Top Ways to Lighten Dark Lips. Some people’s lips may darken over time due to a variety of medical and lifestyle factors. In this article, we will explore the causes of dark lips and some home remedies that may help lighten them.
Causes of dark lips
Darkening of the lips can be the result of hyperpigmentation, which is a typically harmless condition caused by an excess of melanin. Lip hyperpigmentation may be caused by:
- -Excessive exposure to the sun
- -Lack of hydration
- -Cigarette smoking
- -Allergic reactions to toothpaste, lipstick, etc.
- -Too much caffeine
- -Lip sucking
Most of these causes can be addressed by lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunscreen, limiting caffeine intake, or changing toothpaste brands.
How to lighten dark lips
There are a few different methods that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, but often it is more of a cosmetic decision.
Laser treatments and chemicals, such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, are commonly used to treat lip hyperpigmentation. These treatments work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces melanin.
If you prefer a natural treatment, there are several lip lighteners that you can consider. Here are some of the most popular options:
Lemon
According to a 2002 study, citrus fruit peel may act as a melanin inhibitor. If you want to try this method, cut a lemon and gently rub the juicy part over your lips every night just before going to sleep. The next morning, rinse your lips with cool water. Repeat this routine every night until you see results. It may take 30 days.
Lemon and sugar
Before bedtime, cut a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar. Rub your lips with the sugared lemon. The next morning, rinse your lips with lukewarm water. Doing this every night will help keep your lips soft and supple.
Aloe
According to a recent study, a compound in aloe vera may be able to help reduce melanin production. To use this method, simply apply a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel to your lips each day. Once it’s dried, rinse it off with warm water.
Other natural remedies
Some people use the following home remedies to lighten darker lips. However, more research is needed to explore their effectiveness. Keep this in mind if you try them out:
Coconut oil. Using your fingertip, take a small amount of coconut oil and gently apply it evenly over your lips. You can do this multiple times during the day and also before you go to sleep at night.
Rose water. Mix together two drops of rose water with six drops of honey. Apply this mixture to your lips three to four times per day, or before going to bed at night.
Olive Oil: Before going to bed, massage a few drops of olive oil into your lips.
Cucumber Juice: In a blender, juice half a cucumber. Cool the juice in the refrigerator. Once the juice is cool, dip a cotton ball into it and use the cotton ball to gently apply the juice onto your lips. Leave the cucumber juice on your lips for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
Strawberry Paste: Make a paste by mixing together five crushed, medium-sized strawberries and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Gently apply this paste to your lips at bedtime, then rinse off with cool water the next morning.
Looking for a way to moisturize your lips naturally? Try one of these three methods:
Almond oil: Every night before bed, massage a drop or two of almond oil onto your lips.
Sugar: Blend together 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of butter. Three times a week, massage this blend onto your lips for three to four minutes. If you like, you can substitute olive oil for the butter.
Mustard oil: Once per day, gently massage one to two drops of mustard oil on your lips.
The takeaway
Many people prefer to have lighter lips for cosmetic reasons. If you have lip hyperpigmentation, there are a number of natural home remedies for lightening your lips.
Before deciding which remedy to choose, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They can help ensure the underlying cause of your darker lip pigmentation is also treated.
Choosing a home remedy for lightening your lips is a personal decision, but it’s important to get medical advice before proceeding to ensure that any underlying causes are also treated.