A dark discoloration around the mouth or lips  is a result of increased pigmentation of the skin (hyperpigmentation) which may arise for a number of reasons. This common cosmetic problem is characterized by the darkening of the skin around the mouth area, particularly at the corner of the lips,  as a result of the over activity of the melanocytes, which are the skin cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment responsible for the color of our skin and provides protection against the sun. Discoloration around the mouth is more common in females and occurs more commonly in persons with a darker skin.

Dark eye circles are round pigmented patches situated under the eye area or along the skin of the orbit of the eye. These circles usually occur as a result of tiny blood capillaries located under the surface of the skin, which may rupture, and leak red blood cells into the surrounding skin (hematoma). Red blood cells are then broken down by enzymes in the body resulting in the byproduct of a bluish pigment. The formation of dark circles under the eye circles is the result of this bluish pigment, hence the name ‘blue eye’ or ‘black eye’. Although dark eye circles are common amongst adults it can occur in children, affecting both males and females. While hematomas are responsible for the most severe darkening unde rthe eyes, any prolonged inflammation in this area will lead to darkening, either due to eye strain, lack of sleep, allergies or use of certain cosmetics.

Stretch marks are common condition affecting both men and women and commonly appear on the thigh, upper arms, stomach, breast, and buttock areas. It is usually seen in conditions such as pregnancy or obesity, although stretch marks may occur in certain medical conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome, which is an adrenal gland disorder, where high levels of cortisone are present in the blood. Cortisone ‘weakens’ the elastin fibers in the skin thereby contributing to stretch mark development, even when there is no obvious or significant stretching of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated to reduced the severity but cannot be removed completely or ‘cured’.

The search for a youthful appearance often starts with simple cosmetic treatments like altering the hair color and hiding the grey with hair dyes. The popularity of hair dye is not isolated to those looking at masking the signs of aging and changing fashion trends very often involves changing the hair color. However hair dye allergies affect many who use dyes and can cause a host of symptoms ranging from skin rashes and ’scalp pimples’ to thinning and hair loss. Unfortunately the popularity of hair dye is unlikely to wane as coloring or tinting the hair is still a common practice.

Skin Lighteners & Whitening of the Skin Complexion

Skin lighteners (bleaching or whitening creams) are a commonly used cosmetic product among men and women looking for a lighter skin complexion (‘fair skin’) for aesthetic purposes. Cultural misconceptions and personal beliefs about the appeal of a lighter skin complexion have made these creams, soaps and lotions a popular beauty product in Asia and Africa among darker skinned ethnic groups. A lack of appropriate regulation in many developing countries allows for these products to be sold over-the-counter although it contains pharmacologically active and toxic compounds like hydroquinones, corticosteroids and mercury.