Summer often equals enjoyment: warm temperatures, bright sunshine and relaxing moments outdoors. But sometimes, after such a nice summer day, you suddenly discover something unexpected when you look in the mirror at night – a dark haze on your upper lip. You wonder: where did this come from and why exactly there?
This phenomenon, popularly known as “sun moustache,” is a form of hyperpigmentation that pops up especially during sunny months. Although it is medically harmless, you may find it cosmetically distracting. Fortunately, there are clear causes as well as effective treatment options to remedy this pigmentation problem.
How does pigment appear on the upper lip?
Pigment on the upper lip is mainly caused by sun damage. Our skin produces pigment (melanin) as a natural protection against UV radiation from sunlight. When you catch a lot of sunlight, your skin starts to produce extra melanin. With overproduction, you can get dark discolorations in skin, also called hyperpigmentation.
Your upper lip is one of the places where this happens quickly. That’s because during hot days you sweat more and especially your upper lip. Sweat causes sunscreen to disappear more quickly, which makes your upper lip especially vulnerable to UV radiation. So the protection on your upper lip is often less effective than on other parts of your face, resulting in a greater chance of pigmentation.
In addition, the skin on your upper lip is often thinner and more sensitive. This makes this area even more susceptible to external influences such as sunlight, as well as internal factors such as hormonal fluctuations and stress. Consider, for example, the well-known pregnancy mask (melasma), in which pigment spots are concentrated on the face – often also on the upper lip.
All of these factors combine to make the upper lip a vulnerable area for many people when it comes to pigmentation.
How do you treat a “sun mustache”?
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for this type of pigment. The most important thing is a combination of professional treatments at our Laser Clinic and a good home routine with skin products that focus on stabilizing and reducing pigment and protecting your skin with a good sunscreen factor (SPF).
Vitamin C as a powerful ingredient
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals and helps regulate pigment production. It also ensures a fresh and even complexion. Products with stable vitamin C are therefore a valuable addition to your daily skin care routine. At The Laser Clinic, we work with, among others:
These products help reduce and stabilize pigmentation and improve overall skin condition.
Treatments for pigmentation problems
Depending on the depth and severity of the pigmentation, we perform several treatments that address pigmentation problems at The Laser Clinic:
- LaseMD laser treatment: This advanced laser technology provides pigment reduction and overall skin improvement.
- Chemical peels: These treatments remove dead skin cells and stimulate the creation of new, smoother skin.
- SkinPen microneedling: This microneedling device stimulates natural collagen production and improves skin texture and tone.
- IPL: This laser technique provides targeted and controlled reduction of pigment.
At The Laser Clinic, we always start with a free, no-obligation intake interview, during which we use a professional skin scan. On this scan underlying pigmentations are clearly visible. On this basis, we can draw up a personal treatment plan for you that exactly matches your skin needs.
Make an appointment?
Do you want to get rid of that annoying sun mustache and get through the summer with an even upper lip? Make an appointment at one of our clinics in Assen, Groningen or Heerenveen for a free intake. During this consultation we look at your skin and discuss the best approach for your situation.
