Lip Pigmentation
- Pigmentation/hyperpigmentation is the terminology used to describe any dark shade changes over the skin. Multiple factors are responsible for this, like ethnic background, lifestyle, food, sun exposure, genetics, etc.
- One such area of pigmentation is the lips, a less commonly spoken area of the face regarding pigmentation.
- In locations like India, hyperpigmentation is the most common concern, and they are commonly prone to skin pigmentation. Lip is one such area; not just lips, hyperpigmentation around the mouth is also a major concern.
What is lip hyperpigmentation?
- Lip hyperpigmentation is when the lips become darker in color than the surrounding skin. Various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, and genetics, can cause this. Lip hyperpigmentation can affect people of any skin tone and may be more noticeable in people with lighter skin.
- Symptoms of lip hyperpigmentation may include dark or discolored patches on the lips, uneven skin tone, and dry or flaky skin on the lips. In some cases, lip hyperpigmentation may also cause itching or burning.
- If you are concerned about lip hyperpigmentation, you must consult a dermatologist. They will help determine the cause of the hyperpigmentation and recommend suitable treatment options. Treatment may include sun protection, exfoliation, hydration, bleaching agents, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
How is lip hyperpigmentation different from dark
lips?
- Lip hyperpigmentation can affect people of any skin tone and may be more noticeable in people with lighter skin.
- Dark lips, on the other hand, can refer to lips that are naturally darker in color or have become darker due to factors such as sun exposure or smoking. Dark lips may result from hyperpigmentation, but there are certain other factors too.
- It is important to consult with a dermatologist if you are concerned about the color of your lips. They can help determine the cause of the darkness and recommend appropriate treatment options. Treatment for dark lips may include sun protection, exfoliation, hydration, bleaching agents, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
What causes lip Pigmentation?
- Normal skin on the face, around the mouth, eyelids & other parts of the body is different from lips because the skin over the lips is thin and has high vascularization [ that is, high blood supply ], which is the reason why the lip is pink in color unlike other areas of skin
- As the skin is more vulnerable to external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, dirt, dust, aging & dryness, the lip is more prominently affected.
- This is usually seen as the darkening of the upper lip and the darkening of the lower lip.
- Lifestyle and habits have more impact on lip pigmentation, like smoking, drinking, tobacco consumption, and more.
- Usage of external applications like heavy lipstick and lip tints for a longer time will also affect the health of the lips.
- Systemic conditions like vitamin deficiency, elemental deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and toxicities would also lead to lip hyperpigmentation. These could also be potential causes for hyperpigmentation around the mouth.
What are the causes of lip hyperpigmentation?
Sun exposure
- Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation on the lips due to the production of excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Hormonal changes
- Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause can cause lip hyperpigmentation.
Certain medications
- Some medications, such as birth control pills and antidepressants, can cause lip hyperpigmentation.
Genetics
- Lip hyperpigmentation can also be inherited, so if you have a family history of the condition, you may be more likely to develop it.
Other factors
- Smoking, trauma to the lips, and certain medical conditions such as Addison’s disease or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Can lip hyperpigmentation be treated at home?
- Several home remedies may help improve the appearance of lip hyperpigmentation, although it is essential to note that the effectiveness of these remedies may vary from person to person. Some home remedies that may help treat lip hyperpigmentation includes:
Sun protection
- Using a lip balm or lipstick with SPF can help protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
Exfoliation
- Gently exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub or using a toothbrush to remove dead skin cells can help improve the appearance of your lips.
Hydration
- Keeping your lips moisturized can help improve the overall appearance of your lips and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
Natural bleaching agents
- Lemon juice and other natural bleaching agents, such as yogurt or honey, may help lighten hyperpigmentation on the lips.
Aloe vera
- Aloe vera may help lighten hyperpigmentation on the lips due to its soothing and hydrating properties.
It is important to be cautious when using home remedies to treat lip hyperpigmentation. Some remedies, such as lemon juice, can irritate the skin and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are still determining the safety or effectiveness of a particular home remedy, it is always advised to consult with a dermatologist.
How can we get rid of it ?
- Using a lip balm or lipstick with SPF can help protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
- Gently exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub or using a toothbrush to remove dead skin cells can help improve the appearance of your lips.
- Keeping your lips moisturized can help improve the overall appearance of your lips and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
- Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that can be used to lighten hyperpigmentation on the lips. It is available in over-the-counter products or can be prescribed by a dermatologist.
- Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin, which can help lighten hyperpigmentation.
- Laser treatments, such as Q-switched laser, can lighten hyperpigmentation on the lips.
Speciality in Évoluer Aeshtetic and Plastic Surgery
- Peels have worked great to get rid of lip hyperpigmentation as it resurfaces the lip pigments and helps restore the natural lip color.
- In recent times, ZO treatment for lips has changed the treatment modalities in treating lip pigmentation; this is one of the international treatments widely accepted and suits all skin types.
- Microdermabrasion is another option for lip pigmentation treatment, as it removes dead skin and helps rejuvenate the lip layer.
Hydrafacial treatment for lip:
- Hydrafacial is a medical-grade skincare treatment that combines water, antioxidants, and other skin-nourishing ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. While Hydrafacial is often used to treat the face, it can also treat the lips.
- Hydrafacial treatment for the lips may include the following steps:
- A gentle cleanser removes dirt and oil from the skin’s surface.
- An exfoliator removes dead skin cells and improves the skin’s texture.
- A small, pen-like device removes impurities from the pores.
- Antioxidants and other skin-nourishing ingredients are applied to the skin to help hydrate and nourish the skin.
- A moisturizer and sunscreen may be applied to the skin to help protect and moisturize the skin.
Lip pigmentation Treatment Process:
- Lip pigmentation treatment is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting pigment into the skin of the lips to enhance their color or shape. The pigment used in lip pigment treatment is typically a synthetic version of the pigment found in the skin called melanin.
- Lip pigment treatment is usually performed by a trained and licensed professional, such as a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes and uses a fine needle to inject the pigment into the skin.
- Lip pigment treatment enhances the color of the lips, adds volume or shape to the lips, or covers up scars or unevenness on the lips. Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to carefully research and understand lip pigment treatment’s potential risks and benefits. Choosing a qualified and experienced doctor for the procedure is necessary.
What is lip shaping?
- Lip shaping is a cosmetic procedure used to alter the shape of the lips. Several different techniques can be used to shape the lips, including:
Lip augmentation is a procedure that involves injecting a substance, such as a dermal filler, into the lips to add volume and shape.
Lip reduction is a procedure that involves removing excess skin or fat from the lips to reduce their size.
A lip lift is a procedure that involves removing a small strip of skin from the area above the upper lip to lift the lip and create a more defined cupid’s bow.
- Lip reshaping is a procedure that involves altering the shape of the lips using a combination of techniques, such as lip augmentation and lip reduction.
Lip treatments available at Evoluer Aesthetics:
Lip reshaping
Lip reshaping is a procedure that involves altering the shape of the lips using a combination of techniques, such as lip augmentation and lip reduction.
Lip pigment treatment
Lip pigment treatment is a procedure that involves injecting pigment into the skin of the lips to enhance their color or shape.
Lip thread lift:
A lip thread lift is a procedure in which threads made of materials, such as polylactic acid or polydioxanone, are inserted into the skin to lift and tighten the sagging skin on the lips.
Tips to prevent lip pigmentation or discoloration:
- Using a lip balm or lipstick with SPF can help protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
- Picking or biting your lips can cause trauma to the skin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizing lip balm can help prevent dry, flaky lips and improve the overall appearance of the lips.
- Smoking can cause darkening of the lips and may contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation.
- Some medications, such as birth control pills and antidepressants, can cause lip hyperpigmentation. Discussing the risk with your doctor is vital if you take medicines that may cause hyperpigmentation.
- Gently exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub or using a toothbrush to remove dead skin cells can help improve the appearance of your lips.
FAQ
- Cost of lip pigmentation treatment depends on the treatment type and number of sessions.