Why Dark skin on the upper lip looks like Mustache

Women always try to remove or hide the small hair on their face through various methods to look more beautiful & attractive. But sometimes a problem causes them to make their face to look like having a lot of hair & especially upper lips. Moreover, the problem does not involve any hair growing out but Why Dark skin on the upper lip looks like Mustache. This problem is known as Melasma Mustache, or Sun mustache, which makes dark skin on upper lip looks like mustache.

But what causes this problem, what are its solutions & how one can prevent it. Let’s get to know in detail about the Melasma Mustache.

Table of Contents

What is Melasma Mustache?

There is a skin ailment known as Melasma, which causes patches of brown or grayish-brown skin to appear on the face. This ailment is known as a melasma mustache when dark skin on upper lip looks like mustache.

Melasma is more common in women of childbearing age than in males. Approximately 15 to 50 percent of pregnant women are affected by chloasma. If you are pregnant, you may notice that your skin seems darker. When you’re pregnant, it’s called the pregnancy mask.

It’s not painful, but having a melasma mustache might make you feel self-conscious and even emotionally unpleasant in certain circumstances.

What causes dark skin on upper lip?

The exact cause of a melasma mustache is unknown, but certain things play a role. Here are the Melasma upper lip causes:

Family History/Genetics
Hormones Disbalance
Too much sun exposure
Sun’s UV rays
Living at High Altitudes
Thyroid
Anticonvulsant Medication

These are most reasons behind the dark skin on upper lip look like mustache. However, the Melasma mustache or Sun mustache can also appear on other face parts.

How do hormones cause skin darkening?

Melasma is more common during pregnancy and when taking birth control pills because estrogen levels rise during these times. Estrogen can make your skin’s melanocytes produce more melanin if there are more of them. Chloasma, darkening of the skin around the mouth (hyperpigmentation), or darkening on the cheeks and forehead are all signs of too much melanin (Melasma).

Why does Melasma on upper lip only happen in women?

Melasma is more common in women since estrogen and progesterone play a role, although males may also develop melasma mustaches.

Melasma might be exacerbated by hormonal changes or surges during pregnancy. An additional source of risk is the use of hormone-based contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

How to get rid of Melasma on upper lip?

Unfortunately, the winter months are the only time when Melasma may be expected to go away completely. However, if you’re a frequent skier or live in a hotter region, you should use sunscreen all year round to avoid skin darkening.

Preventative steps, such as using a salicylic acid-based cleanser and an efficient dark spot remover, are the best approach to get rid of black spots above your top lip.

Glycolic acids and retinoids may also be used to eliminate dead skin cells, speed up the skin’s regeneration process, and lessen the appearance of pigmentation. Concealer may be your new best friend if you find the right one.

All skin types and colors may benefit from MDacne Advanced Dark Spot Remover, which contains arbutin, retinol, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which will help remove the Melasma on upper lip.

If you’ve developed a melasma mustache as a result of using hormonal contraceptives or HRT, it may go away after you stop using the drug.

In certain cases, your dermatologist may prescribe skin peelings. A lightening agent, such as hydroquinone, may also be recommended in conjunction with the skin peels.

Other melasma mustache therapies have had inconsistent outcomes, including lasers, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. Therefore, dermatologists and other competent medical professionals should perform these procedures.

How long does Melasma last?

The “sun mustache’s” response to therapy might be difficult to predict. Some people experience improvements in as little as three months, while others may need more time. To rule out any underlying issues, including a hormone imbalance, you may wish to see your doctor if skin darkening continues for more than six months.

How to Prevent Melasma on Upper Lip?

There are many ways through which you can take good care of your skin & prevent Melasma on your upper lip. It includes limiting sun exposure, avoiding tanning areas, wearing a hat to prevent sun rays, and using an SPF 30 sunscreen every day.

For the most effective protection against UV radiation, the sunscreen should include a physical sun blocker such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

You can try CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 or Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen Face Lotion. Both these sunscreens are best in terms of protecting from sun rays.

Skin irritation is another factor in preventing upper lip hyperpigmentation. Therefore, the use of lasers, wax, or depilatory lotion on the upper lip should be avoided by women who have darkened skin there.

Using a water-resistant sunscreen and reapplying it every two to three hours is suggested. Try Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 waterproof sunscreen for optimum protection.

Do the Covid masks make sun mustaches worse?

According to certain studies, a “sun mustache” may be avoided if COVID face masks are used outside. However, acne and hyperpigmentation tend to worsen when using disposable plastic masks because they trap heat and humidity beneath the mask.

So it is important to use good quality masks, which do not make heat & also stay soft on the skin. These masks may also assist in keeping the top lip from darkening.

When to contact a doctor?

If you notice any inexplicable darkening of your skin, you should see your doctor. A doctor can tell the difference between Melasma and other skin conditions that may need therapy, even if Melasma itself may not require treatment.