Blackness Around Mouth: Causes, Treatments, and Skincare Tips
Dark patches, uneven skin tone, or dullness around the mouth? These are the common signs of blackness or pigmentation around the mouth. Although not medically alarming, it may affect one’s confidence and complexion significantly.
The good news? With the right remedies, ingredients, treatments, and routine, it may fade over time.
Scroll down to understand the causes of blackness around mouth, treatment and preventive tips to remove black pigmentation around the mouth safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
What is Blackness Around Mouth?
Before exploring the time-tested remedies on how to remove blackness around mouth, it is important to understand what exactly is pigmentation around the mouth.
Discolouration and pigmentation around the mouth usually appear as darker patches or uneven skin tone encircling even the lips. This localised discoloration or black patches around mouth occur due to overproduction of melanin -the pigment that gives our skin its colour in the affected area.
Main 5 Causes of Blackness Around Mouth
To know how to reduce blackness around mouth, understanding its underlying causes is important.
Here are five key causes of blackness around the mouth:
1. Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases melanin production, leading to darkening of the skin around the mouth.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or from birth control pills, can trigger melasma, a common cause of hyperpigmentation near the mouth.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): When the skin around the mouth is injured or inflamed by issues like acne, eczema, or minor burns, it can leave behind dark patches after the inflammation subsides.
4. Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of essential vitamins, such as B12 and iron, can cause a dull or dark tone of the skin around the lips.
5. Medications and Product Irritation: Some medications (like certain antibiotics or antipsychotics) and irritating ingredients in lip products or toothpaste can cause dark spots on the skin.
Other factors to consider:
- Skin Dryness: Chronic dryness or dehydration can make the skin around the mouth appear darker.
- Medical Conditions: In rarer cases, certain medical conditions can also cause generalized skin darkening, including around the mouth.
- Lifestyle Habits: Habits like smoking or licking your lips can also contribute to darkening.
How to Remove Blackness Around Mouth Naturally: 7 Natural Remedies You Should Try
Natural remedies work wonderfully to remove blackness around mouth . So, if you have been searching for how to remove black patches around mouth naturally. Here are the 7 best examples:
1. Aloe vera
Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera gel is a proven remedy for dark areas. Apply the aloe gel directly to the affected areas and let it stay for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off.
2. Turmeric
Creating a paste by mixing turmeric with yogurt or honey and applying it on the dark spots can gradually lighten your skin texture.
3. Lemon juice
Lemon juice, because of its citric acid content, is a natural skin lightener. Apply fresh lemon juice to the dark areas for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
4. Potato
Potatoes with vitamin C and enzymes can effectively help lighten dark patches. Apply thin potato slices on the discoloured areas and rinse after 15-20 mins.
5. Papaya
Papaya enriched with vitamins A and C can effectively minimize black pigmentation around mouth. Make a thick paste with a few slices of raw papaya and rose water. Apply as a mask and leave it on for 30 mins. Rinse off with cold water.
6. Apple cider vinegar
It has mild exfoliating properties that can fade mouth pigmentation. Combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply it to the discoloured area for a few minutes. Wash thoroughly.
7. Green tea
Green tea enriched with antioxidants can minimize inflammation and support skin health. Brew a cup of green tea and wait for it to cool, and then apply it as a compress on the dark areas around the mouth.
Topical Medications For Black Pigmentation Around Mouth
Wondering how to reduce black around mouth other than these natural remedies. You will be grateful that there are topical skin-lightening ingredients or agents available for treating dark patches around the mouth:
| Topical skin lightening agents | Uses |
| Vitamin C serums | Fade dark spots and brighten skin. |
| Azelaic acid and hydroquinone | Often prescribed for targeted pigmentation around the mouth. |
| Niacinamide | Minimizes pigmentation and supports skin barrier function. |
| Prescription creams | Contain higher concentrations of skin-lightening agents and target stubborn dark areas effectively. |
| Kojic acid | Provides visibly brighter skin over time. |
| Glycolic acid | As an exfoliating agent, it helps fade dark spots and pigmentation. |
| Retinol | A star nighttime ingredient boosts collagen production to fade away dark spots. , |
Other Preventive Tips On How to Get Rid Of Black Around Mouth
Removing blackness around mouth is a holistic approach, that includes the below listed tips beyond natural remedies or topical medications:
- Sun protection: Pair your natural remedies or treatments with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF at least 30 and apply every morning.
- Exfoliation: Weekly exfoliation with a gentle face scrub can help with the darkening of the mouth area by stopping the accumulation of impurities on the face.
- Professional dermatological treatments: Multiple professional treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion target deep melanin deposits to treat blackening around the mouth.
- Nutrient-rich diet: Including a diet enriched with whole grains, green veggies, pulses, and dairy products helps remove iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies that can cause mouth pigmentation.
- Lifestyle changes: certain lifestyle changes, like keeping the skin well hydrated and effective stress management through meditation or yoga, may help maintain healthy skin.
- Keep harsh ingredients at arm’s length: Avoid products containing fragrances, alcohol, especially around the lip zone. Switch to hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic products.
- Avoid picking or rubbing the area: Actions like touching or scrubbing the skin or lip-licking may trigger inflammation and cause pigmentation around the mouth.
- Consult a doctor about underlying conditions: If you suspect that a medication or a medical condition may be behind pigmentation around the mouth, consult your doctor for alternative treatments.
- Hydrate and nourish with a moisturiser: Use a gentle moisturizer, as well-nourished skin is less susceptible to dark spots and inflammation.
- Reapply sunscreen mid-day: One time morning application is not adequate. Reapply SPF 30 sunscreen every 3-4 hours, especially after sweating or eating, to prevent mouth pigmentation.
- Do not forget your lips: Pair SPF protection with a lip balm to protect the delicate lip area from black pigmentation.
Conclusion
Dealing with blackness around mouth may feel frustrating, but there are multiple effective ways to treat it. Whether you’re considering home remedies, active topical agents, or other holistic tips, including professional treatments, pigmentation around the mouth can be successfully managed. In the end, the right approach and consistency are the key to getting desired results and achieving a more even skin tone.
FAQs
Is blackness around mouth related to hormones?
Yes, blackness around the mouth can be related to hormones. Hormonal fluctuations can stimulate the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color,causing dark patches around the mouth and other areas of the face.
What is the fastest way to remove pigmentation around mouth ?
The fastest way to remove pigmentation around the mouth involves professional treatments like chemical peels or lasers, but dermatologist-recommended topical creams can also be effective.
Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation around the mouth?
Deficiencies in vitamins such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D can lead to pigmentation around the mouth.
Is darkness around the mouth permanent?
No, darkness around the mouth is usually not permanent and can often be faded with treatment by addressing the underlying cause.
How many days does aloe vera take to remove pigmentation around mouth?
Aloe vera doesn’t have a set timeframe to remove pigmentation around the mouth, but you might see a lightening effect after a few weeks to a few months of consistent daily use.
How can I cover up dark skin around my mouth?
Applying a concealer directly to areas of dark spots help build coverage in the areas you want to conceal.
Can coffee remove dark patches around mouth?
Yes, coffee can help reduce the appearance of dark patches around the mouth by acting as a natural exfoliant, which removes dead skin cells and helps break down pigmentation over time.
Can coconut oil remove blackness around mouth?
Yes, coconut oil can help lighten the skin around the mouth due to its moisturizing and mild skin-lightening properties, but it is not a quick fix and works best when combined with other remedies.
Which vitamin helps darkness around the mouth?
Vitamin C as a potent antioxidant may help drecrase the appearance of skin darkening by inhibiting melanin production, for a brighter and more radiant skin.
