Will applying Retin A reduce the darkness of my lips?

Question

I have always had lips with dark edges. Recently, they seem to have become darker! I am 28, and do not smoke. I use sunscreen regularly. I have very recently started using Retin A. I have read that applying almond oil helps, but I want to be sure of what I do. Thank you, in advance, for your time.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Retin-A will have no effect on the darkness of your lips.  I am not aware of any procedure that will correct your problem.

Bobby Buka, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Lips with dark edges, called
hyper-pigmentation, is a feature of ethnicity. With this being said, it can make
it difficult to treat patients with darker skin tones. This darkness typically
gets more accentuated with sun exposure, so make sure that you are moderating
any UV light exposure during the Summer.

Retin-A can help to lighten skin of
any cause, especially when combined with hydroquinone and a very mild
corticosteroid, like hydrocortisone, for a short period of time. In the
botanical category, things like arbutin and licorice root have the most data on
the holistic side for skin lightening.

Will applying Retin A reduce the darkness of my lips?

Answers (2)