Skin Brightening

What is A “Sun Mustache”? And How To Get Rid of It

Is the skin above your upper lip slightly darker and more pronounced? This shadowy-looking upper lip is commonly called a “melasma mustache,” characterized by brown or gray-colored patches. This discoloration can be splotchy, symmetrical, or cover the entire upper lip. Dallas Dermatology Partners share the science behind hyperpigmentation around the mouth and offer a few tips on how to prevent and lighten it.

sun mustache treatment melasma on upper lip

What causes a sun mustache?

The upper lip is a common location for melasma to develop. This condition is more common in women and happens when melanocytes produce more melanin than usual. As a result, concentrated areas of melanin in the epidermis appear darker, and when this hyperpigmentation is above the lip, it gives a mustachioed appearance.

Various factors can increase melanocyte activity and pave the way for a melasma mustache–the most prevalent are:

  • Excess UV exposure triggers melanin production
  • Estrogen-based birth control pills
  • Hormone fluctuations with pregnancy
  • Certain medications that make the skin more photo-sensitive
  • Thyroid disorders and some systemic diseases
  • Family history of melasma
  • Trauma to the skin

In addition, women with darker skin tones are at higher risk for developing a melasma mustache due to the higher number of active melanin-producing cells.

Best prevention techniques

A good skincare regimen and diligent sun protection are the best way to protect the skin around your mouth from developing excess pigmentation. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 2 pm) and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater to shield against UVA and UVB rays that can trigger melanin production.

Dermatologist recommended sun mustache treatments

If you’re trying to get rid of existing hyperpigmentation around the mouth, our dermatologists may recommend antioxidant-rich topicals. These will neutralize free radical damage, exfoliate pigmented cells from the skin’s surface, and help brighten the complexion. They will also likely prescribe a lightening compound for treatment and maintenance of the discolored patches.

Other effective sun mustache treatment options include:

  • Chemical Peels – smoother, brighter, and more evenly-toned skin can be achieved with a series of chemical peels designed to address melasma and photodamage.
  • Melanage Peels – for medium-depth melasma on the upper lip or face, a Melanage Peel can work wonders by accelerating skin cell turnover with prescription-strength acids and retinoids that target discoloration.
  • Laser Resurfacing – laser therapy is another approach to treat hyperpigmented patches of skin that don’t respond to chemical peels or topical treatments. Today’s non-ablative fractional resurfacing lasers promise quicker treatments, less risk of complications, and faster recoveries.

If you are looking for a safe and effective way to get rid of hyperpigmentation on the upper lip, talk to a board-certified dermatologist first. Our team can evaluate your skin and suggest treatment options that align with your aesthetic goals. Melasma is often frustrating to treat on your own and can be exacerbated with the wrong products.

Contact us today

For more information about eliminating a sun mustache, please contact us today. Get the beautiful, clear skin you deserve by booking your Dallas dermatologist appointment.

What is A “Sun Mustache”? And How To Get Rid of It Read More »

Treat Melasma with A Melanage Peel

Give us six weeks, and we’ll give you beautiful, evenly toned skin. Here at Dallas Dermatology Partners, we offer the best treatment for managing hormonal pigmentation, known as melasma, and refining overall texture. Say goodbye to dark patches that can keep you from feeling your most confident self. Safe for all skin tones, the Melanage Peel for melasma delivers unparalleled results and is an easy way to brighten up your complexion.

Melanage melasma skin peel

The Melanage skin peel is one of the most effective ways to treat stubborn melasma, which commonly develops during pregnancy. Whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin, this system will leave you with clearer, glowing skin and only entails a week of social downtime.

Now is the perfect time of year for skin brightening peels that target hormonal pigmentation. Before heading out, simply mask up, throw on your favorite pair of shades, and no one will know you’re giving your complexion some much-needed TLC.

Significant Improvements in just 6 weeks

Statistics show that 70 percent of women develop melasma during pregnancy, but there’s no reason to live with this discoloration forever. The Melanage peel is a quick, in-office treatment with no discomfort that promises several benefits:

  •  Lightens dark spots
  • Increases collagen production
  • Improves skin texture and appearance of fine lines

Our dermatologists are thrilled to offer this completely painless skin peeling system that transforms your complexion in a matter of weeks. If you are struggling with hyperpigmentation and melasma caused by hormone changes, or UV exposure, you will be amazed at the results the Melanage peel can produce.

Once a year, refresh for glowing, clear skin

Ideal for lightening dark brown patches on the forehead, upper lip, chin, and cheeks, the Melanage peel includes 6 weeks of freshly compounded post-treatment creams. They are designed to speed up healing and achieve fast results. This intense peeling system is renowned for its longevity, with results lasting 12-18 months.

Melanage Melasma Peel in Dallas

Spring is the time to get your glow on and get the luminous, even-toned skin you’ve always wanted. Find out if this 30-minute melasma skin peel is right for you by scheduling your Dallas Dermatology appointment.

Treat Melasma with A Melanage Peel Read More »

How Dermatologists Can Improve Skin Tone and Treat Summer Hyperpigmentation

Summertime means lazy beach days and long afternoons by the pool; however you don’t have to be a dedicated sunbather to experience skin damage from UV rays. Summer hyperpigmentation spots– dark patches that stem from an inflammatory process– can last for quite some time without proper intervention.

Reverse Summer Sun Damage

In most cases, sun spots, patches of discoloration, and freckles aren’t dangerous, but they can wreak havoc on your complexion and skin tone. At-home products can only do so much for these imperfections, which is why it’s important to seek hyperpigmentation treatment from a certified dermatologist.

From potent chemical peels to BBL photofacials, these professional-grade treatments can improve skin tone and reverse post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that has been caused or exacerbated by sun exposure.

Chemical Peels

When it comes to correcting blotchy and uneven skin tone, chemical peels are an excellent solution, and most entail little to no downtime. They can be applied to the face, neck, décolletage, and hands and are tailored in strength and actives according to skin type and aesthetic goals.

At Dallas Dermatology, we offer glycolic acid peels and VI peels, which combine a blend of powerful anti-aging acids and antioxidants that exfoliate the surface and deeper layers of the epidermis. By removing the dead and damaged skin cells, a more luminous and even-toned complexion emerges.

Glycolic peels are great for treating photo-aged sensitive skin, and stronger VI peels target melasma, sun spots, and areas of stubborn hyperpigmentation.

Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling has been shown to improve skin tone and mild hyperpigmentation in patients of all skin tones. Depending on the extent and depth of the sun damage, patients may see improvements in as little as one treatment, though a series of 3 sessions may produce optimal results. RF microneedling penetrates deeper into the dermis than conventional microneedling, and has the added advantage of tightening loose and sagging skin around the jowls and neckline. Studies have also demonstrated that Genius microneedling can be an effective adjunct to non-ablative lasers for treating mild to moderate melasma – a common pigmentary condition in middle-aged women.

BBL Therapy

An BBL (BroadBand Light) Photofacial is an in-office procedure that improves the appearance of brown spots, freckles, darker discoloration, and other signs of sun-damaged skin. This cutting-edge treatment uses light waves to penetrate the dermis, where pigment cells absorb the energy and are destroyed. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and optimal results are usually seen after several BBL treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. An added benefit of it is firmer skin since it triggers collagen remodeling.

Laser Resurfacing

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often joined by fine lines and wrinkles, especially in middle-aged patients with a long history of repeated sun exposure. In some cases, we may recommend a resurfacing treatment with the Icon 1540 non-ablative laser. This procedure is suitable for all skin tones and works by delivering targeted thermal energy to dermal tissue. With laser resurfacing, patients will note significant improvements in skin tone, texture, and clarity after two to three treatments.

After any hyperpigmentation treatment, a quality skincare regimen and daily protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 35+ or higher) are critical to maintaining results.

Dallas Hyperpigmentation Treatment Dermatologist

Hyperpigmentation manifests in different ways, and no two patients are the same. For this reason, our dermatologists develop personalized treatment plans that consider your age, skin type, concerns, and expectations.

For customized hyperpigmentation face treatment that improves skin tone, texture, and radiance, book your Dallas dermatology appointment with Dallas Dermatology Partners. Our practice is centrally located to residents throughout Frisco, Plano, Addison, and the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

How Dermatologists Can Improve Skin Tone and Treat Summer Hyperpigmentation Read More »

Best Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin

Every time you go outside without a full-spectrum sunscreen, the skin is bombarded by UV rays. They alter DNA and gradually break down collagen and elastin. Over time, this solar radiation causes serious damage to the epidermis while depleting essential fatty acids.

While many think of bronzed skin as a sign of vitality and good health, it’s a form of mild sun damage. Cumulative exposure to UV rays causes premature aging of the skin– resulting in dark spots, spider veins, fine lines, a ruddy complexion, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation.

At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we offer a variety of non-invasive procedures to repair and rejuvenate photo-aged skin with minimal downtime. If you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too late to improve the health and radiance of your skin. Correct irregular pigmentation, rough texture, wrinkles, and other concerns with these non-invasive treatments for sun-damaged skin.

BBL Photo Facial for Sun Damaged Skin

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. An BBL photofacial is ideal for patients who want measurable results without a lot of downtime. This treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat hyperpigmentation, broken blood vessels, large pores, and uneven skin tone. Temporary redness is the only side effect of this skin rejuvenation procedure that produces a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

Lasers

Our highly skilled dermatologists often recommend a laser resurfacing treatment for sun damage, whether on the face, neck, chest, or hands. Laser skin resurfacing can eliminate or improve the appearance of sunspots, melasma, fine lines, redness, and dull texture without a lengthy recovery. The Halo Laser  is more comfortable that traditional fractional lasers and can deliver impressive results in just one treatment.

Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the best treatments for sun-damaged skin and a terrific option for patients new to cosmetic dermatology. This 30-minute procedure utilizes a pen-like tool to make tiny pricks in the skin. In the coming days and weeks, collagen synthesis increases as the skin repairs itself and gradually becomes smoother and firmer. Microneedling is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of wrinkles and sunspots.

Chemical Peel for Sun Damage

Chemical peels effectively correct irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and textural problems resulting from years of extended sun exposure. Typically, most patients will benefit from a series of 2-3 peels formulated with different acids to address specific complexion concerns. In addition, a chemical peel remedies summer skin damage by removing the outer layer of old skin cells.

Microdermabrasion

If bumpy, rough texture is your chief complaint, microdermabrasion promises dramatic results with virtually zero downtime. Unlike traditional microdermabrasion procedures that simply exfoliated, our practice features the DiamondGlowâ„¢ system that uses water to push potent actives and serums as it buffs away dull skin cells.

Genius RF Microneedling

RF microneedling is a more advanced version of microneedling that utilizes radiofrequency energy to address a number of concerns caused by UV exposure. Safe for patients with fair to dark skin tones, RF microneedling can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, chest, and other parts of the body to improve skin tone and minimize the appearance of scars, wrinkles and fine lines. The Genius microneedling radio frequency treatment tones and tightens photo-aged skin by boosting collagen and elastin production. While many patients see measurable improvements after the first session, most will benefit from a series of three treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

The Right Treatment for Your Skin Type

A board-certified dermatologist can improve the health of your skin and develop a treatment plan to help address age spots, wrinkling, laxity, actinic keratoses, and other signs of cumulative sun damage. Call today to book your Dallas dermatology appointment.

Best Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin Read More »

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