A lot of people are seen complaining of dark upper lips, a phenomenon that has suddenly developed and has become a cause of embarrassment to many. To add to it, many a time, even makeup fails to cover up these dark patches! Most commonly seen among women between the age group of 20 to 40, it has started to become a serious matter of concern. While men can hide this flaw by growing a mustache or a stubble, women are constantly looking for remedies to solve this problem. The darkening does not occur suddenly, rather it develops overtime and is noticed only when the skin turns evidently dusky. The possible causes include hormonal changes in the body which pave way for a condition known as melasma in women. Here, women who are pregnant, or are on some contraceptives pills, or are taking some hormone replacement therapy (HRT), tend to experience skin discoloration and develop dark patches. In addition to that, certain hair-removal methods such as plucking, threading, waxing, and using hair-removing creams, can result in darkening of upper lips due to the irritation caused to the skin. Before we give you some tried and tested remedies to lighten your upper lip, it is strictly recommended to get in touch with a trusted healthcare specialist to chalk out the possibilities of some serious medical reasons behind this symptom. In females, a condition known as hirsutism is known to be one of the reasons of the dark appearance of the upper lip. In fact, in many cases, women think it is the skin, but actually, the darkening is because of the presence of hair. People with a dusky skin tone are more prone to developing this form of discoloration than people with a fairer skin tone. Although there are a number of skin creams and ointments available commercially that claim to rid you of the problem, only a few of them are somewhat effective. Certain dermatological procedures may also claim to help, but they are quite expensive and may not always yield the desired result. In this case, it will be wise to make use of a few home remedies. Consistent usage of these remedies can lighten the upper lip gradually, not instantaneously. You also need to determine the causal factors that may have triggered this problem. Note that the overuse of chemical-based skin products, alcohol consumption, and smoking can also lead to the development of dark upper lip. If not treated in time, this problem may also spread to the lips. Consult a dermatologist for medical treatment and guidance, in case home remedies don't seem to help. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert advice.