It’s sad that when we think of skincare, we don’t give enough attention to lip care. However, most of the men suffer from pigmenation on and around lips. While it’s nothing that poses any serious threat to your health, it ceratinly looks puts you under the spotlight and not for a good reason. Who likes being asked about the dark colour of lips? Well, if it bothers you, you can treat it with a few easy steps and get your lips back to looking healthy. Here’s all you need to know what cause it, what are the tertaments and right products you need to tackle the problem 

Understanding the Issue of Dark or Pigmented Lips 

It is when the lips darken or develop uneven patches of colour which could either be evident or barely noticeable. However, if the dark patches show on your lips, it is because of an increase in melanin–the pigment responsible for skin colour–and it can be triggered by different factors. Following are the most common reasons that might be causing pigmentation around your lips 

1. Sun Exposure 
 

The skin on the lips is thinner and more sensitive and therefore, it easily gets damaged by UV rays. As the lips are more vulnerable to sun damage, it's one of the major reasons that causes darkening of the lips. 

2. Smoking 

This is not even a hidden fact, and most of the men who smoke can look distinguished because of the lip colour. Smokers mostly have dark lips because over time, nicotine and tar cause the lips to darken and look dull. 

3. Dehydration and Neglect 

Low intake of water and not following a proper lip care routine also contribute to the problem as it leaves the lips dry and discoloured. On the other hand, going overboard with harsh or irritating lip products can also cause these coloured patches on the lips. 

4. Underlying Health Conditions and Medicines 

We all know that medication may have a side effect and at times, it could also be pigmented lips. Moreover, health conditions like Addison's disease or treatments like chemotherapy can lead to darkening of the lips. 

5. Allergic Reactions 

You might be using a product in your daily routine that could be causing an allergic reaction leading to dark lips. It could be any lip care product like a balm or scrub or even your toothpaste or cleanser that might not be suitable for the sensitive skin on the lips. 

Suitable Treatments for Lip Pigmentation

1. Hydrate & Protect

Invest in a lip balm that comes with at least SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from the harmful UV rays. This step alone can be beneficial in tackling and combating further darkening.

2. Exfoliate and Moisturise

Gently exfoliating the lips helps remove dead skin cells. Go for a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to exfoliate. Make sure to follow up with a hydrating and rich balm infused with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

3. Go Easy on Smoking

Not here to preach, but one of the major causes of lip pigmentation is smoking and if you want to improve the appearance of your lips, reducing or quitting smoking will make a huge difference.

4. Use Targeted Products

Look for lip products with brightening ingredients like vitamin C or kojic acid. In fact, home remedies like aloe vera and honey paste can also help in gentle exfoliation and hydration of the lips.

5. Consult a Dermatologist

If nothing works, make sure to book an appointment with a dermatologist who can suggest in-clinic treatments like  chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion to even out the colour of your lips.

Products To Rescue

- SPF Lip Balm: Keep the lips moisturised and buy lip balms with SPF and  ingredients like ascorbic acid and vitamin C that target the pigmentation.

L-Ascorbic Acid 8% Lip Treatment Balm prevents hyper-pigmentation while nourishing and softening lips

- Lip Scrub: Exfoliate the lips gently with a lip scrub twice a week.

RAS Luxury Skincare Lush Lips Conditioning Lip Scrub provides gentle exfoliation while keeping the lips nourished. 

- Lip Mask: Use an overnight lip mask to lock in the moisture and keep lips plump.

Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask is packed with antioxidants that target pigmentation and essential oils keep lips smooth and prevent wrinkles.