A dark upper lip is a common problem that can occur due to various medical and lifestyle factors. Fortunately, various lip-lightening treatments are available today to help you achieve pink and fresh-looking lips. Here are some treatments and tips guided by our experts at Skinovate.
Causes of dark lips
Sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure leads to increased melanin production on the lips, making them appear brown or dark in color.
Smoking
Smoking and chewing tobacco expose lips to tar and nicotine, thereby reducing blood flow cause lips and gums to darken, leading to uneven pigmentation. In addition to smoking, high caffeine consumption can also lead to dark lips.
Skin disorders
Skin conditions such as melasma and atopic dermatitis can cause hyperpigmentation and result in dark spots or patches on the upper lips.
Genetics
Dark lips can also be caused due to genetic reasons. For instance, if people in your family or your parents have pigmented lips, you are more likely to have dark lips. It should be noted that genetically dark lips can’t be treated with medications or home remedies but can be cured with laser.
Lip licking habits
Sucking and biting lips repetitively cause dryness and dehydration, which further leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Apart from these, certain allergic reactions to toothpaste or cosmetics, excessive fluoride use, and medical conditions such as anemia and vitamin deficiency can also lead to dark lips.
Lip lightening treatments
Topical creams
Today, many over-the-counter (or OTC) creams and gels options are available that help reduces the melanin content in the skin and lighten the lips. These creams contain chemicals such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin, which help fade the discoloration with regular use.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are plant derivatives that exfoliate the surface of the lips to unveil smoother and brighter lips. These chemical peels contain hydroxy acids such as lactic or glycolic acid that gently dissolve the top layer of dead skin on lips. It should also be noted that you should use chemical peels only under the strict supervision of a dermatologist.
Laser treatment
Laser lip lightening is a highly recommended treatment for lightening dark lips. It involves using targeted light and heat to break down the melanin deposits present in lip skin. Depending on the extent of pigmentation, it might require multiple sessions.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers inject fat into the lips whilst safely avoiding the blood vessels. This adds volume and hydration to the lips, thus restoring their luster and beauty.
Permanent makeup
Permanent makeup for lips, also known as lip tattooing, is the latest technique to lighten dark lips. It involves injecting pigmented granules beneath the epidermis to make lips look pink again. It is done after applying anesthesia and emphasizes the lips’ shape and size to provide it with a subtle symmetry and full appearance. The permanent makeup makes the lips look pink and beautiful for 1-2 years, and a few touch-up sessions may be required.
Tips to prevent lip darkening
- Use lip balms that have SPF ratings
- Don’t rub your lips aggressively
- Avoid experimenting with home remedies
- Use premium quality lip cosmetics
- Avoid smoking and sun exposure
How much does lip-lightening treatment cost in Pune?
The cost of lip-lightening treatment varies for every individual depending on the following factors:
- Type of the treatment
- The severity of the condition
- Underlying cause
- Technology offered
- Reputation and location of the clinic
- Experience of the dermatologist
Skinovate is one of the most renowned cosmetic and dermatology clinics in Pune. Here, we provide you with the best lip-lightening treatment through customized combinations of treatments that align with your facial aesthetic goals. To know more about our services, contact us today.
