Darkness around the corners of the lips for a long time can happen due to pigmentation, repeated lip licking, dryness, smoking, vitamin deficiency, allergy, friction, sun exposure, or healed irritation around the mouth. If the problem has continued for almost a year and has not improved with different treatments, proper skin evaluation becomes important because the exact cause needs to be identified before choosing stronger creams. Keeping the lips moisturised and avoiding licking, smoking, harsh toothpaste, or irritating cosmetic products may help prevent further darkening. Creams containing kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid, or mild depigmenting ingredients are sometimes used to reduce pigmentation gradually, but sensitive lip-area skin can get irritated easily if strong products are used without guidance. Daily sunscreen use around the mouth area may also help prevent worsening. Please consult a doctor if the pigmentation is increasing, associated with itching or cracks, or not improving despite regular care, as blood tests or specialised treatments like peels or prescription creams may sometimes be needed.