REVIEW: Dr V Lip X Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Hyper-pigmentation is by far the number one skin concern for people with darker skin complexions. This is the Dr V Lip X Hyperpigmentation Kit. It is the first lip hyperpigmentation at-home treatment for skin of colour. The products contain tyrosinase inhibitors to help reduce the production and the appearance of hyper-pigmentation. With anything that fades dark spots, it takes time to see results. I have been using this for the past 10 days, and will continue to do so for the next couple of months. I will be giving an update on this product in 3 months to share the results.
What sets this Lip Kit apart from others is that not only does it exfoliate, plump, and nourish the lips, it also has powerful Tryrosinine inhibitors. These are ingredients that prevent the formation of the amino acid needed to produce melanin. If you are trying to fade pigmentation in the skin, you first need to inhibit its over-production so you can prevent it, then target what is on the surface of the skin. I have been following Dr Vanita Ratan on YouTube channel for about a year now and the reason why I am so excited about this product is that not only is she a Doctor for skin colour, she is also a Cosmetic Formulator. She understands how pigmented skin functions and what ingredients work best for melanated skin.
To be clear, any form of skin lightening that I am referring to in this post and any others is not for the purpose of bleaching the skin. That is not the goal. Melanated skin, in every shade, is beautiful. The purpose of this treatment is to diminish the appearance of discolouration caused by skin damage, age… things of that nature. Safely, this process may take some time. On their website, they do state that it will take at least 3 months to see a difference on the lips. It is gentle, as to not further irritate the skin (which can lead to more pigment), but powerful enough to make a difference. We will put that to the test over the next few months.
3-Step Treatment Video
Lip X Scrub:
This is the Dr V Lip X Scrub. It is a moisturizing sugar scrub with a base of Shea Butter, Sugar, Petrolatum, Paraffinum, JoJoba oil, and Vitamin E. Some key ingredients are:
Retinyl Palmitate: a gentle form of Vitamin A to speed up cell turnover rate
Kojic Dipalmitate: a gentle form of kojic acid, an ingredient that slows down the rate of melanin production
Alpha Arbutin: a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor that is just as effective a the gold standard Hydraquinone without the side effects.
Immediately, I don't feel any stinging/tingling sensation with this product; that feeling that you get from menthol or peppermint. I don’t believe your products should burn for you to know that they are working. The product as a base of shea butter so it has a light scent, but otherwise there is no fragrance or alcohol added to this product. This scrub is designed to be applied to wet lips 3 times a week.⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lip X Mask:
Next, we have the star of the show, Dr V Lip X Mask. It has a gel consistency, slightly tacky mask that soaks into the skin quickly. It has a base of Aqua, Glycerin, Panthenol and Niacinamide. Once again there is no stinging sensation. Just don't get this inside your mouth because it doesn't taste the greatest. It is also fragrant free. It is designed to be used after the scrub, leave on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse off. Some key ingredients are:
Azeloglycina: a gentle form of Azelaic Acid with Glycerine
Niacinamide: vitamin B3, gentle skin brightening. Inhibits the cells that melanin produces
Alpha Arbutin
Phytic Acid: treats pigmentation on the dermal layer of the skin
Lip X Balm:
A lightweight overnight balm that soaks in very nicely into the lips. It leaves you feeling moisturized without this thick petroleum consistency. It smells of shea butter; the fourth ingredient in the product but otherwise it has no fragrance or colorants. It has a beautiful base of Petrolatum, the Shea Butter, Aquam Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E making it feel luxurious on the lips. This is designed to be used 2 hours before bed, and wear it every night whether you used the other two products or not. Some key ingredients are:
Alpha Arbutin
Kojic Dipalmitate
Niacinamide
Octadecanoic Acid: another powerful tyrosinase inhibitor
My Experience
I have been using this for 10 days now and haven't had any irritation. It takes time to see results so I will keep you updated on how well it performs over the next 3 months. So far, the set is very hydrating. Sometimes when I try lip masks and even overnight lip masks (*cough Laneige cough*) it feels like I’m putting a thick coat of petroleum on my lips without actually giving my lips any hydration. I would wake up with my lips still feeling parched and honestly, a lot drier than if I hadn’t put it on at all. With this lip balm that is not the case. It melts easily into the skin so it doesn’t feel heavy but your lips feel moisturized, smooth and so soft.
When I was little, I never had darkness on my lips, but since I’d about 21, I noticed that lips had darkened. In the Winter (2019) my lips darkened even more and I couldn’t understand why. All of a sudden. It’s not as bad now since I regularly apply SPF on my lips (Blistex 15 SPF) which has been a lifesaver, but I still want them to revert to its natural pink shade. Below is my before picture and I will update this post to document the progression. I will do my best to get it in the same natural lightning because that is important.