Darkness around the mouth after chapped lips - how can I improve this hyperpigmentation? (Photos)

This is a common concern, and there are several effective methods to help reduce the darkness and improve your skin tone. Here are some options you might consider:

1. Topical Treatments:

Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that can help reduce hyperpigmentation. It should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Retinoids: These can help promote cell turnover and fade pigmentation over time. Products like tretinoin are often effective.
Vitamin C Serums: Known for their brightening properties, they can help even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
Azelaic Acid: Helps to brighten the skin and is effective for treating hyperpigmentation.
2. Over-the-Counter Creams:

Look for creams containing ingredients like niacinamide, kojic acid, or glycolic acid, which can help lighten dark spots.
3. Sun Protection:

Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to prevent further darkening and protect the skin from UV damage.
4. Chemical Peels:

Professional peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation over a series of treatments.
5. Laser Treatments:

Laser therapy, such as fractional laser or intense pulsed light (IPL), can be effective for more persistent hyperpigmentation.
6. Gentle Exfoliation:

Regular exfoliation with a mild exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells and promote a more even skin tone. Be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin.
It’s important to approach treatment gently, especially if your skin is sensitive from previous chapping. I recommend consulting with a dermatologist who can assess your skin and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

If you have any further questions or need assistance scheduling an appointment, feel free to reach out.

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can follow the resolution or treatment of any kind of skin inflammation. In this case it followed the resolution of the chapped lips. A variety of at-home use of certain topical Rx medications (such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, retinoids, tranexamic acid,, and cysteamine) can be used to treat this condition either alone, or in more resistant cases, in combination with a series of in-office superficial peels, such as high concentration glycolic or salicylic acid, Jessner's Solution, or low concentrations of TCA.
While various relatively expensive laser and light treatments have been used for this, they pose a particular risk of worsening the pigmentation, particular in individuals of skin of color. So, a heavy dose of "buyer beware" would be good advice when being offered these. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.