Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth - Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of patches or areas of the skin due to excess melanin production. Causes include sun exposure, hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or with birth control use, inflammation, and skin injuries. It can occur near the mouth due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or conditions like melasma.
While hyperpigmentation can be managed using home remedies, supplements are more effective to treat hyperpigmentation. In this blog we will understand everything about hyperpigmentation, how it forms around the mouth and how to treat hyperpigmentation around the mouth.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth

• Melasma
Melasma is also known as the mask of pregnancy. Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by brown or gray-brown patches on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip. It is caused by an overproduction of melanin, often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, sun exposure, or genetics. Melasma around the mouth is common during pregnancy.

• Side effects from medication
Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect. Medications like some antibiotics like doxycycline, hormonal replacements loke estrogen, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs have been associated with hyperpigmentation.

• Sun exposure
Sun exposure is a common cause of hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the face. UV radiation stimulates melanin production, leading to uneven pigmentation. Over time, repeated sun exposure without protection can exacerbate existing hyperpigmentation and contribute to the development of new dark spots on the face. One study also found that visible light also contributes to the development of melasma (1).

• Skin injury or trauma
If a significant injury, acne flare-up, burn, or infection occurs around the mouth area, there's a chance that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may develop, leading to brown or black spots once the skin heals. This discoloration typically diminishes over several months.

• Vitamin Deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies can contribute to hyperpigmentation and dark spots. For example, deficiencies in vitamins B12, C, and D have been associated with changes in skin pigmentation. One study in 2012 found that vitamin D deficiencies were also prominent in people with melasma (2).

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth?

• Home remedies
Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, when outdoors. Apply pure aloe vera gel to hyperpigmented areas. Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties that can help calm inflammation and promote skin healing. Gently exfoliate the skin 1-2 times per week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

• Skincare supplements
Supplements are very effective in treating hyperpigmentation around the mouth. Supplements with glutathione and vitamin C are highly effective as they are powerful antioxidants which help protect the skin from sun damage and may inhibit melanin production. Glutathione plays a role in detoxification and may help reduce oxidative stress in the skin, leading to improved skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation.
You can use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. This protects your skin from harmful UV radiation.

• Medical treatments
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and improve pigmentation irregularities. Peels containing ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be effective for hyperpigmentation.
Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or fractional laser resurfacing, target melanin in the skin and break down excess pigment. This stimulates collagen production and helps fade hyperpigmentation.

Who is more prone to hyperpigmentation?
• Individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin production.
• Individuals who spend significant time outdoors are more susceptible.
• Pregnant women using hormonal contraceptives, and those undergoing hormonal treatments are more prone to hormonal hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion
Excessive melanin production in the skin leads to skin discoloration around the mouth. Factors such as hormonal imbalance, medication and sun exposure contribute to hyperpigmentation. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, skin injuries, and various medical issues can also result in skin discoloration. Typically, dark spots near the mouth aren’t harmful and only require small treatment if they cause any concern with the appearance.

FAQs

1. How do you fix hyperpigmentation around your mouth?
Hyperpigmentation around the mouth can be addressed through topical treatments like glutathione or vitamin C, chemical peels, laser therapy, and sun protection to prevent further darkening.

2. Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation around mouth?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to pigmentation changes around the mouth, leading to hyperpigmentation.

3. What is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation?
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is by consistently using sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining a healthy skincare routine.

4. Can pigmentation be cured permanently?
Complete permanent cure for hyperpigmentation may be challenging, but various treatments can significantly reduce its appearance. Consistent skincare, sun protection, and medical interventions can help manage and minimise pigmentation.