Dark lips are a prevalent condition among many people, especially women. They can be a source of concern for many, as their appearance can be aesthetically unappealing or a sign of certain underlying health conditions. There are various causes of lip pigmentation, and expert dermatologists provide many dark lip treatments in Bangalore.
Currently treatments for dark lips are readily available and can help people retrieve lost lip colour and texture, resulting in a more even tone and complexion. However, it is important to approach lip-lightening solutions cautiously and follow the dermatologist’s advice. In this blog, you can learn about the potential causes of lip pigmentation with Dr. Rasya Dixit, its treatment options, and some recommended tips to safely lighten pigmented lips.
What is the main reason for dark lips?
Potential causes of dark lips:
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco frequently can spread tar and nicotine to the lips and surrounding skin, resulting in lip pigmentation.
- Picking, biting, or licking lips: These habits cause the constant application of saliva, which digests the lips' skin and leads to inflammation of the lips, making them appear dark.
- Use of dark, matte, or drying lipsticks: Constantly applying such lipsticks can make lips dark over time.
- Some underlying diseases: Diseases such as Addison’s disease and Huge Jager Syndrome, could cause dark spots on lips.
- Sun exposure: The skin overlying the lips is extremely sensitive and can be damaged by sun exposure. Frequent or excessive sun exposure promotes the synthesis of melanin pigment, resulting in dark or brown spots on the lips.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions like eczema or iron deficiency anaemia can cause lip pigmentation.
- PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation): Any irritation or damage to the skin can promote melanin synthesis as the skin heals. This can lead to the appearance of dark spots in colours ranging from brown to black to greyish blue. PIH is particularly prevalent in sun-exposed areas and among those with darker skin tones. Infections such as herpes, folliculitis, contact allergic reactions, acne, insect bites, and drug reactions are among the most common causes of PIH affecting the lips.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause lips to become dry, chapped, and dark.
Can dark lips turn pink? How can I remove darkness from my lips?
Yes, you can lighten your lips and remove pigmentation in the following ways.
When there are several possible causes of lip pigmentation or dark lips, it becomes important to consult a dermatologist in Bangalore for proper diagnosis and to get lip pigmentation best treated.
The first and foremost step in improving the appearance of dark lips is to avoid smoking, using dehydrating lip products, and lip licking. Instead, dermatologists recommend using moisturising lip balms with sunscreen so that lips stay hydrated and sun-protected, as well as a gentle face cleanser.
They also recommend checking which toothpaste is being used. A toothpaste with a lot of cloves or other herbal products may irritate the lip skin and turn it darker than usual.
Numerous over-the-counter lotions and gels are available to lighten the dark skin around the lips, including hydroq-uinone and kojic acid. These agents function as skin lightening agents by reducing melanin. Depending on the extent of involvement and depth of the lip pigmentation, they may be able to completely remove the discoloration within a few days or months of regular use.
Always follow the doctor's advice when taking lip-lightening products to achieve the best results. To avoid further lip pigmentation, it is recommended to use a high-SPF sunscreen and other topical therapy.
In case of moderate to severe lip pigmentation, dermatologists recommend professional treatments. The in-clinic treatments for lip pigmentation, as suggested by expert dermatologists, include:
Can chemical peels lighten lips?
Lip lightening peels
Chemical peels can help lighten dark lips and even improve their texture. These incorporate acids to enter the skin and remove damaged skin cells.
Depending on the condition of the lip skin, a combination of peels might be used to help regulate the skin's pH. The peels help remove lip pigmentation, promote cell renewal, stimulate collagen development, and improve the skin's natural moisturising components. Subsequent sessions are required to achieve long-term and effective results. Common, temporary side effects include redness, dryness, stinging, burning, and swelling.
What is the best laser treatment for dark lips?
The Q-switch Nd: YAG laser is perhaps the most popular laser procedure and an advanced treatment for lip hyperpigmentation. It is a non-ablative laser that emits a longer ray of 1,064 nm, which can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. As a result, it can destroy deep-seated dermal melanocytes in the lip skin using the principle of selective photothermolysis.
Q-switch NdYAG laser therapy lasts approximately 12–15 minutes and requires sessions every 3–4 weeks.
Can Dermaroller remove pigmentation?
In some cases, a dermaroller for dark lips treatment in Bangalore can be applied over the lip skin to create micro-holes. Then, skin-lightening lip products may be applied over the treated skin to be better absorbed by the skin. This combination treatment ensures better results than those achieved by using skin-lightening creams alone.
Based on the type of treatment, dark lips treatment cost in Bangalore is decided; for more details, get in touch with us. Rasya Dixit.
How can I prevent dark lips?
- Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Modify your way of life. If you smoke or drink too much alcohol, you should cut back on your intake of both. Try consuming as little caffeine as possible once a day.
- Refrain from licking your lips since it can eventually result in dark, dry, and cracked lips.
- Apply lip products with vitamin E since it accelerates the production of new cells on the lip surface by promoting cell turnover.
- Do not sleep with lipstick on. Before washing your face and lips, use a light makeup remover to remove any makeup.
- Use a moisturising lip balm on your dark lips often throughout the day.
- Keep lips moisturised at all times. Choose a lip balm that has SPF. Use a lip care product without flavours or scents.
- Use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate your lips once or twice weekly. Exfoliating your lips regularly promotes blood circulation and helps remove dead skin cells. Apply a moisturiser or lip balm immediately after exfoliating your dark lips.
Sometimes, dark lips are caused by hormonal issues or underlying medical diseases. Consulting with a dermatologist in Bangalore can help you determine their major causes and achieve healthy-looking lips.
You can also watch our expert video on dark lips treatment for more details-
