Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that leads to patches of skin appearing darker than the surrounding skin. This is something that many individuals experience throughout their lives, and the area around the mouth is prone to this condition. When an excessive amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced and deposited in these areas, patches of skin may become dark. 

Some people may not find this to be a concern, but if it is making one feel self-conscious about their appearance, one must know that they are not alone and that there are several treatments available to lessen the discoloration.

To make this post enriching and factful, we have taken references from a renowned skin specialist, Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, who is renowned for performing the best pigmentation treatment in Hyderabad. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what causes dark skin around the mouth and how one can get rid of it. Keep reading to learn more.

Before proceeding, let's first understand the two types of pigmentation. 

What are the Two Types of Pigmentation?

Following are the two types of pigmentation based on the production of melanin:

1. Hyperpigmentation: An increase in the production of melanin is called hyperpigmentation. It leads to darker skin than the usual surrounding skin. The rise in the production of melanin is often because of more melanocytes. It's essential to consult a renowned skin specialist to determine the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation and develop a tailored treatment plan. Moreover, practicing good sun protection habits is crucial in preventing further hyperpigmentation, which also helps in maintaining overall skin health.
2. Hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation concerns include vitiligo, albinism, and pityriasis alba. The condition is caused by inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and past skin injuries due to ulcers, burns, blisters, chemical exposure, etc.

The pigmentation treatment chosen at the clinic is determined after determining the type of pigmentation. To know the type of pigmentation one is experiencing, they need to consult a renowned skin expert. For more details, one can consult Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, a prominent dermatologist in Hyderabad, at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic.

What Causes Dark Skin Around the Mouth?

Excess or uneven melanin production can lead to dark areas of the body and face. There are several reasons why the body starts producing excessive melanin in some parts of the skin. These include: 

1. Melasma: Melasma is a skin condition defined by hyperpigmented patches spread over the nose, chin, forehand, etc. It is also referred to as "the mask of pregnancy”. It frequently occurs when women use oral contraceptives or are pregnant. It could also occur due to a hormonal imbalance. It is more prevalent in women and gets more defined as people get older.
2. Side Effects of Medications: Medicines such as hormone replacement pills, which contain estrogen, lead to hyperpigmentation on the face.
3. Sun Exposure: According to research, the sun's UV rays and visible light can cause dark pigmented spots over the face and other parts of the body. If one does not correctly apply sunscreen to cover their entire face and mouth, they increase the risk of developing discoloration around the mouth. It has also been discovered that frequent use of tanning beds contributes to the development of dark patches on aging skin.
4. Trauma to the Skin: Traumatic skin concerns such as acne breakouts, skin infections or injuries can lead to hyperpigmented skin once the healing is complete. This is also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
5. Deficiencies: A lot of hyperpigmentation cases are associated with deficiencies of vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

How is Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth Treated?

Whatever the reason behind one’s dark spots or patches on the skin, there are several methods with which one can get rid of hyperpigmentation. Following are the popular cosmetic procedures that help treat hyperpigmentation around the mouth:

1. Carbon Laser Peel: During this procedure, the skin experts spread a thin layer of carbon lotion on the targeted skin and leave the lotion to dry. Once it is dried, a Nd:YAG laser is passed over the skin to heat the carbon. The dermis is also heated to increase the production of collagen. The lasers used during this procedure are used in high-energy settings to break up the liquid carbon into smaller particles. Lastly, the carbon impurities are eliminated from the skin with the help of a smoke evaporator or vacuum suction attached at one end of the laser device. The laser treatment is effective in treating melasma, tanning, open [ores, skin congestion, photoaging, and acne pigmentation.
2. MNRF (Microneedling radiofrequency): In this procedure, a micro pen which delivers radiofrequency energy moves micro-needles across the surface of the skin. It makes micro-wounds in the skin and releases radiofrequency waves to heat the dermis and increase collagen production.
3. Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light): It is a simple and effective procedure for eliminating hyperpigmentation. It also treats sun spots, sun-damaged skin, rosacea, and even spider veins. In this procedure, a handpiece that delivers light in short pulses is moved over the targeted area. The heat generated by the light breaks the melanin and eliminates it by exfoliating the skin.
4. Laser Resurfacing: Lasers have been the most effective approach to treating pigmentation concerns. Ablative lasers help to remove the skin’s topmost layer, while non-ablative lasers heat the skin’s dermis to boost the production of collagen. 

In laser resurfacing, the treated area gets exposed to short pulses of laser light. This is done to break the melanin into particles, which are later flushed from the skin through the lymphatic system. The laser treatment can even stimulate the growth of new skin cells and help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

How Can One Prevent Hyperpigmentation Concerns?

The first and most important method to prevent hyperpigmentation is by protecting the skin from the sun. This can be done by wearing sun-protective clothing and applying sunscreen with SPF 30. This helps to protect the skin against UV exposure and the formation of dark spots and patches on the skin. 

Also, one must avoid skin damage and avoid picking at acne or scabs to achieve healthy and clear skin. However, besides protecting the skin from sunlight or other damage, hyperpigmentation can also be prevented by breaking the skin’s melanin production. For this, one can use skin products such as kojic acid and phytic acid that help to effectively interrupt the production of melanin.

Final Takeaway

Pigmentation around the mouth can be due to a range of reasons, such as being exposed to the sun, melasma, medications, etc. With the effective dermatological procedures explained above, one can effectively get rid of hyperpigmentation around the mouth. One can also reach out to a dermatologist if they believe that darkening around the mouth might be due to any medical reason.

For this, one can make an appointment with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, a renowned dermatologist in Hyderabad at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic. The expert skin specialist has vast years of experience and will recommend the best treatment for hyperpigmentation to help one achieve healthy and glowing skin.

The pigmentation treatment cost at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic starts from Rs. 3,000 and will vary based on treatment provided or sessions. To get the exact cost of the pigmentation treatment, pay a visit to the clinic today!

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