Understanding Lip Discoloration: Causes and Treatment

Have you ever noticed that your lips are changing color? This may be due to hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration, which can result from a variety of factors.

Our lips are covered with thinner skin, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of pollution, sun, and aging. They’re also more likely to get darker spots, discoloration, and lesions.   

These spots look quite unattractive and can be a cause of embarrassment for you. So how do you bring back your natural lip color? Luckily, there are several treatments available for this problem. Ahead, learn about the sources of lip discoloration and how to treat and prevent it.

What is Lip Discoloration?

Lip discoloration is a condition in which the tips of the lips get tanned or become discolored. This occurs because the skin on our lips is so much thinner that the barrier is not as effective in retaining the moisture needed for healthy-looking and pigmented lips. Certain external factors also contribute to lip hyperpigmentation.

Lip Discoloration Causes

A person can experience lip discoloration due to numerous causes. It can be a result of sun damage, nutritional deficiencies, or an underlying medical condition. Apart from that, various other factors may also become a reason for discolored lips:

Hormonal Changes: Lip discoloration due to hormonal shifts are more likely to impact women with relatively darker skin tones.

Smoking: If you are a chain smoker, then you’re definitely at higher risk of lip hyperpigmentation. 

Chemotherapy Treatment: Some sort of chemotherapy treatments can harm the tissues in our lips and may result in lip discoloration. In addition to that, issues like the insufficient amount of hemoglobin and excessive sweating might also lead to darkened lips.

Medical Conditions: Certain diseases, such as dermatitis or jaundice, can leave you with purple or extremely tanned lips.

Excessive Use of Substandard Lipsticks: Daily usage of such products may also contribute to darkened or discolored lips.

Lip Discoloration Treatment

Numerous medical treatments are available for discolored lips that you can opt for depending on the extent of your discoloration, budget, and personal preferences.

These treatment options may also address the underlying condition that causes lip discoloration. However, if your lips are getting darker because of the use of certain medications, speak to your dental professional about going for alternative drugs.

Medical treatments for some skin discoloration usually include:

• Laser therapy.
• Intense pulse light therapy.
• Cryotherapy.
• Photodynamic therapy.
• Surgery.
• Chemical peels.
• Topical medicated ointments.

Preventing Lip Discoloration

Depending on the cause, lip discoloration can be prevented through various approaches:

• Quit smoking, and if it is difficult, speak with a doctor to get a smoking cessation plan.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Limit sun exposure and apply a lip balm having sunscreen in it.
• Protect your face and lips from sun exposure as much as you can.
• Exfoliate regularly.
• Know when to see a professional.
• Be gentle with your skin.

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, severe lip discoloration or pain can be indicative of a serious underlying condition. Therefore, it’s best to seek medical attention if you experience irregularly shaped skin lesions, contusions that do not heal, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

What Causes Discoloration Below Lip & Its Management?

Key Takeaway

The lips are one of the most noticeable features of our face, so it’s no surprise that we all want them to look the best they can. But due to certain environmental factors and medical conditions, they get discolored and look aesthetically unpleasing.

However, there’s no need to worry. There are various tricks and cosmetic procedures available that can polish the texture and color of your lips.

You can also use topical creams to fade the discoloration of your lips. But nothing can work unless you also apply sunblock on your lips religiously. Remember, taking care of your lips is important for your overall health and hygiene.

If discolored or hyperpigmented lips are due to an underlying medical condition, then it can be a cause of concern. In such cases, consult your healthcare professional. So he can evaluate the actual cause and provide appropriate treatment.

FAQs:

How Can I Fix My Discolored Lips Naturally?

There are several home remedies that you can opt for to restore your hyperpigmented lips. Turmeric, coconut oil, cucumber juice, aloe vera, lemon, honey, and pomegranate powder are some of the most preferred and widespread ingredients that can naturally nourish and beautify your lips.

How Do You Treat Discolored Lips?

After determining the actual cause of discolored lips, doctors can prescribe the most suitable treatment options. If certain medications are darkening your lips, you need to talk to your doctor to be switched to another medicine. 

There’s also a wide range of over-the-counter creams and gels available that you can pick to lighten the dark skin around your lips. If none of this works, then you should consider going for medical treatments, such as cryotherapy, light therapy, or surgery.

Is Lemon Good For Lip Discoloration?

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent popular for its incredible skin-lightening properties. Therefore, it can be extremely beneficial in fixing darkened or discolored lips. You can apply lemon and sugar scrub daily on your lips to acquire the maximum results. 

With consistent use, it will heal the uppermost layer of your lips and clear away pigmentation, resulting in visibly lighter, soft, and supple lips.