Melasma, a skin condition that commonly effects people with dark complexions, is characterized by patches of discolored skin on the lips and other areas of the face. Appearing as tan, brown, blue or black patches, melasma occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, a substance that creates skin color. This increase in melanin is often due to sun exposure, though pregnancy, hormonal imbalances and genetics are other common causes. Whether you have melasma, or your lips are simply darker than you would like, there are several ways to effectively treat hyperpigmented skin.
Step 1
Apply hydroquinone cream to reduce pigmentation in the lips. According to the Reflections Center for Skin and Body in New Jersey, hydroquinone cream, commonly referred to as a skin lightener, does not actually lighten the skin. Instead, it works by decreasing the production of melanin in your skin. Purchase a 2-percent hydroquinone cream at the drugstore, or for faster results, ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger 4-percent solution. Take care to apply only to the lip area, as hydroquinone will lighten wherever applied.
Step 2
Lighten your lips using kojic acid. A natural product extracted from mushrooms, kojic acid works by blocking the melanin production in your skin. You can purchase kojic acid over the counter, or through a doctor.
Step 3
Ask your doctor to prescribe a topical retinoid to lighten the color in your lips. Topical retinoids reduce pigment by promoting rapid cell turnover. Often used in combination with hydroquinone, retinoids cause melanin-rich skin cells to slough off, revealing a layer of lighter skin underneath. The New Zealand Dermatological Society warns that, while topical retinoids may work on hyper-pigmented skin, they can cause dermatitis and other skin problems. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of topical retinoids before treatment.
Step 4
Eliminate dark areas on the lips with a fractional laser treatment. A fractional laser uses tiny pinpoints of light to penetrates both the top and middle layers of the skin to burn away the pigment. While many lasers only eliminate surface hyperpigmentation, this type of laser treatment is effective for people with dermal melasma, a type of melasma that penetrates beyond the top layer of the skin.
Step 5
See your dermatologist for a chemical peel to reduce pigmentation in the lips. A chemical peel can lighten skin color by peeling away layers of the skin. The depth of the peel depends on the chemical used and the amount of time it is left on your skin. It may take several treatments to achieve the desired degree of lightening.
Tips and Warnings
- Use sunscreen daily and stay out of the sun to prevent pigmentation in the lips from recurring following treatment. Sun exposure increases the melanin in your skin and causes areas of hyperpigmentation to darken. The American Academy of Dermatology advises people with melasma to use a sunscreen that offers a high level of ultraviolet protection and contains either titanium oxide or zinc oxide.
- In high doses, hydroquinone can cause skin to darken instead of lighten. Consult your doctor if you notice increased pigmentation with hydroquinone cream. Consult a doctor or dermatologist for more information on reducing pigmentation in the lips.
Things You'll Need
- Hydroquinone cream
- Kojic acid
- Topical retinoid
- Sunscreen
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