Skins reaction to tanning...anyone else?? - Skin Problems Message Board

Marblehead · 03-17-2005, 07:09 AM

I love to go tanning but the skin on my upper lip always gets dark. Like I have a shadow on my upper lip. Anyone else have this? I feel so self concious too. I try to use concealer but that dont work. What could cause this? Any suggestions.

quincy · 03-17-2005, 10:53 AM

If you're on the pill or pregnant, it will get worse. Melanin is high in that area and is estrogen sensitive.

"love tanning".....now that it's gotten darker it will always be.

You're ready for the next step regimen as a result of continual tanning. That's exfoliating, lightening, lasers, chemical peels, sunblock...etc. As you age, these spots will just get darker. Not pretty.

FYI, I haven't tanned since the early 80's (on purpose) and pretty much avoid the sun. I'm now 50, skin still awesome, except for one thing.....I was just diagnosed with precancerous lesions (very slight, look like eczema) and have to use Efudex for the next 21 days. I'm vain, and not ready for the weeks of lobster/scabbing/oozing/peeling skin. Oh well, the price we pay.
My husband has already had basal cell carcinoma cut from his face plus precancerous moles from his back.

New meaning to "getting old" and paying for the sins of the past.

Reconsider to love tanning and plan for your future. Looks really are important until you have to make decisions that will have you looking ugly just to remain healty.

Just some "old age" wisdom.

Be well,
quincy

beautifulfreek7 · 03-17-2005, 06:17 PM

So if I'm on the pill and go to tan, is it likely that my lip will get dark like that too? Has this happened to anyone else?

hobogirl · 03-18-2005, 07:20 AM

That happens to my daughter and her obgyn gave her a perscription medication to use to lighten the area. She also puts something over that area sometimes to help.

quincy · 03-18-2005, 09:45 AM

You ever heard of "pregnancy mask"? It will darken those areas. They will probably be the upper lip, on the outer corners of the chin to the mouth, the cheeks, nose and the forehead.

As well, once the areas are lightened, they are more sensitive to the sun as well.

There are certain meds, foods, skin preparations that make us more photosensitive. Citrus being one of them.

Oh, forgot to mention.....once those areas are darkened...even when not in the sun for ages and one puts on a chemical tanner, those areas will be darker as well. I have THAT problem, and I've not tanned for over 23 years. Go figure. but, at least I have the option to buff those areas to make them lesssss noticable. One can't do that with a tan.

A sunblock will help....a physical one like zinc oxide or titanium oxide when out in the sun.

quincy