Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of Melasma MustacheWhat It Looks LikeTreatmentOther SymptomsDiagnosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes of Melasma Mustache
What It Looks Like
Treatment
Other Symptoms
Diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Melasmais a common skin condition that causes light- to dark-brown patches and/or freckle-like spots on the skin, especially the face. In people withdarker skin tones, melasma may appear blue-gray.When it develops on the skin above the upper lip, it is known as a “melasma mustache.” Melasma is much more common in women, though men can get it, too.
Learn more about melasma mustache causes, diagnosis, and treatments.
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What Causes a Melasma Mustache?
The exact cause of melasma mustache is not fully understood, but some research suggests that the skin cells that produce melanin, calledmelanocytes, may be more active in people with the condition.Certain triggers may cause these cells to go into overdrive, leading to melasma.
Factors that may cause melasma mustache include:
Melasma Risk FactorsSome people have a higher risk of developing melasma mustache, including:Women between 20 and 40 years of agePeople with light- to medium-dark skin color (e.g., Asian, Latinx, Native American)People with a family member with melasma, since up to 61% of people with melasma have a family member with the condition
Melasma Risk Factors
Some people have a higher risk of developing melasma mustache, including:Women between 20 and 40 years of agePeople with light- to medium-dark skin color (e.g., Asian, Latinx, Native American)People with a family member with melasma, since up to 61% of people with melasma have a family member with the condition
Some people have a higher risk of developing melasma mustache, including:
What Does a Melasma Mustache Look Like?
Melasma mustache may appear as light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray patches or spots on the skin above your upper lip. The spots are often symmetrical and may form under your nostrils or on the entire upper lip area, giving it a shadowy, darkened, or mustache-like appearance.
How to Treat a Melasma Mustache
If a melasma mustache appears during pregnancy or while taking certain medications (e.g., hormonal birth control), it may disappear once you give birth or stop taking the drugs. Though melasma mustache does not require treatment, many people prefer to reduce or eliminate the appearance of dark patches and spots to boost their self-confidence.
The following aretreatments for melasmamustache.
Topical Creams
Topical treatments(applied directly to the skin) are the first-line therapies for treating melasma.Hydroquinone, askin-lightening cream, is highly effective. Hydroquinone may be combined with other ingredients, such as:
Chemical Skin Peels
A chemical solution is applied to the skin to destroy and peel away thehyperpigmented(darker skin) top layers so that new, healthier-looking skin can grow in its place. Most chemical peels for melasma contain an acid-based compound—glycolicorsalicylicacid—along with a small amount oftrichloroaceticacid. Peels may be performed monthly or biweekly, depending on their concentration.
Laser Skin Lightening
Using a focused beam of light energy, laser skin lightening targetschromophores(e.g., melanin) to lighten dark patches on the skin. Low energy levels and short pulse durations are most often used to treat melasma mustache to reduce damage to the surrounding tissues. Even when a conservative approach is taken, there is a risk of the dark spots worsening with laser treatment.
Micro-Needling
Tiny needles are used to create small punctures in the skin to place topical melasma creams more deeply and evenly into theepidermis(top layer of skin) anddermis(middle layer of skin) to reduce dark patches and spots.
Oral Therapies
Tranexamicacid (a synthetic version oflysine) taken orally slows down melanin production and may be prescribed with topical or laser treatments. Daily doses of the medication over a short period (eight to 12 weeks) may decrease melasma mustache patches.
Best Treatment ResultsResearch shows that combining treatments generally produces better results than using one alone.Talk with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment(s) may be best for you. Remember that even with treatment, it can take time for the melasma mustache to disappear completely. Stay patient and do your best to avoid triggers (e.g., prolonged exposure to the sun).
Best Treatment Results
Research shows that combining treatments generally produces better results than using one alone.Talk with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment(s) may be best for you. Remember that even with treatment, it can take time for the melasma mustache to disappear completely. Stay patient and do your best to avoid triggers (e.g., prolonged exposure to the sun).
How to Cure Melasma From the Inside
Other Symptoms of Melasma
Melasma mustache does not cause other symptoms apart from the blotchy patches or spots on the upper lip that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone. You may notice it more after you’ve spent time in the sun. Melasma only appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including:
Melasma mustache may cause emotional distress since it affects appearance. Studies show that melasma can profoundly affect a person’s psychological well-being and negatively impact self-esteem.
Melasma can sometimes look like other skin pigmentation conditions, so your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy to provide an accurate diagnosis. Askin biopsyis a procedure that removes a small sample of skin.The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope to check forskin infections,skin cancer, andskin disorders(e.g.,vitiligo).
Melasma vs. Age Spots
Age spots typically appear as small, dark areas on the skin and may occur alone or in a cluster, while melasma generally appears in symmetrical patches.
Summary
Melasma mustache is a common skin condition that causes light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray patches or spots on the skin above the upper lip. The patches or spots may be shadowy or dark, giving a mustache-like appearance.
Women are most likely to develop a melasma mustache, particularly those who are pregnant, taking certain medications, and/or have light- to medium-brown skin color. Treatments include topical creams to lighten the skin, laser treatment, micro-needling, and oral medications.
A Word From Verywell
While a melasma mustache is not harmful, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance with a dark upper lip. A dermatologist may recommend treatments, such as topical creams, to help reduce melasma patches. Wearing a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can help protect against sun damage and reduce the risk of melasma mustache worsening or reappearing after treatment.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf a melasma mustache appears during pregnancy or while taking certain medications (e.g., hormonal birth control), it may go away on its own after giving birth or once the medication is stopped. Melasma often fades in the winter due to a lack of sun exposure. Treatments such as topical creams, chemical peels, and micro-needling may help reduce or eliminate melasma mustache.Most home remedies are not particularly effective at removing a melasma mustache. Studies show that topical turmeric extract may help reduce melasma spots, and aloe vera has shown promise to help lighten dark patches in small clinical studies.Melasma is a common skin condition predominantly seen in women, particularly those with light to medium-brown skin. An estimated 1% of the U.S. population has melasma, but it is as high as 8.8% in Latinx women and certain other populations.
If a melasma mustache appears during pregnancy or while taking certain medications (e.g., hormonal birth control), it may go away on its own after giving birth or once the medication is stopped. Melasma often fades in the winter due to a lack of sun exposure. Treatments such as topical creams, chemical peels, and micro-needling may help reduce or eliminate melasma mustache.
Most home remedies are not particularly effective at removing a melasma mustache. Studies show that topical turmeric extract may help reduce melasma spots, and aloe vera has shown promise to help lighten dark patches in small clinical studies.
Melasma is a common skin condition predominantly seen in women, particularly those with light to medium-brown skin. An estimated 1% of the U.S. population has melasma, but it is as high as 8.8% in Latinx women and certain other populations.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association:Melasma: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: overview.Ogbechie-Godec OA, Elbuluk N.Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):305-318. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0194-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: causes.Aishwarya K, Bhagwat PV, John N.Current concepts in melasma - a review article.J Skin Sex Transm Dis.2020;2(1):13-7. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_34_2019Handel AC, Miot LD, Miot HA.Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063Sahu P, Dayal S.Most worthwhile superficial chemical peel for melasma of skin of color: authors' experience of glycolic, trichloroacetic acid, and lactic peel.Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14693. doi:10.1111/dth.14693Bala HR, Lee S, Wong C, et al.Oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of melasma: a review.Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(6):814-825. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001518Jiang J, Akinseye O, Tovar-Garza A, et al.The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(1):38-42. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.003DermNet NZ.Wood lamp examination.Medline Plus.Skin biopsy.Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? a systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association:Melasma: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: overview.Ogbechie-Godec OA, Elbuluk N.Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):305-318. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0194-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: causes.Aishwarya K, Bhagwat PV, John N.Current concepts in melasma - a review article.J Skin Sex Transm Dis.2020;2(1):13-7. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_34_2019Handel AC, Miot LD, Miot HA.Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063Sahu P, Dayal S.Most worthwhile superficial chemical peel for melasma of skin of color: authors' experience of glycolic, trichloroacetic acid, and lactic peel.Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14693. doi:10.1111/dth.14693Bala HR, Lee S, Wong C, et al.Oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of melasma: a review.Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(6):814-825. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001518Jiang J, Akinseye O, Tovar-Garza A, et al.The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(1):38-42. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.003DermNet NZ.Wood lamp examination.Medline Plus.Skin biopsy.Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? a systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association:Melasma: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: overview.Ogbechie-Godec OA, Elbuluk N.Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):305-318. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0194-1American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: causes.Aishwarya K, Bhagwat PV, John N.Current concepts in melasma - a review article.J Skin Sex Transm Dis.2020;2(1):13-7. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_34_2019Handel AC, Miot LD, Miot HA.Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063Sahu P, Dayal S.Most worthwhile superficial chemical peel for melasma of skin of color: authors' experience of glycolic, trichloroacetic acid, and lactic peel.Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14693. doi:10.1111/dth.14693Bala HR, Lee S, Wong C, et al.Oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of melasma: a review.Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(6):814-825. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001518Jiang J, Akinseye O, Tovar-Garza A, et al.The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(1):38-42. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.003DermNet NZ.Wood lamp examination.Medline Plus.Skin biopsy.Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? a systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
American Academy of Dermatology Association:Melasma: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: overview.
Ogbechie-Godec OA, Elbuluk N.Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):305-318. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0194-1
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: causes.
Aishwarya K, Bhagwat PV, John N.Current concepts in melasma - a review article.J Skin Sex Transm Dis.2020;2(1):13-7. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_34_2019
Handel AC, Miot LD, Miot HA.Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063
Sahu P, Dayal S.Most worthwhile superficial chemical peel for melasma of skin of color: authors' experience of glycolic, trichloroacetic acid, and lactic peel.Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14693. doi:10.1111/dth.14693
Bala HR, Lee S, Wong C, et al.Oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of melasma: a review.Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(6):814-825. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001518
Jiang J, Akinseye O, Tovar-Garza A, et al.The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(1):38-42. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.003
DermNet NZ.Wood lamp examination.
Medline Plus.Skin biopsy.
Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.
Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? a systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
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