The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » Darkened skin above lip

Darkened skin above lip


Melasma Mustache, Causes, Treatment, Vs. Age Spots & More

Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown or grayish-brown patches to occur, mostly on the face. When it appears on the upper lip, this condition is referred to as a melasma mustache.

Melasma is more likely to occur in reproductive-aged women than it is in men. It’s also common during pregnancy, affecting 15 to 50 percent of pregnant women. During pregnancy, melasma is referred to as chloasma. It’s also sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.

A melasma mustache isn’t painful, but can make you self-conscious, and in some cases, can be emotionally upsetting to deal with.

In this article, we’ll explain the possible causes and treatments for a melasma mustache.

The exact cause of a melasma mustache is unknown, although specific factors play a role. Primary risk factors include:

  • sun exposure
  • hormones
  • genetics/family history

Other risk factors for melasma mustache include:

  • frequent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays
  • living in high altitudes
  • thyroid disease
  • taking anticonvulsant medication

Having more than one of these factors increases your odds of getting a melasma mustache

A combination of the above risk factors may increase your chances of getting a melasma mustache. Around half of all people with this condition have a family history of melasma. Identical twins have also been found to both have melasma.

An increase or fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone may trigger pigment-producing skin cells to boost melanin in sun-exposed areas of skin. This, in turn, causes the formation of melasma patches.

What do they look like?

Melasma patches are brown or grayish-brown. They may form on your upper lip, or on other parts of your face or neck. They’re often symmetrical. They may appear under each nostril, or on your entire upper lip, giving it a darkened, mustache-like appearance.

Melasma mustaches are more likely to occur in women

Because estrogen and progesterone play a role, melasma is more likely to occur in women than in men, although men can also get melasma mustaches.

Hormonal fluctuations or surges during pregnancy also increase the risk of melasma. Using hormonal contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy, may also increase risk.

Skin color may also be a factor

Skin color is also a factor. Darker skin types have more active pigment-producing cells than light-colored skin. You’re more likely to get a melasma mustache if your skin is light- to medium- brown. Very light and very dark skin types are not usually affected.

A melasma mustache has no additional symptoms. It doesn’t itch, and it doesn’t cause pain or swelling. If you have a melasma mustache, you may, however, notice other discolored patches on your face.

Melasma only happens to sun-exposed areas of skin. Common sites for melasma include:

  • cheeks
  • forehead
  • bridge of the nose
  • chin
  • neck
  • forearms

If you develop a melasma mustache during pregnancy, it may disappear on its own once you’re no longer pregnant.

A melasma mustache caused by taking hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may also disappear once you stop taking the medication.

In other instances, a melasma mustache may last for decades unless treated. Even with treatment, melasma can take many months to resolve completely. Treating a melasma mustache requires patience and a commitment to removing possible triggers.

Eliminate triggers

Once your doctor confirms you have a melasma mustache and not another condition, they’ll first recommend lifestyle changes to eliminate any triggers that may be causing the melasma patches.

This includes year-round, lifetime use of a sun blocker that stops exposure to UVA and UVB light. Mineral sunscreens containing iron oxide are preferred, as they block visible light which can exacerbate melasma.

Heat — such as cooking over a hot stove — is also a melasma trigger and should be avoided if possible.

Wearing sun-protective hats with wide brims can also help keep the sun off your face.

You may also consider changing your birth control method to a non-hormonal type, such as a copper IUD.

For some people, certain perfumes, cosmetics, and creams may become activated by exposure to sunlight. This is known as a phototoxic reaction. In some instances, a phototoxic reaction can trigger melasma. Identifying and eliminating products that react to sunlight may help.

Topical treatments

Hydroquinone, a topical skin lightening cream, is often recommended as a first-line treatment.

Dermatologist may prescribe medications that combine hydroquinone with other ingredients, such as:

  • tretinoin
  • mild steroids
  • vitamin C
  • kojic acid
  • azelaic acid
  • tranexamic acid

Topical treatments containing hydroquinone may start to lighten melasma mustache patches after about one month’s use.

Precautions

Prolonged use of hydroquinone can result in ochronosis, a condition earmarked by blue-black patches of skin. In some instances, hydroquinone may also cause white spots to appear on skin.

You should not use hydroquinone or other topical treatments for a melasma mustache on skin that does not have melasma.

Skin peels and other facial treatments

If topical treatments don’t work after several months, your doctor may recommend trying a skin peel comprised of glycolic or salicylic acid-based compounds. Most peels for melasma contain a blend of acids including low concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

These peels work for some people, but may worsen melasma in others. You and your doctor can decide if peels make sense for your skin type.

A superficial, low-concentration peel may be done monthly, to start. In some instances, your doctor may recommend increasing the frequency and concentration of the peels. You may also be told to combine topical use of a lightening agent, such as hydroquinone, with the skin peels.

Other treatments such as lasers, microdermablasion, and microneedling have had mixed results for melasma mustache. Like laser treatments, they should only be done by a trained medical professional, such as a dermatologist.

Warning about scam treatments for melasma mustaches

A melasma mustache is front and center on your face. This may make you self-conscious, and anxious to try anything that promises to work quickly. These may include online or over-the-counter “scam” treatments, such as skin lighteners and skin whiteners which come from disreputable sources.

Some of these scam treatments are topical. Others are oral or injectable “medications.”

Using treatments that have not been recommended by a doctor can be dangerous and may permanently damage your skin. For example, some topical skin whitening products may contain mercury or high potency steroids. Injected glutathione products sold for the treatment of melasma may cause thyroid or kidney damage.

Always check with a doctor before trying any over-the-counter or internet treatment for a melasma mustache.

Age spots are another condition caused by excessive melanin production and overexposure to the sun.

Unlike melasma mustache, age spots are more likely to occur in people with fair skin. Age spots are also more common in older people, as opposed to melasma mustaches, which are most common in women ages 20 to 40.

As their name implies, age spots usually look like spots. They may appear as a cluster, or alone. A melasma mustache looks more like patches than spots. Age spots are also unlikely to be symmetrical, another common feature of melasma.

A doctor, such as a dermatologist, has tools for diagnosing both conditions, and can tell the difference between the two.

A melasma mustache is a skin condition most likely to occur in women with specific risk factors. These include extensive sun exposure, having light brown skin, and fluctuating hormones, such as those caused by pregnancy.

Genetics and family history of this condition also play a role.

Melasma is not completely understood, and can be challenging to treat. Seeing a doctor such as a dermatologist can help. Often, prescription topical treatments will be enough to diminish a melasma mustache.

Treating this condition usually takes time. Having patience during treatment, and seeking support from others, may help.

Melasma Mustache | Ohio State Health & Discovery

You likely know that protecting yourself from the summer sun can prevent skin cancer and help keep skin healthy. But you may not know it can also prevent a lesser-known condition called “melasma mustache.” While melasma mustache isn’t life-threatening, it can lead to changes in appearance that can be difficult to cope with. Read below for answers to common questions about the condition.

What is a melasma mustache?

Despite its name, melasma mustache has nothing to do with hair. Instead, it describes a pesky discoloration of the skin above the upper lip in the shape of a mustache. It’s caused by increased pigmentation in the skin. Melasma is common and seen routinely, but not everyone associates discoloration above the upper lip with melasma.

What causes melasma?

Melasma is caused by increased melanin in the skin related to a variety of different factors that can lead to skin darkening. These could include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun or tanning beds, hormonal changes (from pregnancy or the use of birth control pills with estrogen, for example), genetics/family history, certain medications, or other systemic conditions like thyroid problems.

Who does it affect and why?

Melasma more commonly affects women, particularly when related to fluctuating estrogen levels. It’s also much more noticeable in women due to the location of the discoloration, and women tend to be more bothered by the mustache-like appearance.

Skin type matters as well. This condition can be more challenging to treat and more persistent in skin of color, particularly in Asian, Hispanic and African American people.

How could the condition affect my health?

It’s important to note that melasma isn’t skin cancer. It has no effect on the body overall because it’s a localized darkening of the skin, but it can profoundly affect body image and self-esteem.

How would I know if I have melasma, and how is it diagnosed?

It will be very obvious if you have it, because you’ll see that persistent discoloration above the upper lip. Aside from discoloration, melasma has no signs or symptoms, so you won’t experience pain, itching, inflammation or other discomfort. However, you might begin to feel self-conscious.

The diagnosis is purely based on the clinical appearance.

How can I reduce the likelihood of melasma?

The most vital first step is to protect the area at all times from sun exposure. Avoiding sun and adhering to strict sun protection practices, such as daily sunscreen use, are key. Use a sunscreen that contains a mineral sunblock, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which physically block UV light. Be sure to reapply throughout the day. Seek shade (umbrellas, hats, etc.) whenever outdoors.

Also eliminate other triggers, if possible, by addressing related medications or considering alternative oral contraception.

During pregnancy, focus solely on sun protection and sun avoidance, because melasma may improve after delivery.

Are there any cures or treatments for melasma?

There is no cure for melasma. It can easily recur and worsen if the area is left untreated or exposed to UV light. If it recurs, it will likely arise in the same place it was before. When seeking treatment, it’s important to visit a board-certified dermatologist to help you explore your options.

Treatments include:

  • Topical over-the-counter skin treatments, such as vitamin C, retinol or azelaic acid.
  • Topical prescription skin lightening creams. These creams include active ingredients such as hydroquinone, which can decrease melanin production. Another option is a combination compounded skin lightening cream with hydroquinone, kojic acid and retinoids. When using these products, follow the instructions of your health care provider. More is not better. Prolonged or excessive use of hydroquinone can lead to a rare condition called exogenous ochronosis, a paradoxical darkening of skin from overuse of the product.
  • Tranexamic acid, which can be used either in topical or oral form, also alters melanin production, leading to lightening of the skin.
  • A series of chemical peels, if you have the right skin type. Peels should be avoided by patients with sensitive skin because they can cause irritation.
  • Laser options geared toward addressing hyperpigmentation. These should only be done with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon skilled in laser technology.

Keep in mind that not all lightening products are created equal. If it overpromises, it will likely underdeliver, particularly with over-the-counter treatments. Furthermore, don’t overdo it with products. Doing so could actually exacerbate the condition by causing irritation that leads to more hyperpigmentation.

And be patient. This condition can be frustrating to treat, results will vary from person to person and it can very easily recur.

Does the condition worsen during certain seasons?

Yes. UV light exposure is the big culprit, and people get more sun exposure in summer months. However, you can also be affected by UV light on cloudy days or even in winter, so daily sunscreen is highly recommended year-round.

How to remove a dark line above the lip

A yellow or bright brown line above the upper lip is a cosmetic flaw that many girls face. It brings aesthetic discomfort and sometimes leads to depression. After all, such a defect from the side resembles a male mustache.

By itself pigmentation of the skin above the upper lip is an increase in the formation of melanin in one place. Dark spots cannot be masked with tonal means. They can only be taken out. How to do this, knows estet-portal.com. nine0005

In this material, he will share with you several effective methods that will get rid of female "antennae" for a long time.

1. Pigmentation of the skin above the upper lip: what causes it
2. Salon procedures: chemical peeling and laser treatment
3. Lightening creams and masks in the fight against skin pigmentation above the upper lip
4. Home methods for removing skin pigmentation

Pigmentation of the skin above the upper lip: what causes it

Before you start to the treatment of age spots , it is necessary to find out their true cause. After all, the way to eliminate skin pigmentation will depend on this.

In order to find out what exactly led to the appearance of an unsightly defect above the lip , it is necessary to undergo a series of medical examinations, which include urinalysis, testosterone levels, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, kidneys and liver.

Experts identify the following causes of an unsightly defect on a delicate area of ​​the face:

• violation of the thyroid gland;
• disease of the adrenal glands;
• liver disease;
• failure of the menstrual cycle ;
• hormonal changes due to pregnancy;
• increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light;
• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• Poorly performed peeling or epilation;
• age-related changes;
• Love for tanning or solarium.

But skin pigmentation is not always a pathology. If the spots appear in the summer, and disappear with the advent of autumn, the anatomical features of the face may be the cause. In this case, there is no need to worry.

Below we will consider effective methods with which you can remove a dark strip above the upper lip .

In-Salon Treatments: Chemical Peeling and Laser Treatment

If dark line above the upper lip is due to exposure to active sunlight, a laser procedure will help to remove it quickly and painlessly. Its essence lies in the fact that the beautician directs the laser to the problem area. nine0005

Under the influence of heat, the bonds between melanin molecules are broken. Then, due to cellular metabolism, the pigment is excreted. In this case, healthy areas of the skin are not affected.

This procedure takes 5-10 minutes. The time of its implementation depends on the amount of pigment above the upper lip . After the session, redness and peeling remain at the site of laser exposure. But within a few hours they pass.

Any cosmetic procedure to eliminate pigmentation should be carried out in autumn or winter, when the sun's rays are less active. If you whiten an unsightly area of ​​​​the face in the summer, then after the session you should not go outside for 12-24 hours. nine0065

Laser lightening is good because it gets rid of female "mustache" literally in one session. After it, the spots no longer appear.

But in order for the result to meet all expectations, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations of cosmetologists:

• One month before and one month after the procedure, it is forbidden to sunbathe and go to the solarium.
• During the course of treatment, scrubs, peels and other exfoliating products should not be applied to the problem area. nine0013 • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outside, even if it's cloudy outside.

If the dark line above the lip is the result of age-related changes, the best method is a chemical peel.

The essence of this procedure is that the cosmetologist, using specially selected chemical compositions, removes the upper stratum corneum, and along with it, pigmented spots. As a result, the overall skin tone of the face is brightened. nine0005

Lightening creams and masks to combat pigmentation of the skin above the upper lip

You can also whiten the unsightly upper part of the mouth with the help of cosmetics that contain whitening components. Lightening creams, masks, ointments with retinol and fruit acids have proven themselves well.

You can also get rid of skin pigmentation above the upper lip with the help of preparations based on salicylic acid or bodyaga.

If the cause of the dark stripe above the lip is not the sun, but problems with the thyroid gland, intestines, kidneys and other organs, then these diseases must first be treated. And then the spots themselves should disappear. nine0065

Along with the use of brightening cosmetic products, the doctor may also prescribe B vitamins, which improve the condition of the skin of the face.

Home methods for removing skin pigmentation

It is quite possible to cope with female "mustache" on your own at home, using the recipes of grandmothers, for the preparation of which natural bleaching agents are used:

1. To prepare the lemon mask

squeeze the juice from 1 lemon, then mix it with yeast and olive oil. The proportion of all components should be 1:2:1. Apply the finished mixture to the problem area and keep it there for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and lubricate the skin with a moisturizer. nine0005

2. Parsley juice

Take a bunch of herbs and squeeze the juice out of it. Then soak a sponge in it and wipe the pigmented epidermis with it. After 30 minutes, wash your face and apply the cream that you usually use on the skin.

Any home remedy can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, before testing it on yourself, test it on the elbow.

There is another option for using parsley to lighten the epidermis - a lotion from its decoction. To prepare a bleaching agent, pour a bunch of greens with boiling water and insist until the broth has cooled. nine0005

Then filter the product obtained and soak a gauze cloth in it. Next, apply it on your face and remove it after 20-25 minutes, then rinse your face with warm water and lubricate it with a nourishing cream.

3. Cucumber Mask for Sensitive Skin

If your skin is sensitive, Cucumber Mask is for you. To prepare it, crush 3 cucumber rings to a paste-like state, then squeeze all the juice out of them through cheesecloth or a strainer. Add here 5 ml of apple cider vinegar and 5 ml of rose water, then mix everything thoroughly. nine0005

Then take this mixture with a cotton swab and apply it to the problem area. Keep such a mask all night, and in the morning wash well and apply sunscreen. You can achieve skin lightening if you repeat this procedure for 14 days every night.

Intrusive spots above the upper lip , reminiscent of a man's mustache, can ruin your mood even on the sunniest day. But such pigmentation of the skin can be easily eliminated. The main thing is to know the cause of its occurrence. nine0005

If it is a thyroid disorder, liver disease, or other health problem, these should be treated first, the spots will disappear on their own.

And if the main "culprit" of the dark line above the upper lip is the sun or age-related changes, then salon and home procedures can help with this. They safely and quickly brighten the pigmented area, thereby leveling the overall skin tone.

How to care for your lips: simple rules and useful tips for every day

You may be interested in: What is bamboo massage and how is it done? Watch the video.

Pigmentation above the lip - why is there a dark line above the upper lip

To read 7 min Views 125 Published by Updated

Contents

  1. Why do they appear?
  2. How to get rid of pigmentation above the lip
  3. Salon treatments: chemical peels and laser treatment
  4. Mesotherapy
  5. Creams and ointments
  6. Laser removal
  7. Home methods for removing skin pigmentation
  8. Pigmentation as a symptom
Why appear?

Let's see why pigmentation appears above the upper lip. Any dark spots appear due to excess melanin synthesis. This is the pigment that is "responsible" for the color of human skin. The more melanin, the darker the skin color. And since the production of pigment increases with exposure to sunlight, the skin darkens after tanning. nine0005

However, age spots are not always caused by the sun alone. The following factors can cause this defect:

  • Use of medicines containing hormones, including birth control pills;
  • Hormonal disorders, such spots may appear with thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause;
  • Addison's disease, in which there is dysfunction of the adrenal glands.

Hormonal disorders are the main cause of upper lip pigmentation. But one of the predisposing factors is sun exposure. Therefore, spots appear mainly in spring and summer, and may disappear in winter. nine0005

Sometimes dark spots appear on the skin after wound healing. For example, a spot may remain in place of a healed deep pimple. Sometimes discoloration occurs after hair removal with mustache creams. Darkening of the skin is a reaction to contact with the chemicals that make up the cream.

How to get rid of pigmentation above the lip

It should be noted that it is extremely difficult to effectively mask pigment spots above the upper lip. To eliminate this drawback, some girls try to use a dark foundation, but the result is disastrous. Age spots show through the layer of cosmetics and look even more unsightly. nine0005

To cover up stains, you need to use special corrective means - concealers. And the color of the concealer should be selected in accordance with age spots. After all, a pigmented formation can have various shades - from red to dark brown.

Wearing complex make-up all the time is not the best option. Therefore, you can try to remove age spots above the lip. Let's see how this can be done.

Salon treatments: chemical peels and laser treatments

If the dark line above the upper lip is due to exposure to active sunlight, laser treatment can help to remove it quickly and painlessly. Its essence lies in the fact that the beautician directs the laser to the problem area.

Heat fuses melanin molecules. Then, due to cellular metabolism, the pigment is removed. Healthy areas of the skin are not affected.

This procedure takes 5-10 minutes. The procedure time depends on the amount of pigment on the upper lip. After the procedure, redness and peeling appear at the site of laser exposure. But they disappear within a few hours. nine0005

Any cosmetic procedure to remove pigmentation should be carried out in autumn or winter when the sun's rays are less active. If you whiten an unsightly area of ​​your face in the summer, do not go outside for 12-24 hours after the procedure.

Laser whitening is so good that it allows you to get rid of female "turns" in just one session. After this procedure, the spots no longer appear.

But in order for the result to meet all expectations, the following recommendations of cosmetologists must be observed:

  • One month before and one month after the procedure, you can not sunbathe and go to the solarium.
  • Do not use scrubs, peels or other exfoliating products on the affected area during the procedure.
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outside, even if it's overcast.

If dark lines above the lip appear as a result of age-related changes, a chemical peel is the best method.

The essence of this procedure is that the cosmetologist, using specially selected chemical compositions, removes the upper stratum corneum, and along with it, pigment spots. As a result, the overall skin tone is brightened. nine0005

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy involves the introduction of special preparations - meso-cocktails into the middle and deep layers of the skin. As a result of their action, the level of melanin decreases, and the complexion gradually evens out.

Mesococtail usually contains:

  • vitamins A, E, C, P;
  • hyaluronic acid;
  • antioxidants.
  • collagen;
  • mineral complex;

The cosmetologist selects an individual meso-cocktail depending on the patient's age, skin type and the nature of age spots. Then the drug is injected into the previously prepared skin with an antiseptic. The procedure is practically painless, since the needles used for manipulation are very thin and short. nine0005

The rehabilitation period lasts up to 2 weeks.

Note: The effect and safety of mesotherapy are confirmed by the opinions of patients.

Creams and ointments

You can also get rid of pigmentation above the upper lip with the help of various ointments and creams. Excellent proven products, which include retinol and fruit acids, salicylic acid and bodyaga.

In combination with creams, experts recommend taking B vitamins.

Laser removal

The laser acts only on the affected areas without damaging nearby cells. One session is enough to eliminate the defect. This method can also remove pigmentation on the lips.

Home methods for removing skin pigmentation

You can cope with female "mustache" on your own at home, using grandmother's recipes, which are prepared using natural bleaching agents:

Lemon mask

Squeeze the juice of one lemon, and then mix it with yeast and olive oil. Mix the ingredients in a ratio of 1:2:1. Apply the mixture to the problem area and leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer. nine0005

2. parsley juice

Wash a handful of parsley leaves and squeeze out their juice. Then soak a sponge in it and wipe the discolored skin with it. Wash your face after 30 minutes and apply your regular sunscreen.

Any home remedy can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, before you try it, test it on your skin on your elbow.

Another way to use parsley for skin lightening is to use lotions prepared from its decoction. To prepare a bleaching agent, pour boiling water over a handful of herbs and boil until the decoction has cooled. nine0005

Then strain the resulting product and saturate the gauze with it. Then apply it on your face and remove it after 20-25 minutes, then rinse your face with warm water and apply a nourishing cream.

Cucumber mask for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, cucumber mask is the right solution. Grind three cucumber stalks into a paste and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth or a sieve. Add 5 ml apple cider vinegar and 5 ml rose water and mix thoroughly.

Then take this mixture with a cotton ball and apply to the problem area. Leave this mask overnight, and in the morning wash well and apply sunscreen. You will get fairer skin if you repeat this treatment every evening for 14 days. nine0005

These annoying spots on the upper lip, like a man's mustache, can ruin your mood even on the sunniest day. But such pigmentation of the skin can be easily corrected. The main thing is to know the reason for its formation.

If it is a thyroid disorder, liver disease or other health problems, then you need to cure them first, the spots will disappear by themselves.

And if the main "culprit" of the dark line above the upper lip is the sun or age-related changes, then salon and home procedures can help him. Safely and quickly brightens areas with discoloration, evening out the overall skin tone. nine0005

Pigmentation as a symptom

In other cases, pigment spots on the lips and around the mouth may indicate abnormalities in the functioning of the body. An experienced doctor will help determine what exactly is causing the production of a large amount of melanin.

Learn more