Upper lip discoloration is often caused by hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, or from melasma, which is hyper-pigmentation of the skin. Hyper-pigmentation is often the result of excessive sun exposure. The key to removing discoloration is to avoid sun exposure and lighten existing pigmentation through exfoliating and bleaching agents. If you have lip discoloration due to pregnancy, it is best to cover up the area with makeup and avoid using chemicals that can harm the baby. The discoloration will likely fade after your hormones normalize several months after giving birth.
Step 1
Stay out of the sun to eliminate hyper-pigmentation through sun exposure. When you are outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, or shade your face with a parasol to block out the rays of the sun.
Step 2
Wear a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 on your face every day. Choose a brand that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, according to the New York Times.
Step 3
Exfoliate pigmented or discolored areas with alpha hydroxy scrubs or undergo microdermabrasion performed by your dermatologist. This helps to remove excess pigment, according to SkinTreatment.com, by resurfacing the skin. Exfoliating the skin removes the top layer of dead skin cells which promotes new skin cell growth, revitalizing the skin and revealing a more uniform complexion. If you protect the newly resurfaced area from the sun, it will be less likely to form new discoloration.
Step 4
Use antioxidant treatments prescribed by a doctor that has examined your skin if you have discoloration due to skin inflammation. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which damage cells and tissues and result in inflammation, according to the National Institutes of Health. To further combat inflammation, you can try prescription topical steroids. When cells or tissues are damaged the immune system tries to fight the cause of the damage, resulting in inflammation. The steroids reduce inflammation by mimicking a hormone that calms the immune system.
Step 5
Bleach or lighten discolored skin with skin lighteners containing hydroquinone or natural skin bleachers, such as licorice root or bearberry extract. Prolonged use of skin bleaching agents can actually cause more discoloration, so use these only under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Skin lightening cream
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