The lip’s skin color varies from person to person and by mostly we have naturally dark lips. No shade is superior to others, but sometimes, they indicate that you need your lips to need more attention and care. Lips are sensitive and so we need to take extra care measures to maintain them.
"The discoloration or pigmentation of the lips can be due to medical and lifestyle factors"
One of the most common reasons for the dark lip is hyperpigmentation, which means excess melanin production on the top of your lips.
Causes of Dark Lips
The common risk factors that cause dark lips, including:
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Smoking (1)
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Lack of hydration
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Sun damage
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Sensitivity to certain products like toothpaste, lipstick, etc.
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Caffeine intake
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Vitamin deficiency (2)
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Anemia
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Chemotherapy
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Excessive use of fluoride
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Constant licking of lip
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Lifestyle changes
How to Lighten Dark Lips Naturally?
1. Lemon
Lemon is a good source of vitamin C working as a natural lightening agent in most home remedies. Before going to sleep, cut a lemon and apply it to your dark lips. Leave it on overnight. Rinse it off with lukewarm water the next morning. Repeat this routine for a few days until the lips lighten.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe gel comprises a compound named aloin, which can help fade the pigmentation on your lips and deeply nourishes your skin (3). Every night just before going to bed, take ½ teaspoon of fresh aloe gel and apply it onto your lips. Rinse it off with water the next morning. Apply it every day to get plump and supple lips.
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranate extract helps lighten skin hyperpigmentation. Take 1 tbsp of pomegranate seeds, 1 tbsp of fresh dairy cream, and 1 tsp of rosewater and blend them to make a paste. Massage your lips gently with this paste for 3-5 minutes. Wash your lips with cool water. Repeat this remedy every day for better results.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric works as the best melanin inhibitor. It has antiseptic and lightening properties, which helps to lighten your lips (4). Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1-2 tsp of milk to make a paste. Apply the paste on your lips, and massage gently. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it off with water.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has moisturizing properties, which helps to keep your lips soft and supple (5). It also prevents the lips from getting dry and dark, which happens due to skin dehydration. This oil adds moisture and elasticity to cracked, rough, or sore lips. It is an easy and effective remedy. Take a little amount of coconut oil on your fingertip, apply it to your lips, and leave it for 15-20 minutes. You can do this 1-2 times every day.
6. Sugar
"Sugar acts as an excellent scrub that helps to exfoliate lips and get rid of dead skin cells"
Butter helps to moisturize your lips and keep them hydrated. Take 2-3 tsp of sugar and 2 tsp of butter, blend it to make a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your lips and scrub gently for 5 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Try this remedy thrice a week for lighter lips.
7. Beetroot
Beets are rich in antioxidants and have lightening properties, which help prevent the darkening of lips. Take a small size of beet and grind it to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your lips and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Repeat this twice a week for lighter lips.
8. Cucumber Juice
Cucumber is a rich source of water content, which helps to lighten dark skin tone, get rid of dry, dead skin cells from lips, and keep it hydrated. It also contains antioxidants and silica-rich compounds, which help to fade pigmentation (6). Take a few slices of cucumber and grind them to make a paste. Apply it to your lips and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with water. Repeat it thrice a week for better outcomes.
