The beauty of a person remains incomplete without a pair of juicy pink lips. Apart from beauty, the functional role of our lips is also quite appreciable. From eating to kissing, everything requires significant involvement of lips, and we certainly cannot deny it. Hence, properly caring for the lips is essential to keep them soft, supple, nourished, and moisturized. But we should be worried about more than the color and texture of the lips. Several issues, such as dry lips, chapped lips, pigmented lips, etc., prevent this organ from looking pretty and attractive. In this article, we will discuss one such issue in which people develop freckles on their lips and struggle to get rid of them. Keep browsing to know more about it.
What are Freckles?
Before heading towards the details of lip freckles, let us know what freckles are. Freckle, medically termed ‘Melanotic macule,’ is a common skin condition with small brown spots. When our skin produces excess melanin (pigment), freckles are developed. They are found in skin areas that are widely exposed to the sun. In other words, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) is responsible for freckles in most cases. Typically, these spots are harmless, and you should not worry about them (1).
What are Freckles on Lips?
Lip freckles are one of the most common lip ailments in which small dark or brown spots are found on the lips. They can be found on both upper and lower lips, and our lips usually do not have these spots naturally. They are an increased focal pigmentation of the vermillion of the lips (2). When a cluster is formed out of the pigment cells right underneath the surface layer of the lip skin, they are called freckles. While the skin on the remaining part of our body has multiple cellular layers, the skin on our lips is fragile and delicate, with only 3 to 5 cellular layers (3). This makes the color of the underlying blood vessels visible and makes any dark spots on lip surfaces more noticeable. Hence, we can easily see the presence of freckles on the lips. They can appear in different numbers and sizes and are more common among light-skinned people.
The vermilion of the lips (also known as ‘margin’ or ‘zone’) refers to the natural border, which separates the lips from its adjacent skin of the face with a sharp demarcation. (4)
Reasons Behind Lip Freckles
Frequent sun exposure is the most common reason behind the spotty pigmentation of the lip skin. When the sun’s ultraviolet radiation penetrates our skin, it damages the cells underneath its surface. To save the skin from this adverse impact of UV ray penetration, the natural defense system of our body allows the melanin-producing pigmentation cells (melanocytes) in the lip skin to clog together. Later, this clustering of melanin-bearing cells results in freckles. Sometimes, these spots appear immediately after sun exposure; sometimes, they may take years. Tobacco consumption, smoking, and alcohol binging are other prominent reasons which root for skin freckles. Age and genetic predisposition can also lead to this condition.
Pregnancy is usually not considered as a reason for lip freckles. However, if you already have spots on your lips, they may get darker during pregnancy.
Normal Lip Freckles vs. Pre-Cancerous Lip Freckles
Normal lip freckles should not be a cause of concern as they do not pose any serious risks. However, you should consider it alarming if they noticeably change their color or texture or if new freckles suddenly appear. Also, visit a dermatologist as soon as possible if they are accompanied by dryness and continual chapping or cracking. If you smoke, drink regularly, or consume tobacco, book an appointment with your dermatologist, even with a single spot appearing on your lips. There are conditions called farmer’s or sailor’s lips, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, etc., in which brownish spots found mostly on lower lips are known to be pre-cancerous. Though regular and pre-cancerous lip freckles do not look much different in their preliminary stages, assessing them to weigh the potential risks is crucial. However, in later stages, the suspicious spots become raised bumps on the lip surface, making it very obvious to identify the problem.
Farmer’s lips or sailor’s lips is medicalled termed as Actinic Cheilitis. It is caused due to the damage in the outermost tissue layer of the lip named lip epithelium. Almost 6% to 10% of people suffering from Actinic Cheilitis simultaneously develop lip cancer.(5)
Read Also – How to Get Rid of Ugly White Spots on Lips?
Effective Cures for Freckles on Lips
Many people do not feel bothered about the presence of one or two freckles on their lips. Some even believe that lip freckle is a unique facial feature only. But what if you wish to get rid of that spotty pigmentation? Well, it can be challenging, but not impossible. Following are some of the most effective cures you should try for it:
1. Sunscreen Lip Balms
Sun protection is the ultimate cure for lip freckles. Whether your skin is more prone to tanning, you should apply a high-quality sunscreen lip balm every time before you move out in the sun. This will reduce the appearance of lip freckles and prevent them from darkening over time. The practice will even keep you protected from lip cancer.
Also Read – How To Soothe Chapped & Dry Lips – 14 Awesome Tips
2. Freckle-Lightening Creams
Prescription lightening creams intended for freckles on lips can help you get rid of the issue upon regular application. This topical treatment is the least invasive and pretty safe to use.
3. Oral Medications
Certain oral medications can treat your lip freckles effectively. Consult your dermatologist to know whether it is the best option for you or not.
4. Cosmetic Removal Surgery
In cosmetic freckle removal, the spots are removed from the lips surgically under local anesthetic. However, remember that it can leave you with noticeable lip scar(s).
Read Also – 10 Effective Ways to Say ‘Bye-Bye’ to Freckles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who Gets Lip Freckles the Most?
Lip freckles are most commonly observed in individuals with fair or light skin tones. People with lighter skin are generally more prone to developing freckles due to their increased sensitivity to sunlight. Individuals with light eye colors like blue or green may also be more susceptible to developing lip freckles. This susceptibility is often linked to the amount of melanin in the skin, with lighter-skinned individuals having less melanin, making them more prone to freckling.
2. Are Freckles on Lips Dangerous?
Freckles on the lips are not inherently dangerous for one’s health. They are typically a result of exposure to sunlight, and their appearance is associated with the skin’s natural response to UV radiation. While freckles are not a cause for concern, taking preventive measures to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure is crucial. Using lip balm with SPF, wearing hats, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure are effective ways to minimize the development of freckles and reduce the risk of sun damage to the lips.
3. What are the First Signs of Lip Cancer?
The initial signs of lip cancer should be taken seriously, and individuals should be vigilant about any changes in the appearance or sensation of their lips. Early signs may include the presence of lesions, lumps, soreness, blisters, and red or white patches on the lips or within the oral cavity. These abnormalities often do not resolve independently and may persist or worsen over time. Additionally, symptoms such as unexplained bleeding from the lips, persistent pain in the jaw, or the development of ulcers that do not heal should be considered potential warning signs of lip cancer. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if these symptoms are observed, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
References:
- “What are Freckles, Why Do They Appear, and More,” Healthline.com
- “Lip Freckle,” elementsofmorphology.nih.gov
- “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Lips,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Vermilion Border“, en.wikipedia.org
- “What to Know About Actinic Cheilitis?“, MedicalNewsToday.com
