After I wax my upper lip, the area still looks dark. How can I even it out?

Ah, the perma-stache. That shading is technically known as melasma, a brownish pigment produced when estrogen in your body interacts with the sun. Sadly, in addition to making the shadow more obvious by removing the camouflaging hairs, waxing may exacerbate the condition by increasing skin's susceptibility to UV damage. "Pregnant women or those on the Pill are most vulnerable to melasma, but others can experience it as well," says Diane Berson, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Other than switching to a nonhormonal form of birth control, the best way to banish your pseudostubble is by using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily and fading patches with a prescription-strength bleaching cream at night. Try one with 4 percent hydroquinone (a pigment inhibitor), such as TriLuma. You should see an improvement in about six weeks.

By Elaine D'Farley, SELF beauty director

Related: The Twilight Saga: New Moon stars in sexy, SELFy vampire autumn fashions

MORE FROM SELF:

• 12 winter skin myths busted--what you need to know about your skin!
• How to shop for, spray and store your fragrances!
  
• 20 superfoods for weight loss
• Sex calendar: Get inspired to get busy!