Skin complexion/colour - Skin Problems Message Board

kehcorpz · 07-19-2003, 11:27 AM

I've had the weirdest problem for a while. My upper lip doesn't seem to tan, it's always lighter than the rest of my face. I get pretty dark at times and my upper lip remains and it just looks weird! And i shave it too so it's not the hair getting in the way. Sometimes i can get it a bit tanned by using tanning products but it doesn't last very long, 2 days max. I was wondering if anyone has experienced a similar problem and what it could be?

I was also wondering if at home chemical peel kits are as good as they claim to be? I'd like to better my complexion, I would like for my skin to be smooth and glow

Any info would be appreciated

Diva Ree · 07-19-2003, 12:46 PM

I don't think this is uncommon, but I don't know how to change the way you tan in that area. Shaving removes the top layers of dead skin...which are tan if you've been tanning, and the skin beneath it is normally not as tan.

Have you experimented with sunless products just for that area?

kehcorpz · 07-19-2003, 01:22 PM

Diva: Yes I have used sunless tanner, that's the only way to get it to tan. The problem is if i use sunless tanner on the rest of my face the tan usually lasts a good 7 days, on the upper lip area it only lasts about 2 days, it's quite odd. I'd go to a dermatologist but my health card has expired so I have to renew it first. I usually shave with an electric shaver cuz my skin is sensitive and I can easily develop a rash. I do everything possible not to get rid of the dead layer of skin. Do you think an at home chemical peel could get rid of that layer and then maybe the skin below will be healthier? I've been curious about these at home chemical peel kits, but I've never heard much feedback from regular users besides what the companies claim.

Diva Ree · 07-19-2003, 03:10 PM

A chemical peel could leave you sensitive to tanning, which could cause a sunburn. It would also probably lighten your skin more then you want. I would do the peel at a time when you aren't tanning.

Do people point this area out to you? Could it be something that only you notice?

You can also "feather in" the sunless application after you shave. Just apply a small amount and make sure the edges are buffed in well. This will cause the color to develop deeper where you want it, and it will be almost unnoticable where the edges meet up with skin that isn't getting the application.

kehcorpz · 07-20-2003, 09:31 AM

Thanks for the tips. I don't burn easily though. I once fell asleep in the sun for a good 3 hours and barely got red, mostly turned brown. Plus I could always get a strong SPF moisturizer. I currently use Vaseline which is SPF 15, I think. No one has ever pointed it out, it's only noticeable in certain angles, but if it bothers me then I don't want it, that's my theory.

Quote:

Originally posted by Diva Ree:
A chemical peel could leave you sensitive to tanning, which could cause a sunburn. It would also probably lighten your skin more then you want. I would do the peel at a time when you aren't tanning.

Do people point this area out to you? Could it be something that only you notice?

You can also "feather in" the sunless application after you shave. Just apply a small amount and make sure the edges are buffed in well. This will cause the color to develop deeper where you want it, and it will be almost unnoticable where the edges meet up with skin that isn't getting the application.