dr. Okereke. Skin that's less blotchy and more even-toned skin. Sabrina Crews is a copy editor and fact checker. Amaro-Ortiz A. Yan B. A person can make a scrub at home using the following method: Combine 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tsp of sugar. Of course, the amount of filler varies by case to caseand your dermatologist can help you decide exactly which problem areas you want to be addressed. Featuring 100% vegan hair care, skincare, face, and body grooming essentials for your lifestyle, Call us at: +1(855) 790-9229 Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How to Use the Best Blackhead Removal Tools Safely, Pls Read This Before You Try an Eyebrow Serum, Celebs Are *Obsessed* With This Skincare Treatment, Just the *Best* Treatments for Under-Eye Wrinkles, The Best Anti-Aging Creams, According to Experts, The Best Face Lotions for Your *Exact* Skin Type. Both sides of the philtrum are bluish. I'm ashamed and I hate going out in public. Current time: 03/05/2023 02:45:58 a.m. UTC Using lemon and sugar together 3. Not to mention, these exfoliating acids have major skin-smoothing benefits too. It is possible to peel the discolored layer of your skin by using a chemical peel. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Lastly, Botox is one of the trustiest ways to prevent fine lines and wrinkles before they start by paralyzing the targeted muscles. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Your derm may give you a compound custom cream that contains any number of different Rx-strength ingredients, like azelaic acid and arbutin, to help fade your melasma. As a result, I was left with a stain whiter than my skin, maybe 2-ish shades lighter than the rest of my face. Look for a melasma serum or melasma cream (the texture is totally a personal choice) with vitamin C (ideally in the 10 to 20 percent range), tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, kojic acid, and/or niacinamide. There can be one or more causes behind dark lips. The patches gradually fade over many months. Extract some lemon juice and apply on the skin. Full disclosure: This sounds sexier than it actually is. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. They contain antioxidant properties which help brighten the skin by neutralizing free radicals and preventing their damaging effects to the skin. The most important thing is to limit your exposure to the sun. This, ultimately, results in collagen production, which results in younger-looking, smoother, and softer skin underneath once it heals. In her leisure time, she loves to indulge in reading classic literature and spend time with her family. Almond oil 10. Other triggers? "The Jessner peel traditionally features a mix of alpha and beta hydroxy acids in a specific ratio14 percent of resorcinol, salicylic, and lactic acidin an ethanol base." Certain medications (so talk to your doctor), inflammation (from pollution, products, irritation, etc. It has healing properties that can help in making your skin tone even and brighter. There are a few things you can do to lighten upper lip skin fast. Beetroot juice can also be a home remedy for dark lips. Everybody's favorite for a reason, aloe vera gel has multiple uses. On how to get rid of dark upper lip skin, I always recommend applying sunscreen all the time you go into the sun. Electrolysis is successful at permanently removing dark, thick upper-lip hair after several sessions, but it varies depending on hair thickness, hereditary factors and stress levels. or "pregnancy mask" (hormones!). Look for 1 that contains a beta-hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. Lemon juice Lemon juice is one of the most efficient bleaching agent. Silver linings? Give the area special attention while cleansing. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Glycerin: Glycerin can help to prevent dark lips and eliminate dry spots caused by dryness. ), excessive heat (from things like hot yoga or hanging in the steam room), and an overly harsh or an aggressive skincare routine. Her writing appears in Refinery29, The Knot, StyleCaster, and more. According to a study, green tea extract has depigmenting action. 3. Apply lemon juice Applying lemon juice is an effective remedy that can treat the green shadow above the upper lip. Skin cancer and oral cancer is a chronic infection that can affect the skin of the lips to develop dry patches. However, sometimes your lips and their surrounding area may start looking darker and uneven, which can be unpleasant. There are plenty of natural ingredients (often already available in your kitchen) which can do a good enough job and make your skin even-toned and bright. In some people, the discoloration never entirely disappears. M - F 8 AM - 4 PM EST "Halo delivers two unique wavelengths into the same microscopic treatment zone, targeting both dermal and epidermal pigment, which is common in melasma sufferers." Papaya contains enzymes that can fade away the top layer of skin, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles above your lips and tightening the skin. And youve certainly heard this before: Its one of the most important proteins for promoting healthy skinas well as banishing wrinkles and dryness. A doctor will diagnose melasma simply by looking at your skin. A simple technique to use turmeric is to add a pinch of turmeric to 1 tablespoon of milk or yogurt and apply it on your lips and around the mouth. An influencer's fashion week look is dividing fans. During this treatment, experts will use fine crystals across your skin to strip away dead skin cells. "The Sciton Halo a dual wavelength fractional laseris hands down my favorite laser for treating melasma, says Dr. Answer: Horizontal on the upper lip. You can get hydroquinone in the form of lotion, cream, liquid, and gel. Most home remedies will take a week or two to produce visible results, so don't give up on them too early. You can try paper mulberry, a plant that grows as a small shrub and has potent medicinal properties. I had the exact same problem, and got made fun of in middle school for it. Another way is to use a homemade remedy such as lemon juice or baking soda. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Unlike pigment-targeting lasers that work by zapping excess melanin in the skin, microneedling helps treat melasma by creating tiny wounds in the skin which triggers a healing response. For instance, people with dark lips due to sunburn can use sunscreen lotion or makeups. olive oil. % of people told us that this article helped them. These usually appear on certain areas of face like the cheeks, forehead, chin, and even above the upper lip. Do not use any abrasive scrubs when exfoliating. Mustard oil 11. Therefore, it's a good idea to take a break from waxing for a couple of months, to give your skin a chance lighten on its own. Laser hair reduction using diode, alexandrite or Nd:YAG lasers can help get rid of the unwanted hairs on the upper lip; as it is the safest, effective and most cost-efficient method to get rid of unwanted body hair. That is why the dark patches develop often during pregnancy, or if a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. How To Get Rid Of Dark Skin Above Upper Lip. I accidentally left it on a few minutes longer than the allotted time. You can use all the brightening products in the world, but without SPF? We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Rinse it off using warm water. Darker patches of skin appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or above the upper lip. When melasma appears, it can cause tan, brown, grayish brown, or bluish gray patches and freckle-like spots. Approved. Follow her on Instagram. These include sun exposure, dehydration. You can use glycolic acid for good effects, but trichloroacetic acid is another nice option. It primarily affects women (fact: 90 percent of people with melasma are female, says Dr. Okereke) in their 20s, 30s, and 40sso really, any adult woman can get it. Being an African woman, this is our daily obstacle. Lasers can be used to treat a multitude of skin issues, from sunspots and acne scars to stretch marks and skin growthsand most pertinently, fine lines and wrinkles. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Apply beetroot juice on lips and leave overnight. Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. To use apple cider vinegar, mix it with equal parts of water. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. 3. Be sure to follow all the instructions when using these products. It is better to use hydroquinone creams with sunscreen to help protect your skin while going out in the sun. Why Do Your Lips Get Dry? This article will provide you with some helpful information on dealing with both issues. To MacGregor, it's quite simply the best way to permanently reduce hair growth. Your dermatologist can write a prescription for it to help fade darkening above your upper lip. Treatment As hormones stabilize, the dark patches of melasma usually fade. They then need to pull the strip away quickly, which. When you step outside, put on a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun and prevent them from getting darker. Spending some time doing things you enjoy can also help make stress more manageable. Do it continuously for a few weeks for best results. http://www.aad.org/, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Simply dampen your lips, then gently rub the bristles of the brush over the lips using small, circular motions. The center (philtrum) is white. Melasma: This *very* stubborn form of .css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}hyperpigmentation is arguably the world's most annoying skin ~issue~, and I can confidently say that because I've dealt with it on and off for the last five years. This is usually due to a short upper lip, strong muscle contraction, and a prominent nasal spine, and columella, and depressor septi ligament. Stuff like that is always much more obvious to you than it is to other people anyway. Use sun block to areas more prone to discoloration opt for the one that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Other causes include anemia, vitamin deficiency, and excess fluoride levels in the skin. (You can read all about the processincluding the downsides and potential side effectshere.). Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty contentfrom product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. 5. You can get many products that use paper mulberry as ingredient and help treat melasma. Last updated on Mar 4, 2022. Maiman." doi:10.3390/molecules19056202, 4 Surprising Things That Are Giving You Wrinkles (And How to Fix Them), 12 Under-Eye Wrinkle Remedies Dermatologists Swear By, How to Hydrate and Plump Dry Skin Around the Eyes, 8 Ways to Treat Marionette Lines, According to Derms, Everything You Need to Know About Smile Lines, According to Skincare Experts, Your Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Diminishing Crow's Feet, Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Wrinkles Around the Mouth, Forget Botox: Beauty Editors Do This Glow-Boosting Treatment First, The 12 Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin of 2023, 9 Ways to Smooth Forehead Wrinkles, According to Derms. If you go out in the sun, take these preventive measures: As hormones stabilize, the dark patches of melasma usually fade. Honey-Sugar Scrub -Scrub the dark upper lip with a mixture of honey and sugar to whitening the skin.You can take half spoon sugar and honey ,mix well and apply on your upper lip. Also, it comes with a soft silicone brush to help disperse the product, so you can go hands-free. That means 1) wearing sunscreen religiously and a wide-brimmed hat or visor when you're spending time outside, 2) avoiding irritating skin care products, and 3) using a serum or topical with brightening ingredients. Many factors can trigger increased melanin production. 2 Use Aloe Vera. A few years ago, I once tried bleaching my upper hair lips. Botox may help with his area however it will slightly reduce the smiling ability since it is a paralytic agent. (If you prefer to keep those ingredients in the kitchen, you can find our favorite facial oils here.) Or, of course, you can opt for an apple cider vinegar product that can help make your complexion even-toned. Just see Step 1 below to get started. Retinoids are a must for melasma. Women who develop melasma as a result of pregnancy often see the patches fade months after the baby is born. Not only is melasma triggered by a bunch of different things (we'll get into more of that later), it's a clinger. Once dried, scrub the paste off. How to Get Rid of Smokers Lips: Lip Scrubs & More. This will help reduce the appearance of dark spots over your lip. UK. This can happen when you take certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills. The cold ice will bring blood to the surface, leaving your lips looking red and full. All these ingredients can relax pigment-producing compounds and lighten your skin tone. These medications can change hormones and lead to melasma. It's like turning back the clock. See your doctor if you develop any unexplained discoloration of the skin. It is important to identify the underlying cause of melasma to select the most appropriate treatment. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Leave overnight and rinse off the next morning. She previously told Cosmo that chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds or the "glue" that holds together dead cells on the surface of your skin, which is key for brighter skin and less noticeable melasma. There are even recent studies that show retinoids are capable of reducing the skins capability of producing pigment, which can help clear up melasma as well, says Dr. Maiman.There's a catch, though: Retinol can be irritating (which we know can end up making melasma worse), so start with a gentle retinol formula and use it slowly at first: One night a week for one week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, then every other night indefinitely. A dark upper lip may refer to the skin above the upper lip, or the upper lip itself. This will slough away dead skin cells that could be clogging pores. You also can use cosmetics to even out the skin color. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. To exfoliate your lips, you can use a homemade scrub of olive oil and sugar or even just the bristles of your toothbrush. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Here's what you need to know to get rid of the dreaded "sun mustache." We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The biggest thing to remember when incorporating chemical exfoliants into your routine is to not overdo it, says Dr. Doft. There are numerous potential causes for a dark spot on the lips. Alternatively, you can go ahead and pick a vitamin C face wash to make your life easier. It does so by inhibiting tyrosine kinase and thereby inhibiting melanin production. It helps prevent untoward pigmentation caused by temporary hair removal techniques. D'Orazio JA. Lip cancer. Thankfully, you do not have to live with this condition because you can try ways to reduce and treat discoloration in your upper lip. (Read up on injectables with our guide to fillers.). Aloe Vera Gel Applying an aloe vera gel helps heal the cracks that occur in chapped lips and can also aid in relieving the pain it may cause. Lip balm also keeps your lips hydrated, which helps them have a healthy, pink glow, so apply some before bed each night. There are several things you can do to get your skin above the upper lip back to a healthy skin color. Last Updated 05 March, 2023. Apply sun block (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to vulnerable areas. In this scenario, using anti-wrinkle injections (muscle . This procedure softens the skin texture and reduces wrinkles that show on the lip line. You should exfoliate your lips at least once a week using one of the methods described above. Laser treatments work by using continuous light beams or pulsed energy to vaporize the skin's thin, outer layers. - Get your skincare regime in place and apply sunscreen (SPF 50) not only during summer but also in winter. Be patient and consistent and you should start to see an improvement. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Your doctor may use a special lamp that gives off ultraviolet light. 2014 May;19(5):62026219. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Try a non shimmer highlight or a concealer if you still notice something. Yes, there are many ways to improve the appearance of dark areas and, For instance, cut down on your caffeine intake, stop licking your lips, keep them, Everybody's favorite for a reason, aloe vera gel has multiple uses. 3. While there are ways to treat melasma, it is better to take precautionary measures to avoid dealing with this problem in the first place. And this doesnt just go for the mouth movementsnicotine, in general, is thought to constrict blood vessels, which restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Second, use a mild exfoliating agent to gently slough away dead skin cells. Do this before bed and rinse with water the next morning. Here's what they said: What is a "sun mustache"? Read on to find out the top 6 home remedies. WOW Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash contains strong antioxidants that can help make your skin tone more even. Massaging oil into the lips can help moisturize them and boost circulation. Intake of too much of vitamin A. This article will provide you with some helpful information on dealing with both issues. Is It Normal If Wart Turned Black After Freezing? However, it is correctable with time. Otherwise, the person can use petroleum jelly on the hands underneath cotton and then rubber gloves. Hydroquinone is a very effective bleaching product for dark skin. A dermatologist can provide a more powerful cream than can be purchased over the counter. Protection from the sun is a necessary part of treatment of melasma. Some other causes include chemotherapy treatments, certain illnesses, excessive sweating, and lack of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Increased sun exposure corresponds to larger and deeper wrinkles, making it more difficult for you to get rid of them. A dark upper lip may refer to the skin above the upper lip, or the upper lip itself. All Rights Reserved. Botox is a known anti-wrinkle treatment that relaxes the muscles that contract when the face or lips move. Add in a tablespoon each of flour and sugar and mix well until sticky. Using chemical exfoliants too often can weaken your skin's protective barrier, leading to things like inflammation, which we know is a trigger for melasma. Wash off with water after some time. It contains polyphenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic effects. Read More. Similarly, you may have to deal with darker lips and skin above your lip because of smoking. Chemical exfoliants refer to exfoliating acids, like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, says plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD.