Lip color may vary from person to person, while in some ,lips that get dark may happen due to sun exposure, smoking. In few it may develop due to stress, medication.
CAUSES
Genetics : Some people are naturally predisposed to darker lips.
Hormones : Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause darker patches on the lips
Sun exposure : Prolonged sun exposure can cause dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Medications : Some medications can cause hyperpigmentation.
Lifestyle :
- Smoking, tobacco can cause the lips to darken.
-Consuming too much caffeine, salt, or sugar can also stain or discolor lips.
-Dehydration can lead to dry, darkened lips.
- Vitamin deficiency such as VitB12, E or C can lead to lip darkening
-Lip licking can damage the natural barrier of lips.
-Using low-quality lip products can irritate and darken lips.
- Skipping regular exfoliation and hydration can cause dead skin buildup.
-Other causes like Iron and/or vitamin deficiency. Drug reactions. Contact dermatitis due to cosmetics. Lichen planus, Other skin diseases and Genetic conditions may cause Hypopigmentation.
Hypopigmentation can appear as one or more flat, smooth areas of white or lighter skin. It's more noticeable in people with darker skin. In mild cases, the skin may restore pigment on its own.
TREATMENTS
Medical treatment for discolored lips may involve treating the underlying condition causing your lip discoloration. If caused by a medication, speak to your doctor about changing to another medication.
Medical treatment for some skin discoloration may include:
Chemical peels- The skin of your lips is very delicate, so your dermatologist would recommend chemical peel with gentle exfoliating ingredients.
Laser therapy - the laser equipment will target the deposition of melanin on your upper lip and lower the pigmentation effect. The doctor will advice a couple of laser therapy sessions based on the extent of discolouration.
Topical medicated agents - products formulated with active and effective ingredients like arbutin, kojic acid with skin-lightening properties to reduce melanin pigment. Seek your doctor’s advice before trying these OTC medications to get the desired results.
Other treatments include : Intense pulse light (IPL) , Cryotherapy, Photodynamic therapy, Micropigmentation.
PREVENTION
Depending on the cause, lip discoloration may be prevented by using at-home skincare solutions.
Other tips include: Quit smoking. Quitting is difficult but possible. Speak with a doctor to come up with a smoking cessation plan that’s right for you.
Limit sun exposure and wear a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF30. Protect your face and lips from sun exposure. Moisturizing your lips is essential to prevent it from getting dry and chapped.
Hydration : Drink adequate amount of water in a day to keep your hydration levels maintained. Your lips and body must stay hydrated even when working or on vacation.
Limit the intake of caffine and excess of sal and sugar.
A common habbit of bitting or licking lips should be avoided.
Avoid home remedies as they might contain an allergic ingredient or particles that could irritate the lip, which might scrap the flaky skin and lead to injury or infection of the lips.
Seek a professional advice : A Dermatologist can help you diagnose and treat the underlying cause leading to lip discoloration, providing you healthy and nourished lips.