Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth- Causes, Prevention and Treatment?

Authored by: Sanjana Tharwani

Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja 
Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

Imagine, it’s a warm, sunny day and you’re walking down the street. More than window shopping, you’re enjoying looking at your beautiful face in the glass window of the stores. But suddenly, you notice a sort of dark patch around your mouth. Worried, you try to observe more closely but are unsure of the situation since the glass of that particular store is a little darker. You continue walking and chalk up the slight discoloration around your mouth to the dark glass and the bright rays of the sun. Still, at the back of your mind, you’re restless. You won’t be satisfied until you know for sure.

A girl walking with shopping bags on a sunny day.

Soon, your stroll turns into a fast walk as you rush home, going straight to the mirror. Your worst fear has come true. It wasn’t the dark glass or the golden rays of the sun making you look like this.

You try to ignore them; hoping they will go away after a few days. Meanwhile, your concealer will become your best friend for these few days. But, as days go by, these spots become more and more stubborn and finally comes the day your “best friend” can’t help you either.

If you could relate to this, you’re in the right place.

You’re not alone when you say you’ve had a similar experience with hyperpigmentation around the mouth.

While hyperpigmentation is not something that might be physically harmful, it sure does take a toll on your mental health by impacting how you feel yourself and bringing down your self-confidence.

Fortunately, hyperpigmentation around your mouth is one such gatecrasher at your private party, that you can very easily remove or throw out!

Continue reading to discover why this discoloration happens, how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern science can help, and some simple and natural remedies that can restore balance to your skin.

 Table of Content: 


Decoding Discoloration: Discover the Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth

  1. Sun Exposure: Excessive exposure to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun or spending too much time in tanning beds, triggers melanin production which can increase the amount of dark spots. The risk is increased if you tend to skip the area around your mouth and lips while applying sunscreen.
  2. Skin Injuries: Significant injuries around the mouth like infections, burns, or acne breakouts, may develop hyperpigmentation around the mouth once the skin heals. This skin irritation can also be triggered by shaving, waxing, or chemical peels. It is also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  3. Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D can also lead to changes in skin pigment.
  4. Allergic Reactions: The allergic reactions from any sort of toothpaste, cosmetics, or lip balms that contain irritants may cause these dark patches.
  5. Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as insulin resistance can at times manifest as discoloration around the mouth.
  6. Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause also lead to hyperpigmentation around mouth. This condition is also known as Melasma.

Pitta, Kapha, and Radiance: Ayurveda’s Secret to Clear Skin

Skin health is considered a reflection of the body's internal systems in Ayurveda. The pillars of Ayurveda stress that the vata, pitta, and kapha doshas must be balanced for skin health. Skin is influenced differently by each dosha. The element of air and space, Vata, causes roughness and dryness. The element associated with fire and water is known as Pitta and it leads to redness and inflammation. Finally, Kapha, which is associated with earth and water is responsible for oiliness and congestion. The imbalances in these dosha are a major cause of skin problems, such as black spots around the lips. Hyperpigmentation is mainly caused by aggravation of Pitta dosha which results in excess heat manifesting in dark spots on body.

Ayurveda attributes the reasons behind these imbalances to the build-up of toxins in the body, which can also harm the Agni, the digestive fire. Poor digestion and accumulation of toxins in the body are yet another reason which leads to hyperpigmentation around the mouth. Other factors include environmental factors, stress, bad eating habits, lack of sleep, and improper skin care practices which also contribute to these imbalances.

Thus, Ayurveda addresses these underlying issues giving way to healthy and beautiful skin. Ayurvedic remedies generally focus on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural medicines to restore equilibrium.

  1. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies include:

  • Turmeric: Helps in not just treating but also preventing hyperpigmentation by regulating melanin production. Thus, promoting healthy and radiant skin.

  • Tomato: Tomato also helps in reducing melanin production in the skin. It also helps in keeping the skin healthy and making it glow. Regularly using tomatoes is a great way to naturally reduce the discoloration around your mouth without any harmful side effects.

  • Green Tea Compress: It helps to improve the color of the skin and soothes inflammation because it is rich in antioxidants. In addition to making your skin healthy, it also keeps it refreshed.

  • Liqorice: Thanks to its active ingredient, liquiritin, liqorice helps break down the melanin already present on your skin. Try mixing it with sandalwood powder and raw milk to create a simple DIY face pack; your skin will thank you for the brightness it brings!

  • Manjistha: This Ayurvedic herb works wonders internally by purifying the blood and balancing the skin. You can either take it as a supplement (after speaking to an Ayurvedic expert) or mix manjistha powder with honey to create a soothing, skin-brightening face mask.

  • Cinnamon: Like all the other natural remedies mentioned, even Cinnamon isn’t just limited to creating magic in the kitchen. Cinnamon is yet another thing that will help you control the melanin production in your skin and calm inflammation.

  1. Lifestyle Modifications include: 

  • Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts is extremely beneficial for your skin. It helps in nourishing it. Foods rich in antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E are greatly effective. In addition to consumption of these healthy things, you must also avoid foods with excessive sugars, processed snacks, etc.

  • Stay Hydrated: Water is yet another thing you must focus on. Most people do everything right but barely pay attention to their water intake and that’s why they don’t see the results. You must drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin looking fresh. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin plump and glowing. Another great option to boost skin health is through the consumption of herbal teas like chamomile.

  • Proper Skincare Routine: In addition to a healthy diet and proper hydration, you must also have a proper skincare routine. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt. Exfoliate regularly. Use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin soft. Apply enough sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV damage.

  • Reduce Stress: While you may have all the external things in check, you must also balance the internal issues. Life is always stressful so don’t forget to take breaks now and then and indulge in relaxing activities. Certain stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques work wonders in keeping the dress away and also balancing the doshas to help your skin keep looking the best.

  • Adequate Sleep: Improper and inadequate sleep is also a contributor to skin damage. 7- hours of restful sleep is essential every night. Proper sleep will also help in contributing to a healthy and glowing complexion.

Reclaim Radiance: Dermatological Treatments for Stubborn Hyperpigmentation around mouth

When you reach that point where you’re out of patience and those DIY remedies aren’t working anymore, it’s time to call the professionals!

  1. Topical Creams/Medications:

  • Hydroquinone: This is a prescribed agent which reduces melanin production and helps in lightening the skin.

  • Retinoids: They are rich in Vitamin A which helps promote cell turnover. This leads to a reduction in dark spots and an overall improvement in the texture of the skin.

  • Azelaic Acid: This is a naturally occurring acid. It also helps in reducing melanin production. It is a gentler alternative for sensitive skin.

  • Kojic Acid: It is derived from mushrooms. It also aids in lightening the discolored areas.

  • Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C, as repeatedly mentioned, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and brighten it. 

  1. Chemical Peels:

  • Superficial Peels: They are mild and are used for exfoliating the top layer of the skin, making it fresher and bringing about a balanced complexion.

  • Medium Peels: These go one step beyond superficial peels. They penetrate deeper into the skin. They are usually used to target more stubborn hyperpigmentation.

  • Deep Peels: These are the most intense peels. They are used for extremely severe hyperpigmentation. The results produced through these peels are dramatic.

  1. Laser Peels:

  • Fractional Laser Resurfacing: This laser treatment targets specific areas of hyperpigmentation. It is aimed at improving collagen production.

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL is usually done to break down excess pigment and promote the brightening of skin.

  • Pigment-Specific Lasers: This laser treatment directly targets the melanin and is effective in treating discoloration.

Beauty laser technician performing a cosmetic skin resurfacing session on a female patient, also called a laser peel or photofacial.
  1. Microneedling: In this treatment, fine needles are used to create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve the skin texture and tone.

  2. Microdermabrasion: Unlike other skin procedures and treatments, no penetration is involved in this procedure. This treatment only gently exfoliates the skin to reduce the dark spots.

From Kitchen to Complexion: Natural Fixes for Hyperpigmentation

If you are someone who doesn’t want to go for these dermatological treatments right away, here are some simple remedies using everyday ingredients to get rid of that hyperpigmentation.

  1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural remedy to reduce the production of melanin in the skin.

  2. Turmeric and Milk: Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. When this is combined with milk, which contains lactic acid, it helps exfoliate the skin and brightens it.

  3. Lemon and Honey: Lemon has natural bleaching properties and when combined with honey, it helps to lighten discoloration and moisturize the skin.

  4. Potato Juice: Potato contains natural enzymes that help to lighten dark patches.

  5. Coconut Oil: It has moisturizing properties which help to heal and prevent hyperpigmentation over time.

Sun, Stress, and Skincare: The Ultimate Guide to Prevention

Prevention requires extreme care combined with consistency. Following are some tips you can follow to maintain glowing skin:

  1. Sun Protection: Protect yourself from sun damage by using sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, every day. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun.

  2. Regular Moisturization: Moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated and fresh. Opt for moisturizers containing minimal allergens and more natural herbs.

  3. Balanced Diet: Maintain a proper diet. Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E to provide nourishment from within.

  4. Gentle Products: Avoid products with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances and opt for natural and gentle products.

  5. Proper Skincare Routine: Whether or not you follow the other steps don’t skip out on CEM. 

  • Cleanse: Cleanse twice a day to remove dirt and get rid of excess oil.

  • Exfoliate: Exfoliate regularly to remove the build-up of dead skin cells.

  • Moisturise: Moisturise regularly and keep your skin fresh.

Close up studio shot of a beautiful woman with perfect skin.

Conclusion

Hence, hyperpigmentation is more common than you might think. It can stem from various factors, internal and/or external. But it is also important to remember that preventing and healing this discoloration is also extremely easy whether you opt for dermatological procedures or natural home remedies. Incorporating these measures will help you maintain an even-toned skin that glows brighter than the glass window of any store you stop to admire yourself in; boosting your beauty and confidence.

 

Recommended Products

Natural Skincare Products for Pigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone

Sunscreen with SPF 30 & 50

Natural Face Wash & Cleansers for Skin Brightening

 

Related Articles

Unlocking the secrets of Kumkumadi Oil for Glowing Face

Benefits of Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Best natural remedies for dark spots on face


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


Top Selling Products