Hyperpigmentation around the mouth is caused by excess melanin. This condition can occur anywhere on the body. If you have already tried and tested so many products and yet found no solution, this article might help. This article discusses natural remedies to manage hyperpigmentation around the mouth, the exact causes, and prevention tips. Keep reading to learn more about it.
Consuming drugs like oral contraceptives, hormone replacement medications, antimalarials, etc. (1). Consuming tobacco or engaging in passive/active smoking (1). Having pre-existing health conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, thyroid disorders, or Addison’s disease (1). Having occasional exposure to heavy metals such as lead, bismuth, mercury, silver, arsenic, and gold via tattoos or due to occupation (1). Recent pregnancy that can cause hormonal changes (also known as Melasma) (1), (2). General aging and wear-and-tear of skin, which causes “liver” spots (1), (2). Excessive exposure to the sun, causing skin damage and skin darkening (2). Skin issues like acne, which can leave dark spots behind (2). Injuries to the skin due to surgeries or skin burns (2). Having deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or iron (3).
These are the major causes of hyperpigmentation around the mouth. We will now see how you can reduce this condition.
How To Reduce Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth?
Speak to your dermatologist before you try any new cream or home treatment. The course of treatment should factor in your genes, skincare routine, and the level of sun exposure, among others.
Sunscreen
Spending long hours in direct sunlight can damage your skin and may cause dark marks around the mouth. Hence, it is advisable to wear sunscreen and cover your body with hats, gloves, and sunglasses whenever you step out. Use sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on all sun-exposed skin on a daily basis (3). Reapply every four hours if you are out in the sun.
Exfoliation And Chemical Peels
Engage in a gentle exfoliation ritual or use chemical peels such as salicylic acid to lighten the skin (4). These methods work by getting rid of the dead skin cells and unwanted melanin (5). Make sure to not scrape your skin while exfoliating or using a chemical peel. Scraping can worsen the condition. You should also stay away from the sun and apply sunscreen for further protection.
Skin-Lightening Creams
Investing in high-quality skin lightening creams with specific ingredients can combat dark skin around the mouth. Glabridin supposedly has whitening properties, as does kojic acid (6), (17). Other ingredients known for their skin-lightening effects include grape seed extract, arbutin, vitamins C and E, soy, mulberry, and coffee extract (8).
OTC Ointments
OTC medicines containing hydroquinone can help treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone restricts melanin production and allows the dark spots to fade with time (8). Please note that hydroquinone must be used under the supervision of a doctor and not for longer than six months at any given time.
Laser Treatment
Fractional laser treatments can lighten the skin. It also can be used to treat certain signs of skin aging (9). In addition to these conventional treatment methods, you may also go for home remedies. We have listed them below.
6 Natural Remedies To Treat Darken Skin Around Mouth
The best part about these ingredients is you can find them in your kitchen. Do a patch test to check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic agent that can lighten skin over time. Topical application of turmeric can reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well (10).
A few drops of water/milk ½ a teaspoon of turmeric 2 teaspoons of gram flour, for better consistency
Mix the ingredients and form a thick paste. Apply this mixture to the affected area. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
2. Potato Juice
Potato contains azelaic acid that may help reduce pigmentation spotting related to breakouts. This chemical can also lower itching and skin inflammation (11).
1 raw potato
Grate the potato. Squeeze it to extract the juice. Apply this juice around your mouth and massage in a gentle circular motion. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.
3. Honey And Lemon Scrub
Lemon juice or lemon extract acts as a potent skin bleaching agent and can help lighten the skin (12). Honey is also useful in the treatment of skin wounds and burns (13).
Juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon of honey
Squeeze the juice of a lemon. Mix the honey with it to make a paste. Gently massage this paste on the dark patch around your lips for about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave it on overnight too. Rinse with cool water.
Apply this pack in the evening to avoid sun exposure (as exposing to the sun with lemon on your skin may cause burns). Plus, always follow up with a moisturizer as lemon can dry your skin out. Do a patch test before applying lemon if you have sensitive skin.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains aloesin, which can help lighten the skin around the mouth (14).
Pure aloe vera gel
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the dark areas around your mouth before bedtime. Rinse with cool water the next morning.
Alternatively, you can also consume aloe vera gel in capsule form. But make sure you speak to your dermatologist first.
5. Glycerin And Rose Water
Anecdotal evidence suggests that glycerin may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark rings, and dryness. Consult your doctor for further information.
1 tablespoon of glycerin 1 tablespoon of rose water
Mix the two ingredients. Gently massage onto the affected area. Leave it on overnight and wash in the morning with cool water.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal possesses antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (15). Some believe it may help reduce pigmentation, though more research is warranted.
1 teaspoon of oatmeal The pulp of ½ a tomato A few drops of olive oil
Take the oatmeal and grind it. Add the olive oil and tomato pulp to the powder to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Once it has dried, dampen the face a little and gently scrub it off. Repeat this twice a week for best results.
These were some effective home remedies you could try to potentially reduce the dark circles around your mouth. Let us now look at some useful, time-tested hacks that may possibly help prevent hyperpigmentation or reduce its risk.
Expert Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Darkness Around The Mouth
Include acai berry, green tea, pomegranate, strawberry, and soy into your daily diet. These foods possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in flavonoids (8), (15). If you are deficient in vitamin B3, opt for a topical cream that contains 2% niacinamide. It can significantly reduce the total area of hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness after 4 weeks of treatment (8). Try to avoid ultraviolet (UV) exposure by wearing hats and clothing when you are in the sun. Use a high-quality sunscreen and reapply every four hours. If natural treatments do not show results, try topical treatment options such as retinoids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, chemical peels, and cosmeceuticals after speaking to your dermatologist (3). As mentioned earlier, do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. Keep tracking the treatment progress by capturing high-quality photographs of the darkened area.
Can vitamin B12 cure hyperpigmentation? Supplementation with vitamin B12 has been shown to resolve issues with hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency (16). Can certain foods cause hyperpigmentation? Inflammation may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be exacerbated by inflammatory foods like spicy and fried foods (17). However, there is no scientific date on all the foods that may lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. Does vitamin C treat hyperpigmentation? Yes, vitamin C is a well-studied ingredient in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It has strong antioxidant properties that protect your skin against photoaging. It also promotes collagen formation and inhibits melanin formation – actions that help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation (18).
