Melasma above the upper lip. How to avoid unwanted discoloration?
If you are a fan of active recreation, you know how important it is to protect your skin while being in the sun.
If you don't do this, you may find yourself suffering from sunburn, photoaging, premature aging, or even skin cancer. Another thing that can happen is the appearance of a kind of “melasma mustache,” also known as “sun mustache.”
Such discoloration of the skin in the area above the upper lip can be unattractive and cause you significant discomfort.
In this article, we will share information about melasma in the area above the upper lip and provide some tips on how to prevent dark spots in this area.
What causes melasma mustaches?
Before we define “melasma mustaches,” we need to take a step back and talk about their main cause — melanin.
Such unwanted discoloration is the result of an excess of melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives color to our eyes and skin.
Melanocytes, pigment cells located in the inner layer of the epidermis, are responsible for producing melanin. When there is an excess of melanin, the skin darkens. The result of this process is known as “hyperpigmentation.”
Melasma is also known as chloasma or “pregnancy mask.” But pregnancy is far from the primary cause of discoloration.
Melasma is a fairly common pigment disorder and is essentially hyperpigmentation. Melasma can manifest as symmetrical or asymmetrical dark (brown) spots on exposed areas of the body, most commonly on the face.
So, what are the causes of “melasma mustaches”?
Dark spots above the upper lip are caused by a complex interaction of sun exposure, genetics, hormonal influences, thyroid disease, and medications that lead to molecular signals in the skin. The result is an excess of melanin in the inner and outer layers of the skin.
It is important to note that certain skincare products can contribute to the development of dark spots. Therefore, we recommend consulting a dermatologist before using new skincare products that contain retinoids or acids.
How to fight “melasma mustaches”?
Dark spots are indeed difficult to treat, as they can often recur. However, if you take a comprehensive approach to this skin issue, your treatment can be completely successful, and soon your reflection in the mirror will please you.
Treatment regimens usually include:
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Avoiding sun exposure and/or sun protection;
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Using topical agents in combination with specialized skincare products. The regimen includes Eleneon-H cream, Vitashine Max cream, and Vitashine Face Wash;
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Sometimes, in extremely complicated cases, this may involve oral medications and laser therapy.
If you are looking for ways to get rid of melasma, first talk to a certified dermatologist. The doctor will help prevent further complications and find treatment options that align with your cosmetic goals.
Preventing dark spots above the lip
The first thing to consider to avoid darkening of the skin is limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen, especially on the face, which can help prevent the occurrence of melasma.
When choosing sunscreen, make sure that the product has both chemical and physical filters, with the highest level of protection (50+), as well as the ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen UveeLite SPF 50+ meets these requirements.
The next step in prevention is using Vitashine Peptide cream for regular skincare for skin prone to hyperpigmentation to prevent its appearance.
Remember, completely getting rid of melasma is quite difficult, but it is possible to achieve a state of remission. Therefore, preventing the appearance of dark spots and protecting against irritants is the best solution.