Why are my lips dark when I don't even smoke?

While dark lips are a result of lifestyle choices (smoking, for instance), there are those whose lips turn dark for seemingly no reasons at all!

Photo by Zach Guinta on Unsplash

In a recent Pinoy MD episode, Dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez said dark lips may be caused by harsh soap used on the face.

"Sometimes nakikita ko ang tapang pala ng mga ginagamit nilang sabon. Since manipis 'yong skin natin sa lip area and then kapag na-arawan, nangingitim ito," Dr. Jean explained.

Dr. Jean said she recommends her patients to use mild soap and lip balm with moisturizer and sun screen to protect the lips and avoid discoloration.

Aside from putting sun screen, Dr. Jean recommends pigment laser treatment to lighten the lips.

She reminded that when one undergoes pigment laser they should avoid sun exposure at all costs.

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News