Dark Upper Lip - but hairless?!

Namie · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 1

I've noticed a darkness on my upper lip - and it's torturing me. It's not hair. I'd like to find a good way to go about curing this the right way, but there's so many products out there that I get overwhelmed!
Me and my Habits:
*27; eat pretty well, lots of protein, lots of exercise. wear sunscreen when I play outside
*my skin has always been wierd; had acne at 23; tried antibiotics and differin/retinol but was never convinced it helped. it just went away eventually. Blame hormones maybe? stress?
*have been on and off birthcont. twice in the last 2 years; never been pregnant
*I don't like to wash my face more than once a day=in the evening. i prefer my own oils over lotions. often use a toner under my makeup in the morning without washing. I'm not greasy/dry; i just have uneven skin tone (prob sun damage)
I just dont know where to start. should I give retinol w/UVA/UBA a try? Bleach? Vitamins?

dakota · Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 63

It almost sounds like hyperpigmentation on your lip. I would try using a vitamin c derivative (Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate aka MAP) based serum or cream and see if that helps. It is awesome to use to help with skin tone and improves the integrity of the skin in many ways without the sensitivity some have to ascorbic acid vitamin c. It is a good product to help with collagen synthesis also. I would suggest getting Doctor Todorov's info. pack on making your own creams and serums. This way you can have fresh product, ensured potentcy, and custom made to suit your skin, and in most cases more affordable than buying those expensive creams.