Keep scrolling for their advice.

If this is the case, Dr. Weinstein suggests letting it run its course.

She says, “Oftentimes, patients with lip-licking habits can develop hyperpigmentation from inflammation of the skin.”

close up of woman’s glossy lips

Stocksy

If this sounds like you, be mindful of this habit.

Don’t Smoke

Dr. Weinstein confidently suggests “avoiding smoking will help prevent discoloration.”

Consider Your Hormones

Dr. Turner attributes melasma and other hyperpigmentation to hormone-regulating medications likebirth control and pregnancy.

Avoid Waxing

Trauma to the skin around the lips can further exacerbate the darkening on the lipsDr.

Turner says this includes hair removal such as threading and waxing.

Wear Protection

In general,sunscreenis vital to healthy skin.

Dermatologist, Shauna Diggs, MD, and Drs.

Try Vitamin C

Suppose you have sensitive skin that can’t handle these harsher ingredients.

According to Dr. Diggs, mint can be a possible irritant for those with especially sensitive skin.

With the darker melanin removed, the lips automatically lighten to their natural color."

Dr. Talakoub also notes that melanoma can occur on the lip too.

While this may be true, it’s important to engage in these techniques after consulting a dermatologist.

With that said, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek professional help.

Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud AM.

[Updated 2021 Aug 11].

In: StatPearls [Internet].

Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-.

The Role of Sunscreen in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation.Indian journal of dermatology,65(1), 510. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_295_18