Lip discoloration is the changing of one’s natural lip color to that of a darker shade. The color of the lip will turn mainly dark purple or blue.
Though it is not a life threatening disorder, it can be an indicator of health problems. It can also be an indication that a lifestyle modification is needed. Though both males and women can get lip discoloration, it is more common in women.
People with lip discoloration need to talk to a health care specialist if the discoloration begins to infect the face.
Possible Causes of Changing Lips Color
What causes lip discoloration? Find out most common reasons of the issue:
Hormone Changes
Hormonal modifications are one of the primary causes for lip discoloration in women. Hormonal agents launched during pregnancy or while getting hormone therapy can cause melasma or dark spots to form on the facial region including the upper or lower lip. When there are higher levels of estrogen hormone in the body, it can cause skin discoloration on the upper lip or lower lip. Inning accordance with the American Academy of Dermatology, people with darker skin pigments are more vulnerable to this type of lip discoloration. With time the initial color may go back to a lip with little to no medication.
Sun Exposure
The sun’s rays have the ability to cause skin discoloration including a darkening of skin on the upper and lower lip. Lip discoloration may appear darker and more visible during the summer heat and may lighten up gradually. According to UCLA Health Systems, sun exposure is a trigger for dark spots on the lip and facial area. It is most typical in women who have darker skin tones and remains persistent in warm weather environments. It’s best to use sunscreens since sun block might help secure the skin from hazardous solar rays and may also assist avoid lip discoloration.
Birth Control
Women who take oral birth control contraceptives position themselves at a higher risk for lip discoloration. Birth control assists prevent pregnancy and controls menstrual periods. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, hormonal changes from contraception can lead to lip discoloration. When contraceptive pills have actually been stopped, the normal color of the lips might start to reemerge within months. Although the natural lip color may be brought back, lip discoloration can likewise come back during pregnancy.
Treatments for Lip Discoloration
It is essential to determine the underlying cause of melasma to choose the most proper treatment. Here are some ways to treat the problem.
1. Learn how to Deal with Stress Better
Stress can result in all sorts of hormonal imbalances. When your hormonal agents are not in balance, you might experience several issues including melasma.
2. Try OTC Hydroquinone Cream
You can try hydroquinone cream or other OTC medications to lighten your skin. You can get hydroquinone in the form of lotion, cream, liquid, and gel. Regular use of this cream hinders the production of melanin that causes skin discoloration. It is much better to use hydroquinone creams with sun block to help protect your skin while going out in the sun.
3. Use Tretinoin
You can take tretinoin– a type of vitamin A– to motivate your body to shed dead skin cells at a much better rate. This will help in reducing the look of dark spots over your lip. While tretinoin alone is not going to deal with the issue for good, it will definitely help make the afflicted skin shed quicker.
4. Try a Holistic Approach
Instead of using chemicals, you can likewise use natural solutions to handle upper lip or lower lip discoloration. These natural compounds can help restrict the production of pigment-producing parts in your skin.
You can attempt paper mulberry, a plant that grows as a little shrub and has potent medicinal properties. You can get lots of products that use paper mulberry as ingredient and help treat melasma. Make sure to follow all the directions when using these products.
Likewise, lots of other active ingredients might also assist produce positive outcomes. For instance, you can choose products which contain mandelic acid, watercress, bearberry, lemon peel extract, vitamin C, and apple cider vinegar. All these active ingredients can relax pigment-producing substances and lighten your complexion.
5. Take Medications with Care
You need to practice some care when taking particular medications because they can cause skin discoloration. This can take place when you take particular medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and contraceptive pill. These medications can alter hormonal agents and lead to melasma. If you experience this issue after beginning a brand-new medication, speak with your doctor and ask for an option.
