Lip hyperpigmentation can have several causes. It can be of hormonal origin, linked to a vitamin deficiency or even to exposure to the sun.

While the rest of your skin is made up of several layers of cells, your lips only have five. So what does this mean? Well, that basically means that because there are fewer cell layers, your lip tissue is more visible and more delicate, and lets the discolorations of the blood vessels below show through.

What Causes Lip Discoloration?

The outline of your lips is known as the vermilion edge. No one knows why this feature is only unique to humans, but it's fun to assume we've been given this lip liner for wearing lipstick and smooching.

The vermilion on your lips usually appears as a light pink to brown. This varies from person to person and depends on your skin tone, but generally your lips appear a darker or redder shade than the rest of your face. If you are paler, your lips will be lighter and the underlying blood vessels will appear more striking.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless condition that occurs when areas of your skin become darker than the rest of your skin. This phenomenon is due to an increased production of melanin, the pigment that produces skin color.

Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless and can be caused by a number of factors such as sun exposure or a medical condition. It can occur in anyone, regardless of age, race or gender.

Lip hyperpigmentation
There are many reasons why you may experience lip hyperpigmentation or discoloration. When this discoloration occurs, it is due to excessive production of melanin.

Discoloration of the skin around the mouth is due to excessive production of melanin in your skin. Hormonal changes, medications, and sun exposure are linked to hyperpigmentation. Nutritional deficiencies, skin trauma, and other medical conditions can also cause skin discoloration.

Causes of Lip Discoloration

First, there are harmless reasons for lip discoloration, such as a food or drink that stains the color of your lips giving them a new tint. It can be a soda, berries, beets or any other food or drink that contains a dark or strong pigment.

Before you jump to the worst conclusions, maybe try to spot any foods or drinks you've been consuming that may be contributing to this discoloration! However, if this is not the cause of your lip discoloration, there are other reasons to consider.

Hormonal changes

As we know, skin color comes from a pigment called melanin. Many factors can lead to changes in melanin production, with sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, medications and medical conditions being the most common.

For now, we'll focus on how hormonal changes can directly affect hyperpigmentation spots on your lips and around your mouth.

Melasma is dark brown and gray patches on the face, cheeks, and upper lip. These spots usually appear when a woman has undergone a hormonal change, such as pregnancy or taking an oral contraceptive. They most often appear on the face and prolonged exposure to the sun makes them more visible.

Medications

While birth control is the first thing that comes to mind along with medications that make your mouth darker or cause hyperpigmentation, there are others that can increase your risk, including high estrogen hormone replacement drugs, antibiotic known as doxycycline or drugs used to treat chemotherapy.

Overexposure to the sun

Being in direct contact with the sun's ultraviolet rays can increase your risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots on your face. Remember, when applying sunscreen, don't omit the mouth area and look for a lip balm or lipstick that also contains SPF.

Skin trauma:

After experiencing a severe acne breakout, burn, or infection on your face or surrounding areas of your mouth, you may develop hyperpigmentation in the same areas after the skin heals. This type of hyperpigmentation occurs after inflammation of the skin and usually fades within a few months.

If you are still experiencing this type of hyperpigmentation after a few months, it may be due to irritation from lip balm or toothpaste. Consider replacing these products and see if it improves your pigmentation.

Deficiency of vitamins and nutrients:

Many vitamin deficiencies can be associated with lip hyperpigmentation, but the most common are those related to vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Our Solution:

Search no more! We have finally found the solution to lighten your lips in order to obtain a uniform and natural shade.

Indeed, regardless of the reasons why your lips are dark (consumption of tobacco, use of stripping products, or even genetic reasons), with the French Kissy balm, your lips will find a harmonious and unified color.