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Smoking can cause one's lips to become darker than their natural shade.

According to Healthline, continued exposure to nicotine and tar are the causes of hyperpigmentation of a smoker's lips.

But there are cases where the lips darken despite not being a smoker.

Dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez shares two reasons why this might happen.

She says harsh soaps and sun exposure might be the culprits.

"Sometimes, nakikita ko na ang tapang pala ng ginagamit nilang mga sabon. Since manipis 'yung skin natin dito sa lip area, mas mabilis 'yan ma-irritate. And then kapag naarawan, mangingitim ito," she explains.

Since the lips are always exposed, they need protection like the rest of our skin.

"Parang skin talaga 'yan. Sometimes we just recommend to use mild soap and of course meron din silang lip balm or moisturizer with the sunscreen, SPF. Ang nangyayari po kasi, since ito exposed siya, manipis, mabilis mangitim. We also recommend to put sunblock on the area," she says.

If lips are really beyond topical treatments, Dr. Marquez says one can opt for laser treatment.

"Ang pwede po nating gawin is to do pigment laser. Surprisingly, ang karamihan ng nagagawan namin is mga lalaki. We do a series of pigment lasers. Nagla-lighten din siya eventually," she shares.

Dr. Marquez also reminds that protection from the sun is still very important especially during and after undergoing laser treatment.

"But always tandaan niyo kapag nagpi-pigment lasers kayo is you avoid sun exposure and you always protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen," she says.

Watch Dr. Marquez answer more questions about eye bags and pimple marks in this feature from Pinoy MD:

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