How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Lips

Wondering how to get rid of the stubborn dark skin around your mouth? Well-known skin lightening creams and good-old home remedies have failed to offer much help? Pigmentation around the mouth is a lot more common than you'd imagined.

This kind of hyperpigmentation is harmless, and can be treated topically. We explain why these patches could have occurred and how you can get rid of them effectively. Scroll down to find out!

What Expert 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."

- Dr. Harish Koutam, Chief Dermatologist, SkinKraft

Why Is The Skin Around your Mouth Dark?

1. Hyperpigmentation

The skin around your mouth can become dark due to hyperpigmentation [1], which is a very common cause. Hyperpigmentation is the excess production of melanin in certain areas of the skin, which make those patches darker than the rest of your skin.

Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all ages and different skin types. Pigmentation of the area around the mouth includes sunspots and melasma [2]. Also known as chloasma, melasma usually affects pregnant women due to hormonal changes.

2. Weather Conditions

Sun exposure and darkening of the skin due to a burn or any other injury can also cause dark patches around the lips. In very cold weather, if you lick your lips and the area around it too often, it can discolour the skin and make it look darker.

3. Medications

There are certain medicines that can cause pigmentation, which may also affect the area around the mouth. These include tricyclic antidepressants [3] and anti-malaria [4] medication. Chemicals present in certain ointments can also cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.

Addison's disease [5] and haemochromatosis [6] are more serious causes of pigmentation. Addison's disease can cause dark patches in the folds of the skin, joints like knees and elbows, the area around the lips and the inside of the cheeks; toes and knuckles.

4. Trauma Inflicted Pigmentation

Trauma to the skin around the mouth can also lead to skin discolouration. Acne breakout, skin burn, injuries or any type of infections can be the reason for hyperpigmentation. In most cases of skin injuries, the brown or black pigment of bruises fade away and the skin gets discoloured. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

5. Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency are associated with skin hyperpigmentation. In a study conducted in 2018, vitamin D deficiency was a major cause of melasma in people. It usually happens if you are away from sunlight for a long period of time.

How Do You Get Rid Of Hyperpigmentation Around The Mouth?

Image before and after scar acne

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 remove 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 condition.

2. OTC Skin-Brightening Creams

Skin brightening creams can be effective in reducing the dark area around the mouth. Look for ingredients such as glabridin [7] (a licorice extract), kojic acid [8], vitamin C, grape seed extract [9], azelaic acid [10], arbutin [11], curcumin or niacinamide [12]. These block the production of tyrosinase which is needed by the skin to make melanin. Apply as directed on the pack.

Word Of Caution:

If you have Celiac disease[13] or an allergy to gluten, avoid products containing azelaic acid derived from wheat. People with sensitive skin should avoid products with kojic acid.

3. Medically Prescribed Ointments

If other remedies have not worked, consult a dermatologist. He or she may prescribe an ointment containing hydroquinone. This drug restricts the cells that make the pigment and slow down tyrosinase production, which makes the dark spots fade faster (in a week or so).

4. Laser Treatments

Removal of pigmentation and scars

Laser treatments are an effective way of getting rid of dark areas around the mouth. Though not permanent, they can lighten the skin. Results also depend on your skincare routine, sun exposure and your genes.

One particular treatment known as Fraxel laser treatment [14] is used to treat pigmentation. It is a topical, microscopic laser that promotes elastin and collagen regeneration. It is effective in reducing dark spots and resurfacing the skin tone.

5. Acid Peels

Your dermatologist may use a salicylic acid [15] or glycolic acid peel [16] to treat the dark skin around your mouth. However, these peels do not offer a permanent solution and the pigmentation can return.

These peels penetrate deep into the skin to repair the damaged cells. Post treatment precautions like staying out of the sun, applying sunscreen and protecting the skin can make the effect of the peels last longer.

6. Natural Remedies

You can also use natural remedies to treat the dark skin around your mouth. Most of these natural ingredients can be found in your kitchen. Unless you have an allergy to any of these, you can try using them to get rid of the pigmented skin.

A. Oatmeal Scrub

Make a facepack with oatmeal, tomato pulp and olive oil. Apply on your skin and rub gently in a circular motion. It will help brighten your skin and remove dead skin cells. It will also help lighten the area around the lips.

B. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an excellent remedy to lighten the skin as the citric acid in lemons lightens dark areas of the skin and prevents its recurrence. Cut a lemon into half, and rub one half on the dark patch around your lips for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off.

You can even mix a bit of honey into lemon juice and apply around the dark skin. Leave overnight and rinse off the next morning. This remedy is effective for those with dry to very dry skin. Try mixing grated cucumber with lemon juice too as a face mask to lighten the dark spots around your mouth.

Pro Tip:

If you are using lemon juice to lighten the dark area around the mouth, it should be done in the evening as sun exposure needs to be avoided while using lemon. Always moisturise after using lemon as it can dry out the skin. If you have sensitive skin, try using lemon on a small area first as it can cause inflammation.

C. Potato

To remove the dark patches around your mouth, massage half a raw potato on the darkened areas in a circular motion for about 20 minutes. Potatoes have bleaching qualities and this treatment is ideal for those with sensitive skin .

D. Papaya

Papaya is rich in vitamin A and C and can be used to reduce the dark patches around the mouth. Take a few slices of raw papaya and blend with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply as a mask and leave on for half an hour. Rinse it off gently with cold water.

E. Aloe Vera

Aloesin [17], which is derived from aloe vera, can help lighten the skin around the mouth. Taken in capsule form, it may also help women who have melasma.

F. Amla

Amla in raw, powdered or liquid form offers amazing skin benefits. Besides delaying premature skin aging and lightening acne marks, it does wonders to your skin by reducing pigmentation. You simply need to apply amla juice on your face and let it dry. Later wipe it away using a cotton ball. Make sure to keep your eyes closed while applying it on your face.

G. Gram Flour

Gram flour, also known as besan, can effectively reduce the hyperpigmentation of skin. All you need to do is mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 teaspoons of gram flour. Add rose water or milk according to your preference. Apply this paste on the affected area of your skin and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off thoroughly once it's dry.

Other Quick Tips To Get Rid Of Darkness Around The Mouth

1. Make a quick paste with turmeric powder and rose water. Apply on the face, especially on the dark areas around your mouth. It will reduce pigmentation and also fine lines and wrinkles. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

2. Blend 3 teaspoons each of raw rice and add 2 teaspoons each of wheat flour and besan. Make a paste with milk and apply as a mask. Wet it after 20 minutes and scrub the face. Then rinse off. You can see visibly lighter skin around the mouth in about 6 weeks.

3. If you have a dark patch around your mouth due to a burn or the application of hot wax, heat a teaspoon of mustard oil till it is as hot as you can touch it. Apply on the dark patch every day and leave on. Within a few weeks, the dark patch will vanish.

4. Using a topical ointment that has an ingredient called glabridin, a licorice extract, can lighten the skin around the mouth. That is because research shows that glabridin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin whitening properties.

Wrapping Up

There can be many reasons that cause pigmentation around the mouth. From melasma during pregnancy to sun exposure and side effects of medicines. The good news is that this condition can be treated and the dark patches done away with permanently.Take a little time to understand your skin type and be patient with the treatment. It will require a good amount of time to get rid of the pigmented skin completely. Practice healthy skincare habits to protect your skin from further damages.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin