Treat Dark Lips Naturally: It is a known fact that everyone is born with a different shade and color of lips, but issues arise when hyperpigmentationi occurs. Thus, it is important to recognize the cause and then go for treatments that work well to get rid of dark lips.
Mostly, you can remove this discoloration completely with natural and organic ingredients instead of resorting to artificial products or medications. Read on to find out how to lighten dark lips with some wholesome and organic ingredients. Keep scrolling!
What Causes Dark Lips?
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Increased exposure to the sun can increase the melanin production in your skin, thereby causing pigmentation.
Excessive smoking can cause a type of pigmentation known as a smoker’s melanosis.
An allergic response to certain products like toothpaste, lipstick, etc. may also cause hyperpigmentation in your lips.
Medical therapies for conditions, such as Laugier-Hunziker syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and posttraumatic pigmentation can affect your lips and cause them to look dark.
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, says, “One of the most common deficiencies associated with dark lips is a deficiency in vitamin B12. Another vitamin deficiency linked to dark lips is vitamin B2 deficiency. This vitamin plays an important role in skin health, and a lack of it can cause lips to become dry, cracked, and discolored.”
He adds, “Vitamin B3 and B6 deficiencies have also been associated with dark lips. Zinc deficiency is another potential cause of lip discoloration. Zinc is a crucial mineral for skin health, and a deficiency can lead to a range of skin issues, including dark lips. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia can cause pale lips, but this is not typically associated with darkening of the lips.”
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, The good news is that dark lips may not be a permanent problem and can be reversed with a few practices. Dr. Rokhsar says, “Dark lips can turn pink with proper care and treatment. To make lips pink, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the dark lips and address it accordingly.”
Now that you know the factors that cause dark lips, scroll down to the next section to learn more about the different dark lip remedies.
Natural Remedies To Lighten Dark Lips
1. Coconut Oil
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Coconut oil has emollienti and moisturizing properties (3). These properties help keep your lips soft, smooth, and supple and prevent them from getting dry and darker, which usually happens with skin dehydration.
What You Can Do: Take a little virgin coconut oil onto your index finger and apply it to your lips. Leave it on to dry. You may do this 1-2 times daily.
2. Lemon and Honey
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Citrus fruits like lemons are known for their skin lightening properties. When combined with honey, lemons not only lighten your lips but also help soften, revitalize, and rejuvenate them.
What You Can Do: Take a teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey. Mix well and apply it to your lips. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water. You may do this once daily.
Note: Lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on your skin. Please do a patch test before trying this remedy.
3. Aloe Vera
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound with depigmenting properties. This may help fade the pigmentation on your lips.
What You Can Do: Take half a teaspoon of freshly extracted aloe vera gel and apply it to your lips. Rinse with plain water. You may do this 1-2 times daily.
4. Cucumber Juice
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Cucumber contains antioxidants and silica-rich compounds. These compounds may help fade pigmentation and lighten dark skin tone.
What You Can Do: Take a few slices of cucumber and grind them. Apply the paste to your lips and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water. You may do this 1-2 times daily.
Tip
You can also grate a washed and peeled cucumber to obtain its pulp and juice, which you may apply to your lips.
5. Turmeric
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Curcumin is a major constituent of turmeric. This may help inhibit melanogenesis (the formation of melanin). This, in turn, can lighten your lips.
What You Can Do: Prepare a thick paste by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water. Apply this paste to your lips and allow it to dry. Rinse with water. You can do this once daily.
Note: Turmeric can cause an allergic reaction to skin contact in some people. It can cause an outbreak of rashes on your skin if you are allergic to it.
6. Sesame Oil
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Sesame oil contains an active lignan called sesamol, which was found to inhibit the biosynthesis of melanin in animal studies. Hence, sesame oil may also help in lightening dark lips.
What You Can Do: Apply sesame oil on your lips and leave it on until it dries. You may reapply the oil as necessary. You can do this 2-3 times daily.
Note: Sesame oil can cause an allergic reaction upon skin contact in some people. Hence, do a patch test.
Treatment For Dark Lips
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, The common treatment options for dark lips include the use of lasers. Laser treatment does not have severe side effects.
Chemical treatments may also be used to lighten dark lips. They often involve the use of hydroquinone and kojic acid that can inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme.
Certain dark lips treatments also work by inhibiting the production of melanin. But most of them may cause adverse side effects (increased sun sensitivity, flaking skin, or an uneven skin tone).
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Dr. Rokhsar says, “These treatments should only be performed by a qualified and experienced dermatologist, as they require specialized training and equipment.”
Prevention Tips
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Exfoliate your lips regularly. According to Dr. Rokhsar, “ Exfoliating the lips regularly can also help to remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation, which can improve lip color.”
Drink plenty of fluids daily to stay hydrated.
Use a lip balm with SPF 40 or above.
Do not use low-quality lip cosmetics.
Avoid using products you are allergic to.
Avoid sucking on your lips constantly as it makes them very dry.
Tip
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, You can mix two teaspoons of ground coffee with a teaspoon of olive oil for a quick and effective lip scrub. Exfoliate your lips with this scrub 2-3 times a week and follow up with a hydrating lip balm.
Final Think
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Hyperpigmentation on the lips may make it look darker than its natural color. Excessive smoking, exposure to the sun, certain medical conditions, or allergic reactions to the chemicals in cosmetic products may lead to dark lips. You can choose from a variety of natural remedies to get rid of dark lips. Coconut oil, aloe vera, cucumber juice, a mix of lemon and honey, pomegranate powder, and turmeric are some of the popular ingredients that can reduce hyperpigmentation and nourish and beautify your lips.
Treat Dark Lips Naturally, Conventional methods include laser and chemical treatments. To protect and repair your lips against hyperpigmentation, hydrate them, avoid lip products with low-quality or harsh ingredients, exfoliate your lips on a regular basis, and use a balm with a minimum SPF value of 40 to renew them.
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