Hyperpigmentation, one of the kinds of pigmentation irregularity, appears as dark skin spots or patches. This dark coloration of the skin is the direct result of increased melanin production by the melanocytes. Excess of melanin production in the skin can be caused by a variety of reasons including skin injury/trauma, hormonal changes, underlying illnesses, lifestyle habits, and medications. But with chemical peel treatment in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic, one can now manage their pigmentation concerns effectively.
Pigmentation is A Common Cosmetic Concern
Hyperpigmentation is not a serious issue but rather a cosmetic concern that may be noticed anywhere on the body or face. Dark peri-oral areas are its common manifestation that can leave people conscious of their facial appearance. People usually seek cosmetic skin treatment if they are bothered by the dark skin around their mouth. Here is what one needs to know about the cause and chemical peel as the treatment options for dark peri-oral areas.
What causes pigmentation in the peri-oral area?
Dark peri-oral areas occur because of extra melanin deposits in the skin around the mouth. This can happen for various reasons including:
- Sun exposure: The exposure of the skin around the mouth to the sun’s UV rays can also increase the risk of dark spots with advancing age. The melanin is produced in excess upon sun exposure because melanin can help protect the skin from sun damage.
- Hormonal changes: Melasma is one of the types of skin pigmentation disorders characterized by dark brown to greyish brown patches on the facial skin, including the skin around the mouth. It typically occurs in pregnant women because of hormonal fluctuations. Oral contraceptives can also cause melasma.
- Side effects of certain medications: Dark peri-oral areas can even be the result of side effects of certain medications like hormone replacement drugs, drugs that increase sun sensitivity, and chemotherapy drugs.
- Trauma or injury to the skin: If the skin of the peri-oral area had a serious injury, burn, infection, or acne breakout, dark spots or patches may appear after the skin has healed. This marks the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it fades in several months. Contact dermatitis from toothpaste or lip balms or continued licking of the lips can also cause dark peri-oral areas.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies may lead to pigmentation changes in the skin and cause dark peri-oral areas.
Who is more likely to have a dark peri-oral area?
Individuals having dark natural skin tones and aging people who have been overexposed to the sun’s UV rays over time are more prone to have dark peri-oral areas.
What are the treatments for dark peri oral areas?
As per Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic, the best skin doctor in Gurgaon, the skin around the mouth, meaning the peri-oral areas is delicate so its pigmentation is challenging to manage. There are some effective home remedies and dermatological treatment options to manage pigmentation in dark peri-oral areas.
The home remedies include taking sun protection measures, use of over-the-counter skin lightening creams and retinol products, and exfoliation. To permanently get rid of hyperpigmentation in the peri-oral areas, a dermatologist may recommend prescription retinoids or hydroquinone, laser therapy, kojic acid or azelaic acid-based products, or chemical peels.
How can glycolic acid peel help manage pigmentation in dark peri-oral areas?
Getting chemical peel treatment in Gurgaon is the best clinical treatment option for perioral pigmentation. They are the acid solutions that help remove the top skin layers to reveal the new skin from underneath and even help in increasing cell turnover and boosting collagen production. However, they provide a temporary solution to hyperpigmentation around the mouth so multiple treatment sessions are needed to achieve and maintain the desired skin improvement.
There are three kinds of chemical peels varying in the strength of the acid used and how deep in the skin they work. These include superficial peels, medium peels, and deep peels. For managing mild pigmentation in the dark-peri oral areas- the lips and mouth region, a dermatologist uses superficial peel such as glycolic acid.
When glycolic acid is evenly applied on the dark perioral areas, it helps peel off only the epidermis- the topmost pigmented skin layer, thereby reducing the dark skin appearance around the mouth. However, multiple peeling sessions are required to see the desired results and then more every few months to maintain the results.
How can I prevent dark peri oral areas?
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots around the mouth is preventable by avoiding its causative factors. The preventive measures that can be taken depending on the underlying cause of pigmentation include:
- Switching medications that could cause hyperpigmentation, if they are doctor-recommended
- Applying sunscreen daily to avoid melasma or pigmentation caused by the sun’s UV exposure
- Wearing sun-protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face from UV exposure
- Avoiding sun tanning beds and going outdoors in peak sun hours
- Eating healthy and taking supplements to address underlying diagnosed nutritional deficiencies
- Avoiding lip licking and use of any cosmetic product that irritates the skin.
Dr. Niti Gaur, the best skin doctor in Gurgaon has helped many people get their pigmentation issues managed effectively. If you are experiencing the same, get in touch with her today!
