Understanding and Addressing Dark Skin Around the Mouth

Ishani Chadha

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Melasma around the mouth is one of the skin issues that many people are quite acquainted with. This condition may manifest itself in the form of black skin spots, black skin blotches, or skin darkening around the mouth or lips. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes and the current treatment in order to address dark spots on skin and around the mouth.

Signs of Dark Skin Around the Mouth

Several factors can contribute to the development of dark areas on skin around the mouth:

Hyperpigmentation:

Dark marks on skin occurs when there is excess production of melanin in the skin and this leads to formation of black spots on the skin or brown spots on the skin. This may be due to sunburn, hormonal changes or inflammation.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):

Skin discolouration is a skin condition that happens when the skin is damaged, has pimples or any other skin inflammation and the skin produces a dark color as it heals due to excess production of melanin.

Melasma:

Melasma is found in people with dark skin and leads to formation of brown skin discoloration particularly on the face and around the mouth and other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.

Friction:

Some of the causes of black spots on skin around the mouth include lip licking or rubbing the skin around the mouth and the use of abrasive skincare products.

Allergic Reactions:

Some people may have dark areas on the skin because of an allergic reaction to foods or cosmetics or skin care products.

Nutritional Deficiencies:

Deficiency of vitamins such as B12 and iron results in dark skin problems and one of them is the occurrence of dark skin around the mouth area.

Available Treatment for Black Spots on Skin

Addressing dark or brown spots on skin involves a combination of preventive measures and treatments to lighten the affected areas:

Sun Protection:

Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can prevent one from getting new dark spots on skin as a result of the UV radiation.

Topical Treatments:

Some of the ingredients that can be used to bleach the skin and prevent the formation of discoloration on skin include hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid and vitamin C.

Chemical Peels:

Another dermatological procedure that can be useful to reduce the visibility of brown spots on the skin is chemical peels as they remove the outer layer of the skin.

Laser Therapy:

Laser treatments are effective on pigmentation and can be of great assistance in fading the dark skin around the mouth region.

Moisturizers and Barrier Creams:

The skin should be well moisturized and protected by barrier creams so as to avoid rubbing and formation of dark marks on the skin.

Healthy Diet:

Intake of foods containing vitamins and minerals can also assist in skin health and the color change that is seen on the skin.

Professional Consultation:

One should consult a dermatologist who will refer him or her to the right treatment and possibly other illnesses that may be causing the dark skin areas.

Prevention Tips of Dark Marks on Skin

Preventing the recurrence of dark skin around the mouth or brown marks on skin requires proactive approach to skincare:

  • Gentle Skincare:
    The skin around the mouth is also very sensitive so do not use any rough or abrasive skin care products on the skin around the mouth.
  • Avoiding Habits that Cause Friction:
    Do not lick the lips or rub the area often as this may worsen the dark spots on skin.
  • Regular Exfoliation:
    The skin should be gently washed to eliminate the dead skin cells that cause pigmentation hence reducing the chances of formation of dark areas on the skin.
  • Hydration:
    The skin can be kept healthy by ensuring that it is well moisturized so that it can effectively act as a barrier to prevent formation of dark marks on the skin due to dryness and irritation.

Thus, knowing the causes and applying proper treatments and protective measures, people can minimize the occurrence of dark areas on skin and around the mouth. In relation to dusky skin, black spots on the skin, or brown marks on the skin, it is possible to attain a more even skin tone through a proper and effective skincare regimen.

Ishani Chadha
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