Skin discoloration on the upper lip can be attributed to a rise in hormones, genetics, or excessive sun exposure. Dark lines above the lips occur when melanin, or the skin's natural pigmentation, breaks down due to any one of these factors. The dark area may look like a mustache and be a cause for embarrassment. However, you can seek treatment or treat this discoloration at home to minimize the appearance and fade the dark pigmentation.
Step 1
Apply a bleaching cream to the darkened skin. Be careful not to get the cream in your mouth or nose. Allow the bleaching cream to remain on the skin for up to 10 minutes and gently rinse off with water. Lemon juice is an ideal natural bleaching. This method will slowly fade the dark area, making it disappear within a couple months.
Step 2
Opt for a chemical peel or microdermabrasion at your dermatologist's office or local skin-care clinic. These methods remove the top layers of skin with each treatment until the affected skin is removed and fresh new skin is exposed. This method takes several treatments spread out over several months.
Step 3
Request laser resurfacing treatment. The laser literally burns off the discolored skin, exposing clear, new skin. There is a weeklong recovery when opting for this procedure, and some pain, redness and peeling of the skin may occur. Most of the time this method is effective after one treatment, and the benefits can last up to five years.
Step 4
Apply sunblock whenever you go outside. This prevents further breakdown and allows your skin to heal naturally. Melanin production is exacerbated by UV rays, and avoiding excessive exposure will allow for proper production, gradually removing discoloration during the healing process.
Tips and Warnings
- Medications, hormone fluctuations, and allergic reactions can also cause a dark line on the upper lip. The discoloration will go away on its own after about three or four months after discontinuation of medications, or hormonal balancing.
Member Comments