Everyone’s lips are a distinct shade and tint when they are born, however problems might develop when hyperpigmentation takes place. Therefore, it’s critical to identify the underlying problem before pursuing effective therapies to lighten dark lips.
Lip color can vary from person to person, much like skin tone. There is no healthier lip color than any other. In some circumstances, a change in the color or state of the lips might be a sign that they require additional attention. It is seldom a reason for alarm, though.
Lips can darken due to tobacco use, stress, medications, and medical conditions.
The issue should be resolved by addressing the root cause. There are some natural therapies that can brighten the lips temporarily.
What causes dark lips?
The hue of each person’s lips naturally varies. Melanin, a pigment, is responsible for the skin’s hue.
A darker skin tone results from having more melanin than from having less melanin.
Hyperpigmentation can result from the skin’s overproduction of melanin.
The development of skin patches that are darker than the surrounding skin is a symptom of hyperpigmentation. Age spots are a typical instance of hyperpigmentation. Many individuals think this illness, which is caused by sun exposure, is innocuous. Almost any part of the body, including the lips, can be impacted.
Medical issues
Hyperpigmentation is a symptom of certain medical conditions. The most well-known of them is Addison’s illness.
Usually, an immune system issue prevents the adrenal gland from producing enough vital hormones. black spots of skin, black lips, or dark gums can all be symptoms of the illness. Low mood, weakness, and a lack of energy are some more signs.
You should seek emergency medical attention if you have blue or purple lips that look darker, or if you have trouble breathing. This can be an indication of cyanosis, a disorder brought on by low blood oxygen levels.
Certain medications
Hyperpigmentation may result from several drugs. These include oral antibiotic minocycline and antimalarial medications.
Once the drug period is through, the skin should change back to its normal hue, but for some people, the hyperpigmentation may last.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy may cause skin changes in certain women. This results from the body’s hormone levels fluctuating.
Patches of darker skin may appear on the lips, nipples, forehead, cheeks, and nose, among other body parts. However, after delivery, these regions should revert to their original hue.
Tobacco smoking
Smoking tobacco can increase the formation of melanin in the skin thanks to nicotine and benzpyrene. The lips could get darker as a result. This may develop gradually over time.
Numerous more harmful effects of smoking on health exist. The National Cancer Institute has a specific webpage with information and suggestions for smokers who wish to give up.
Sun exposure
When skin is exposed to the sun, the body produces melanin to absorb the UV radiation. This guards against some of the harm that sunshine may do to the skin. Additionally, it makes the skin brown.
Sunscreen should be used anywhere on the body, including the lips. Lip balms can shield the lips from UV damage if they have a sun protection factor of 30 or above.
Home Remedies
Pomegranate
Tyrosinase activity and melanin formation were reported to be decreased by pomegranate extracts. These qualities could eventually make dark lips lighter.
Make a paste with water and a teaspoon of pomegranate powder. Put this paste on your lips, then wait for it to dry. Use simple water to rinse. For optimal results, you could repeat this 1-2 times each day.
Sesame Oil
Sesamol, an active lignan contained in sesame oil, has been shown in animal tests to prevent the formation of melanin. Sesame oil may therefore aid in whitening dark lips.
Sesame oil should be applied to your lips and left there until it dries. As needed, you can reapply the oil. Do this a minimum of twice a day.
Some people may experience an allergic response when exposed to sesame oil. So do a patch test.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a lot of curcumin. This might aid in preventing melanogenesis, or the production of melanin. Your lips may get lighter as a result.
By combining a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water, you may make a thick paste. Put this paste on your lips, then let it dry. Use water to rinse. This may be done once per day.
Some people might develop an allergy to turmeric when it comes in touch with their skin. If you are allergic to it, it might make your skin break out in rashes. Therefore, before using this cure, do a patch test.
Cucumber Juice
Antioxidants and compounds high in silica can be found in cucumber. These substances might aid in lightening dark skin tone and fading pigmentation.
Take a few cucumber slices, and then ground them. Your lips should be covered with the paste for 15 to 20 minutes. Use water to rinse. This can be done 1-2 times each day.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Aloe Vera
Aloin, a substance with depigmenting qualities, is found in aloe vera. Your lips’ pigmentation may lighten with this.
Apply your lips with a half-teaspoon of freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Use simple water to rinse. This can be done 1-2 times each day.
Lemon And Honey
Lemons and other citrus fruits are well recognized for their ability to brighten skin. Lemons aid to soften, revive, and renew your lips when coupled with honey in addition to making them lighter.
Take a spoonful of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well, then apply to your lips. After 15-20 minutes, rinse it off with water. This may be done once per day.
Your skin may feel stinging after consuming lemon juice. Prior to using this treatment, please do a patch test.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil offers hydrating and emollient qualities. These qualities assist in preserving the softness, suppleness, and color of your lips while preventing the drying and darkening that typically results from skin dryness.
Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil on your lips with your index finger. Continue to dry it. This can be done 1-2 times each day.
Have an almond oil lip massage
Oil application to the lips helps hydrate them and increase blood flow. Lips include blood vessels that contribute to their color, and stroking them can increase blood flow there.
As a natural treatment for dry lips, use high-quality almond or coconut oil. Once or twice daily, gently massage the oil into your lips. The results ought to be apparent in a day or two.
Almond oil is available online, in health food stores, and in pharmacies.
Treatment
Creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy are examples of cosmetic procedures that lighten the skin. These medical interventions decrease skin melanin or prevent the skin from creating it.
There is not much data to support the safety or efficacy of skin whitening. Skin damage might happen from treatments, and any good results might not endure.
Irritation, scarring, and nerve damage are a few of the side effects. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that the mercury in skin-lightening lotions may be harmful to human health.
Keeping the lips healthy
Lip skin is considerably thinner than skin on many other body regions. Since the lips lack sweat glands and hair protection, they can quickly dry out.
Lips with dry skin may appear duller than usual. Regularly moisturizing and staying hydrated can help keep the lips healthy.
Lip skin is particularly delicate. It is susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun, smoking, and cosmetics usage.
To prevent scorching of the lips, always use sun protection on both the face and the lips.
The skin may be protected by removing makeup at night. Additionally, stopping smoking might enhance general health and skin look.
Bottom Line
Your lips’ color—light or dark—depends on your unique aesthetic preferences. If you have lip hyperpigmentation, there are several natural home treatments that might help you lighten your lips.
Consult your doctor before deciding on a treatment plan. They can ensure that your darker lip pigmentation is addressed as well as its underlying cause.
Since lip color is natural, no treatment is necessary. Unless the color has altered over time, dark lips are not a symptom of an underlying health issue.
By eating correctly, moisturizing, and staying hydrated, you can keep your lips looking young and vibrant. Additionally, a person might experiment with some straightforward home treatments to hydrate and gently exfoliate their lips.
