Dark spots on cheeks and around the mouth

Darkening on the cheeks, above the upper lip and around the mouth is very common. It has several possible causes, and some of them need a doctor rather than a cream. Here is a calm way to think about it.

Common causes

• Sun exposure. Cheeks and the upper lip get the most sun on the face, and the colour builds up over years.
• Melasma. Patchy brown areas, often on both cheeks and above the lip, linked to hormones, pregnancy, some medicines and sun.
• Old pimple marks on the lower cheeks and jawline.
• Friction or irritation, for example from rough towels, harsh scrubs, or hair removal creams and threading on the upper lip.
• Dryness and irritation around the mouth that leaves the skin darker afterwards.

When this needs a dermatologist

See a doctor if the dark area is patchy and symmetrical on both cheeks or the upper lip (possible melasma), if it appeared during pregnancy or after starting new medicine, if it is raised, itchy or changing, or if it does not improve after about three months of daily care. A cosmetic cream does not treat a skin condition.

A gentle daily routine

1. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid hot water and scrubs.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of a dark spot cream to the face, avoiding the lips and eyes. Youth Face Beauty Cream is made with Kojic Acid and Alpha Arbutin. Patch test first.
3. Sunscreen every morning, SPF 30 or higher, and reapply if you are outside for hours. Pay attention to the upper lip area, which most people skip.
4. Night: cleanse, repeat the cream, and moisturise if skin feels dry.

Habits that make patches worse

• Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days.
• Waxing, threading or hair removal creams on the upper lip, with no care afterwards.
• Scrubbing or picking.
• Trying several new products in the same week.

Be patient, and measure

This area is slow to change. Take a photo in daylight now and every two weeks. If you are not sure it is only sun or pimple marks, a dermatologist can tell you quickly.

See also: sunscreen with a dark spot cream · pimple marks vs dark spots

This guide is general information about cosmetic skincare and does not replace advice from a qualified dermatologist. Results vary from person to person.