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In this modern era of lip fillers and perfectly pink pouts, there’s more attention than ever on our mouths—making lip hyperpigmentation a major insecurity for the masses. Whether it shows up in the form of tough-to-fade dark spots, a new cluster of freckles that seem to have appeared overnight, or post-inflammatory patches, hyperpigmentation refers to skin that is darker than the natural colour that surrounds it. On the lips, though, this stubborn condition—which is harmless, but no less irksome—manifests as dark lip corners and a deeper complexion around the perimeter of the mouth. From at-home remedies to cries for help, TikTok’s #DarkLips hashtag has generated over 25,000 posts from users dealing with lip hyperpigmentation—and we understand their frustrations. God forbid it’s getting in the way of our go-to lip combos! To get to the bottom of what causes lip discolouration and how to treat it, we reached out to Dr. Renée A. Beach, dermatologist and founder of Toronto’s DermAtelier on Avenue, for guidance.
How Skin Tone Affects Lip Hyperpigmentation
For those with melanin-rich complexions and darker lips: It’s important to note that skin tone plays a role in the colouring of your pout. Not everyone’s lips are inherently pink, and they don’t need to be. Our lips naturally come in a variety of shapes and shades, each one as gorgeous as the next. “Many patients who are Brown or Black will have more eumelanin,” Dr. Beach explains over email.”This is a specific type of melanin that creates a range of brown hues on the skin and for lips, which translates into lip colours that are deeper browns rather than pink or red.”
Via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Understanding the Root Causes of Dark Lips
Where dark lips are not a matter of genetics, hyperpigmentation is the barrier that may stand between you and an even-toned complexion. But what causes it around the mouth? According to Dr. Beach, it’s the result of the overactivity of a melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). “It can also be made worse by exposure to certain products, especially those which burn or irritate the skin, or even procedures like waxing, threading or sugaring, which can also inflame the skin and cause a melanocyte activation,” she adds. Throw in other factors like sun exposure and additional hormonal changes—like those that occur during pregnancy, for example—and you’re even more susceptible to lip discolouration.
Via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
The Habits You Didn’t Know Were Contributing to Your Dark Lips
From smoking cigarettes to wearing lip oils, it turns out your daily habits may be encouraging the darkening of your lips. “In all skin tones, there can be a lack of radiance with the intake of nicotine and exposure to environmental pollution like exhaust and car fumes,” the derm says. “The biggest unspoken factor is cosmetics, particularly lip oils. When used with exposure to UV radiation, they can darken lips or discolour them.” That said, applying SPF-infused lip balms like Clé de Peau Beauté’s Protective Lip Treatment daily is vital. 
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Treatment Time
To remedy hyperpigmentation around your lips at home, seek out facial serums packed with brightness-boosting ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and kojic acid. SkinCeuticals’ best-selling Discoloration Defense serum will reduce the look of lip dark corners with each application. 
[cta affiliate=”skimlinks” align=”center” format=”button” url=”https://www.skinceuticals.ca/en_CA/best-sellers/discoloration-defense-S25.html”]Shop Now[/cta] Gently exfoliating your lips with products like Dr. Idriss’ Barrier Baste Exfoliating AHA Lip Treatment will further slough off dull, hyperpigmented skin cells while promoting cell turnover to reveal lighter, brighter lips. 
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