Healthy rosy lips provide a touch of radiance to a person’s face. While lip glosses or lip tints are not required to keep your lips naturally beautiful and luscious, dark lips can result from improper living patterns, excess cosmetic application, medical issues, eating, smoking, or alcohol intake. So, do not be alarmed if you are one of them. However, if you have a darker upper lip complexion, there are techniques to enhance its looks and maintain its health. Scroll down to learn about the causes of a dark upper lip and how to lighten it at home.
What Causes Dark Lips?
Hyperpigmentation: This is a common cause of dark lips. Hyperpigmentation around the mouth or the lips can be caused by excessive UV exposure, physiological changes, geno dermatosesi A group of hereditary disorders that manifest as skin disease conditions. (a genetic condition), inflammatory diseases, endocrinologici Relating to hormone levels in the human body. disorders, use of drugs and chemicals, benign and malignant neoplasm (abnormal mass of tissue), and other non-melanotic conditions (1).
Smoking: This is a common cause of a darkened upper lip. A study indicated that almost all smokers had lip pigmentation issues and dark lips (2).
Sun Exposure: UV ray exposure increases the melanini A group of natural pigments responsible for skin, eye, and hair color. in the skin (including the lips), causing pigmentation (3).
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions like vitamin deficiencies and anemia may cause dark lips. Using antibiotics like minocycline and chemotherapeutici Relating to chemotherapy - a standard drug treatment to kill cancerous cells in the advanced stages. agents may cause lip pigmentation (4). Disorders like Addison’s disease (adrenal gland disorder), melasma, and Laugier-Hunzikeri A benign skin hyperpigmentation condition characterized by flat, brown spots inside the mouth. syndrome may also cause dark lips (5), (6).
Other Factors: Factors like dehydration or consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, allergic reaction to cosmetic and personal care products may also turn the lips dark.
Lightening your lips might not be as difficult as you may think. Here are some tips to help.
How To Lighten Dark Lips
If you want to get rid of dark lips, there are plenty of tips and remedies that can help restore their natural color. You can also try making DIY lip balms with the natural ingredients from the table below (7). Other than these methods, you may also try these natural remedies to manage lip pigmentation.
How To Make Natural Lip Lighteners: 12 Easy DIY Recipes
1. Sugar Lip Scrub
What You Need
A slice of lime 1 teaspoon of sugar
How To Use Why This Works Sugar granules work as a natural exfoliator and remove dead skin cells. and promote lip exfoliation for helps better lip texture. Lime juice is a natural bleaching agent that minimizes lip pigmentation (6).
2. Turmeric Lip Mask
What You Need
1 tablespoon of tomato juice ½ tablespoon of lime juice ½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
How To Use Why This Works Turmeric contains curcumin that balances melanin production (8). Lime and tomato juice may have a bleaching effect on the lips and improve their appearance.
3. Lime Juice And Honey
What You Need
1 teaspoon of honey 1 teaspoon of lime juice
How To Use Why This Works Applying lime juice improves the appearance of darkened lips and works as a lip brightening agent (6). Honey is an excellent emollient and helps moisturize the lips (9).
4. Carrot Juice
What You Need
2-3 tablespoons of carrot juice Cotton pads
How To Use Why This Works Carrots are used in lipsticks as they contain lycopene that gives an orangish hue to your lips (10).
5. Cocoa Butter
What You Need
1 tablespoon of cocoa butter 1 teaspoon of olive oil
How To Use Why It Works Cocoa butter has antioxidant properties that soften the lips. Olive oil can help improve the appearance of pigment and improve lip tone (6).
6. Pomegranate Rind
What You Need
1 teaspoon of pomegranate rind powder 1 teaspoon of rosewater
How To Use Why It Works Pomegranate extracts might inhibit melanin production and reduce lip pigmentation (11). Rose water helps to soothe your lips.
7. Potato Juice
What You Need
1 tablespoon of potato juice 1 cotton ball
How To Use Why This Works Anecdotal evidence suggests that potato juice is effective for improving dark circles, pigmentation, and premature aging.
8. Honey And Rose Petals
What You Need
4-5 red rose petals 1 tablespoon of honey
How To Use Why This Works Rose petals are used extensively in the cosmetic industry, especially in lip balms, lip stains, and related products. Crushed rose petals give a reddish hue to the lips, and honey keeps them moisturized(6).
9. Glycerin
What You Need
Glycerin Cotton pad
How To Use Why This Works Glycerin is an effective moisturizing agent used in many skin care products (12). It may help keep the lips soft and moisturized and reduce discoloration caused by dryness.
10. Beetroot
What You Need
Beetroot juice Cotton pads
How To Use Why This Works Beetroot juice is often used as a natural dye and adds a reddish hue to the lips.
11. Orange Peels
What You Need
1 tablespoon of dried orange peel powder 1 tablespoon of curd
How To Use Why This Works Orange peels contain beta carotene that gives them a reddish-orange shade. It has antioxidant properties that prevent skin and lip damage (13). Curd is used in traditional recipes for its moisturizing properties.
13. Strawberries And Honey
What You Need
2-3 ripe strawberries 1 teaspoon honey
How To Use Why This Works Anecdotal evidence suggests that strawberries may have an exfoliating and moisturizing effect. They also contain vitamin C and antioxidants that may help lighten the dark color of the lips, though there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same. Honey has humectant and emollient properties that help hydrate and soothe the lips (9). Tami, a vlogger, shared her experience of using apple cider vinegar for 2 weeks to help brighten her dark lips. She followed it up with almond oil and vaseline and was amazed with the results. She said, “My lips are way lighter. It definitely worked for me (i).”
The Dos And Don’ts To Avoid Darkening Of Lips
1. Follow A Healthy Diet
Consume water-rich vegetables and fruits like melons, cucumber, and green leafy veggies to keep your body and lips hydrated. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages to prevent your lips from becoming dry and dark.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated on the go. Remove your makeup and lipstick before sleeping. The product residue may contain chemicals that can darken your lips. Avoid smoking to prevent lip Fluoride in toothpaste may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis (14). Avoid using fluoride toothpaste as they may affect your lips and darken them.
3. Cosmetic Products
Use cosmetics that suit your skin. Go for trusted brands and vegan and organic products. Avoid using cheap lipsticks with harmful chemicals. Check the ingredients Avoid products with artificial fragrances, parabens, drying alcohols, and PEGs.
Does Vaseline make lips pink? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the habits you must avoid to prevent dark lips and maintain their health.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team According to anecdotal evidence, Vaseline helps eliminate the external pigments built up on your lips. This leaves the lips looking smooth, velvety soft, and with a natural pink hue. You can also learn how to make lips pink again using ingredients you already have at home. Can aloe remove dark lips? Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound that helps to reduce pigmentation on the skin (15). Therefore, it may help lighten dark lips. How can I make my lips pink with Colgate? Here’s what you need to do to make your lips pink with Colgate toothpaste:
In a bowl, mix half a teaspoon each of Colgate toothpaste, sugar, and honey. Apply the paste to your lips and gently scrub them with a toothbrush until they are completely covered. Scrub your whole lip surface with moderate circular strokes for two minutes. After that, carefully wash the paste off with lukewarm water. Apply a thick layer of clear chapstick to your lips.
Learn how to get rid of dark lips and pigmentation with simple, natural remedies. Discover the best tips and tricks in this video to restore your lips to their natural color. Check it out!
