Vermillion is the part of the lips that we see when we look at someone’s face. The color of the vermillion can vary in color from light pink to brown. Human lips are made from three to five layers of cells and hence is thinner ad more sensitive than the rest of the skin. The color of the lips primarily comes from the blood vessels that become visible due to the thinner construct of lips. Dr. Pavithra, a reputed dermatologist associated with Skin Beauty Pal explains that the color of the lips depends on the skin tone implementing that the lighter your skin tone, the lighter will be your lip color and vice versa.
Discolored lips or Lip darkening
Lip darkening is one of the common problems both men and women experience nowadays. The enhanced production of melanin in the skin causes lip-darkening. There are several reasons why the color of your lips can change or darken, turning to dark blue or black in later stages. The condition is preventable and treatable explains Dr. Pavithra.
Before undergoing treatment for lip darkening, it is important to know the reason for the condition.
Smoking
The Nicotine and benzpyrene content in tobacco smoke is responsible for lip-darkening. These compounds catalyze the melanin production process resulting in darkened lips. The color change may not be visible at first but will show up after a regular smoking pattern.
Frequent changes of lipstick & toothpaste
Changing your lipstick, toothpaste, and other lip care products too often can lead to lip darkening. The skin cells may react to the frequent change of ingredients and react with enhanced melanin production or cell deterioration.
Lip biting
Many of us have a bad habit of biting lips. Frequent pressure and cut from lip biting and affect the cells resulting in darkening of the injured/ damaged area.
Deficiency of vitamins
A diet low in Vitamin B-12, Iron, Folate, and other vitamins and minerals can also lead to poor lip health and darkening.
Home remedies for lip darkening
While it is claimed that several home remedies can help in lightening the color of darkened lips, there are no significant records of successful results. Dr. Pavithra claims that most of these home remedies for darkened lips offer a very short-lived change of color.
Clinical treatment:
It is clinically possible to change the color of darkened lips. Before advising treatment for the condition, we consider a range of factors causing the problems. After a thorough diagnosis, we suggest one of the following treatments to our patients:
Laser technology proves a great aid in lighting the color of the lips. The latest Carbon toning laser technology makes it possible for one to achieve soft, pink and healthier lips with ease. In this treatment, a light beam penetrates the lips and stimulates new cell growth. It also exfoliates the lips, removing the existing pigmentation.
Chemical peels have proven results for removing lip pigmentation. It stimulates the growth of collagen in the lips and also erases the unnecessary lines from the lips. We recommend a combination of chemical peels to achieve great results through dead cell removal, new cell generation, and enhanced collagen synthesis.
Taking the right care of your lips can help prevent lip-darkening problems. You must limit your sun exposure and use a Lip balm with SPF 30 to protect your lips.