If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you know how important it is to protect your skin while you’re in the sun.
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Not doing so can put you at risk for sunburn, photodamage, premature aging or even skin cancer. Another thing that can happen: You could end up with a melasma mustache, also known as a sun mustache.
While a melasma mustache isn’t on the same level as skin cancer or sunburn, it can still be bothersome and unsightly, leaving you wondering, Why is my upper lip dark?
Dermatologist Asfa Akhtar, DO, shares the science behind melasma mustaches and gives a few tips for how you can prevent them.
Before we go into the formation of melasma mustaches, we have to take a step back and talk about their main component — melanin.
“Melasma mustaches are the result of excess melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives our eyes and skin their color,” says Dr. Akhtar. “Melanocytes, which are pigment cells that reside in the innermost layer of the epidermis, are responsible for producing melanin. When excess melanin is produced, it causes the skin to darken. The result of this is known as hyperpigmentation.”
When you have upper lip discoloration after sun exposure, you’re left with a melasma mustache.
“Melasma is also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy,” notes Dr. Akhtar. “But you don’t have to be pregnant to get melasma.”
She adds that melasma is a commonly acquired pigmentary disorder and is essentially hyperpigmentation. Melasma can appear as symmetrical or asymmetrical darkened patches on exposed areas of your body, especially your face.
So, what are some melasma mustache causes?
“A melasma mustache is caused by a complex interplay of sun exposure, family history, hormonal influences, thyroid disease and medications that lead to molecular signaling within the skin,” Dr. Akhtar explains. “The result is excessive melanin in the inner and outer layers of the skin.”
She also points out that skin care products can contribute to the development of melasma mustaches.
Excessive or improper use of ingredients like hydroquinone, retinol and alpha hydroxy acids can make melasma mustaches worse. If you’re using these products, she recommends talking to a board-certified dermatologist to determine a best course of action.
Melasma mustaches are often hard to treat because they can recur (come back) frequently. Dr. Akhtar suggests a multimodal approach to successfully treat this skin condition.
Treatment regimens usually include sun avoidance and/or sun protection, one or more topical agents, oral medications and light or laser therapy.
But she notes that some treatment options for melasma mustaches can actually make them worse.
“Treatment options for melasma can include whitening agents, chemical peels, lasers and light therapy,” Dr. Akhtar says. “However, some of these solutions can cause adverse effects like spots of hyperpigmentation, acne, irritation, as well as rebound hyperpigmentation — a form of the condition that is much harder to treat.”
Lastly, tranexamic acid is a promising treatment option for people whose skin doesn’t respond to the standard measures above. This off-label medication consists of amino acids and may be administered as a pill or cream, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for ways to get rid of melasma, again, talk to a board-certified dermatologist first. They can help prevent additional complications and find treatment options that line up with your cosmetic goals.
Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen, especially on your face, can help prevent melasma mustaches.
“When choosing a sunscreen, I recommend one that has physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,” Dr. Akhtar says. “You can even find physical sunscreens that contain iron oxide as an inactive ingredient making them tinted so they won’t leave a white film on the skin. Physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin, so it physically shields it and deflects harmful UV rays.”
But she adds that just applying sunscreen isn’t enough protection. You’ll need to add a stylish, yet helpful, accessory as well.
“Hats with a wide brim that are rated for sun protection should be used. Look for an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 plus.”
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