All the Ways to Solve Dark Upper Lips: Expert Beauty Guide

Published November 9, 2023

When we hear summer skin, our minds instantly envision dewy cheeks or a scatter of freckles. A tanned glow is like a kiss from the sun. While the sun’s rays can be hazardous, a little won’t hurt. Still, the ugly side of mr. sun on our skin is ever-present. One is the dark upper lip, also known as the sun mustache. 

Our lips carry a character that contributes to our overall facial beauty. Yet, if above that, we find a discoloration as dark facial hair, it can leave us feeling more self-conscious than sun-kissed. It’s a tan we wouldn’t wish on anyone. 

Keep reading as we dive into a rich discussion about having a dark upper lip. We’ll have you restoring your confidence and balance the appearance of your skin complexion. We’ll dive into what it is, what causes it, and all the cosmetic treatments, beauty tips, and natural remedies we’ll end up with. Let’s begin. 

Dark Upper Lip

Dark upper lips are an issue for many women. It is especially the case for those with naturally dark skin tones. A dark upper lip may refer to the skin above the upper lip. It may also be the upper lip itself. 

Melasma Upper Lip

A dark upper lip is also recognized as a melasma mustache or a sun mustache. The skin pigmentation condition often worsens in the summer because of heightened sun exposure. This kind of melasma often manifests over the upper lip. It causes this area of the face to be darker. It may appear as brown, blotchy patches. It may also be grayish skin over the lip. 

Melasma pigmentation over the lip is not dealt with as a health threat. Yet, it can be frustrating to live with. It visibly affects your skin color and appearance. It also indicates that you need to up your SPF skincare game. Also, your sun protection practices. 

Why Is My Upper Lip Dark?

A melasma mustache, for the most part, is due to excessive melanin in the inner and outer layers of the skin. It occurs when a cellular increase in the pigment melanin in our complexion. 

The following factors may work alone to introduce a melasma mustache. They can also combine to cause this condition. Here are the things that may answer your question, why is my upper lip dark: 

1. Sun damage, frequent sun (UV) or heat exposure
2. Hormone changes in puberty and from postpartum and postnatal changes (pregnancy melasma mustache) 
3. Certain medications (Birth control pills with estrogen)
4. Family history and genetics 
5. Illness or disease (e.g., thyroid disease)

How to Get Rid of Dark Skin Above Upper Lip: Cosmetic Procedures

1. Microdermabrasion 

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that can be effective for treating for various purposes. It excels particularly in lightening dark upper lips. This treatment involves using a rotating brush with crystals to exfoliate the skin. It stimulates collagen production. It can help treat heavily discolored lips. 

2. Chemical peels 

Chemical peels can be used to better the appearance of a melasma mustache. This treatment involves the usage of a chemical substance on the skin. Such a solution aids in exfoliating the top layer and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells. Certain types of chemical peels, such as those with glycolic acid, can help better discoloration. 

3. Laser treatments 

Q-Switched Laser is a type of laser treatment commonly used for melasma. Prescription-strength hydroquinone and Cyspera may be combined with laser treatments for optimal results. 

Beauty Tips for Dark Upper Lip

1. Try a lightening cream.

Dark skin on the upper lip is due to excess melanin in the skin. You can use an over-the-counter or prescription skin-lightening cream to lessen this dark pigmentation. 

Hydroquinone, for one, is a highly effective bleaching product for dark skin. Also, look for skin-lightening ingredients, including kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin A, and arbutin. You should look for creams containing a combination of these. 

2. Wear sunscreen 

Harmful UV rays are one of the huge culprits behind dark and discolored skin. It is on the upper lip, or anywhere else in the body. 

Protecting your skin from them is critical by wearing facial sunscreen daily. Do so even when it’s not sunny. 

3. Layering SPF products 

Layering SPF products can support bolstering protection against developing black spots on lips. For instance, apply your facial moisturizer with sun protection, then a foundation with sun protection, then a powder containing sun protection. 

4. Skin brightening products 

Using skin brightening products with proven ingredients such as tranexamic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and licorice extract. These hero ingredients work in their way to reverse uneven skin tone. They improved my mustache significantly. 

5. Chemical exfoliants 

Chemical exfoliants also help alleviate sun mustache by removing dead, dull skin accumulation. 

Home Remedies for Upper Lip Discoloration

1. Honey and lime juice

Combine a little honey, lime juice, or lemon and apply it to the skin on your upper lip. The citric acid in the lime juice can gently bleach the skin. The honey will aid in softening and moisturizing your sun mustache. 

2. Almond oil 

Almond oil is impressive for lightening the skin. It also nourishes and hydrates. Moreover, it encourages skin rejuvenation. You can heat a small amount of the oil. Massage it on your melasma mustache. 

3. Carrot juice 

Carrot juice can be used to improve dark skin on the upper lip. It is due to its high vitamin A and antioxidant beta-carotene levels. Grate a carrot, then blend in a food processor. Press the pulped carrot through a sieve to extract the juice. Then, use a cotton ball to apply the juice to the skin of your upper lip. Leave for a good 15 minutes. Then, proceed to rinse. 

Best Prevention Techniques

A good skincare routine and active and constant sun protection. These two are the best ways to safeguard the skin around the skin from developing excess pigmentation. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. It is from 10 am to 2 pm. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater. Doing so will shield against UVA and UVB rays that can trigger melanin production.