If you ask someone about their skin care goals, chances are they have a few ready answers. Radiant and glowing skin, an even complexion, a smooth base, you get the idea.
Any discoloration can kill your confidence and prevent you from getting the perfect glass skin you are looking for. But guess what? Most forms of hyperpigmentation are completely treatable.
Whether you’re trying to calm redness and irritation or manage rough-textured dark spots, it’s essential to get to the root of the problem. Most of the time you can fix it if you know the cause.
Today we’re tackling one of the most common (and frustrating) problems: hyperpigmentation around the mouth. These gray areas can be particularly stubborn and difficult to hide.
If this is something you’re struggling with, don’t stress. We can help you ditch hyperpigmentation, regain your confidence, and prevent fading in the future.
How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Around Your Mouth: Pro Tips
Hyperpigmentation is a very common condition in which areas of your skin become darker than your natural skin tone. (So, yes, even those with darker skin can have hyperpigmentation.)
This happens when, for whatever reason, your body produces too much melanin. And don’t forget that melanin is the pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their beautiful color.
These darker spots can appear anywhere. However, they tend to be most visible around the mouth, eyes and forehead. Of course, the features that get the most attention.
Although hyperpigmentation is not harmful, it can be. seriously frustrating. These areas do not fade easily, making covering dark spots (with and without makeup)) a chore.
That said, good skincare practices can reverse the situation and finally even out your skin tone. It just takes a little patience and consistency.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is hyperpigmentation around the mouth?
Of all the areas of hyperpigmentation, discoloration around the mouth is the worst. The skin is much thinner and exposed to constant movement.
Why is this important? Well, all that friction can actually trigger or worsen excess melanin production, leading to darkening of the skin.
Additionally, products like lip balm and toothpaste can irritate the skin over time, contributing to discoloration. Basically, this area of the face has a lot going against it.
Not sure if this is something you are dealing with? Here’s how to tell: Hyperpigmentation around the mouth may look like dark spots around the lips or chin, slight discoloration at the corners, or even a subtle “whisker” on the upper lip. You may have heard Lauryn talks about hers Before.
The skin in these darker spots is also usually rough. So covering it with makeup is NOT easy. In other words, your best option is to fix it rather than hide it.
What causes hyperpigmentation around the mouth?
Birth control
Pregnancy
PCOS and other hormonal conditions
Sun exposure
Friction and movement
Product irritation
Allergic reactions
Damage caused by the barrier
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency
Iron deficiency
Inflammation due to acne
Does hyperpigmentation around the mouth go away?
Yes. Hyperpigmentation is never permanent. Remember that our old skin cells will eventually disappear and new, fresher ones will take their place.
That said, cell turnover alone can take time. So you really need to give your body a skincare boost to speed things up and fade stubborn spots.
To do this, you must correct both the visual symptoms (brown spots) And the underlying causes. After that, it is about preventing the formation of hyperpigmentation, which is a lot easier than treating existing dark spots.
Here’s how to identify and manage each type of hyperpigmentation:
How to eliminate hyperpigmentation around the mouth: analyzing each cause
There are seven main causes of discoloration around the mouth: inflammation, sun exposure, hormonal changes, friction, irritation/allergy, barrier damage, and vitamin deficiencies.
You can’t fix friction: our mouths will keep leaking, right? (Never let beauty goals silence your voice.)
If you have an allergic reaction to a product, throw it away as soon as possible. And if the problem is due to barrier damage, it’s time to add more serums and moisturizers to your skincare routine.
If these two causes are easy to combat, what about the others? Below we’ll explain how to eliminate hyperpigmentation due to inflammation, sun damage, hormones, and vitamin deficiencies.
How to Fix Hormonal Hyperpigmentation
Hormonal fluctuations are a fairly common cause of hyperpigmentation. Changes in certain hormones lead to melanin production, and then factors like UV exposure, friction, and product irritation make it worse.
These imbalances can arise from hormonal birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, thyroid problems, PCOS, or other endocrine disorders.
Often these hormonal problems lead to form of hyperpigmentation called melasma. Melasma appears more often on the face, so don’t be surprised if it appears around the mouth.
Here’s how to manage this type of hyperpigmentation:
Lifestyle changes: First, you need to address the underlying hormonal problem. Usually, hormones can be balanced using targeted supplements, diet changes, meditative exercises and improved sleep. That said, research your specific condition and talk to your doctor.
Sun protection: UV exposure can amplify hyperpigmentation, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30+ daily. And remember to reapply every few hours. Our favorite is the TSC Caffeinated Sunscreen.
Melanin blockers: There are actually topical treatments that can block melanin production. This treats hyperpigmentation on the outside while balancing hormones on the inside. The best topical treatments are hydroquinone, azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, and prescription vitamin C.
Retinoids: A retinoid like tretinoin will encourage cell turnover, helping to quickly remove dull, dark and dead skin cells. The cells that replace them will be fresh, healthy and have a correct complexion.
How to Fix Hyperpigmentation From Sun Damage
It’s no secret the sun is terrible for your skin, but did you know it can trigger hyperpigmentation?
UV rays can damage skin cells and activate melanin production. This type of hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere there is sun damage. And since the face is often exposed to the sun, it is a frequent site of UV hyperpigmentation.
The advantage of this type of discoloration? It’s avoidable! Stop tanning and make sure you wear sunscreen every day.
But to address any hyperpigmentation you already have, here are your treatment options:
Sun protection: First of all, let’s make sure that the dark spots don’t get worse. Coat your face daily with TSC Caffeinated Sunscreen and reapply every few hours. (Here is how to do it without ruining your makeup.) For added protection, wear wide-brimmed hats and other protective clothing.
Melanin blockers: Over time, topical treatments like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, and licorice extract help prevent melanin production and brighten skin. Here are some details dark spot correctors that actually work.
Retinoids: If you have brown spots from the sun, the top layer of skin is damaged. Fortunately, you can promote cell regeneration for bright, fresh-looking skin by using a retinoid.
Exfoliation: Gentle chemical exfoliants or chemical peels can help fade dark spots by promoting cell turnover. They share the same purpose as retinoids, but work differently, making their use beneficial.
Laser treatments: Targeted light therapy can help break down melanin so the body can eliminate it naturally. It also provides almost instant results with few side effects.
How to Fix Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of skin darkening that occurs after injury to the skin. It is mainly triggered by trauma or irritation.
Melanin production occurs in response to injury, leading to discoloration. You’ll often see it after breakouts, skin injuries, allergic reactions, overdoing skin care, or eczema/psoriasis flare-ups.
Here’s how to fix this:
Lifestyle changes: The inflammation comes from somewhere. Figure out what triggers your body and make small lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation. Things like eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels are very helpful.
Supplements: Talk to your doctor about taking probiotics and anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3, vitamin D, curcumin, and antioxidants.
Gentle skin care: Avoid harsh scrubs or scratching your skin. These things can irritate everything further, ultimately making hyperpigmentation worse. TSC Mint Roller is also a great addition to your routine. It can relieve inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Sun protection: UV exposure triggers inflammation. So, make sure you have a high quality sunscreen like our Caffeinated sunscreen is in your routine.
Melanin blockers: Not all melanin inhibitors are suitable ux, but if you have inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you definitely want something gentle on the skin. Try niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, licorice extractor vitamin C to even out the complexion.
How to Fix Hyperpigmentation Due to Vitamin Deficiencies
Even if you follow a very thoughtful diet, it is easy to suffer from deficiencies in certain daily vitamins. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, vitamin D, or iron, you may experience discoloration around your mouth.
You can identify these deficiencies through laboratory tests or by paying attention to other associated symptoms.
If you understand that this is the problem, here is your treatment for hyperpigmentation:
Supplements: Of course, one of the best ways to address vitamin deficiencies is to take targeted supplements to bring your levels back to normal. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.
Intentional diet: Make sure you don’t rely solely on supplements. Be sure to include plenty of nutrient-dense foods in your diet that will help correct your deficiencies.
Topical treatments: To treat existing hyperpigmentation, consider topical treatments that lighten the skin and reduce melanin production. Retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, hydroquinone, and licorice extract are all good options.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation is another way to bring your skin back to life while correcting your deficiencies. Chemical exfoliants or chemical peels help fade dark spots while promoting cell renewal.
Laser treatments: For instant results, consider light therapy. It will eliminate dark areas very quickly for an even and radiant complexion. Lauryn loves it Lightstim Wand.
Treating the main issues behind your hyperpigmentation will help you regain your perfect complexion.
Hyperpigmentation around the mouth can be very frustrating, but it’s not permanent. With the right products and lifestyle changes, you can prevent AND completely reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Just keep in mind that results don’t happen overnight.
Restoring an even skin tone takes time, but every step you take brings you closer to brighter, more radiant skin.
X, the Skinny Confidential team
+ Get youthful-looking skin without Botox or fillers.
++ Look at this acne-prone skin routine for adults.
CORRECT HYPERPIGMENTATION:
The position How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Around Your Mouth: Pro Tips appeared first on The skinny confidential.
