Why Do Dark Lips Develop?
Further, some scientific evidence states that smoking can influence lip pigmentation[1]. Nicotine shrinks the blood vessels, restricting circulation, so less oxygen gets to your lips. In addition, tar and nicotine can make the melanin on your lips get darker.
Drinking too much caffeine is also a culprit when it comes to darkening, as this substance can stain the lips and teeth. If you want to know how to lighten lips, one tip is to drink decaffeinated coffee.
Dehydration can also impact the color of the lips, which is why it’s important to keep hydrated. In addition, some people have a habit of sucking on their lips. It seems harmless enough, but over time, this ritual can cause staining and you may require dark lips treatment.
Finally, particular allergies can cause this symptom. One dark lips treatment you can consider is a lip scrub.
Are Lip Scrubs Effective At Lightening The Lips?
The primary purpose of a lip scrub is to exfoliate the lips, get rid of dryness, and leave them smooth and supple. A lip scrub for dark lips should include exfoliating properties and an ingredient that lightens or bleaches the lips to eliminate the dark hue.
These scrubs remove dead skin cells, as you massage the product into your lips, and they also improve the blood flow. If you use the lip scrub for dark lips consistently over time, it works to lighten them.
There are several lip scrubs on the market for this purpose, and many of them are effective. However, you have to be gentle when applying them, so it will not cause abrasions on your lips. In addition, there are also home remedies, which use many items you may already have around the house. If you want to know how to lighten dark lips permanently, keep reading.
15 Home-Based Methods For Lightening Lips
Learn how to lighten lips effectively with these organic remedies you can carry out in your home. All of these substances have natural properties, which can remove dark staining from the lips and leave them healthy and attractive.
1. Lemon Scrub
A lemon scrub usually includes a tablespoon of sugar mixed with the juice of half a lemon. These dark lips treatment is effective because lemon is high in vitamin C, which can block melanin production and lighten the skin.
Sugar is an excellent exfoliant that removes dirt and dead skin cells and leaves the complexion looking fresh and healthy. Rub this mix on your lips daily, or apply this lip scrub for dark lips before you go to bed and leave it overnight.
2. Coconut Oil
Dark lips are often caused by dehydration and roughness. Coconut is a deeply hydrating ingredient, which provides the lips with hydration, and as such, it can be effective. If you’re wondering how to lighten lips, just apply this substance after exfoliating. You can use it 2-3 times a day, and you should see results soon.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with antiseptic and lightening properties, as it blocks the production of melanin.
If you’re curious about how to get rid of dark lips with turmeric, the basic steps are as follows.
- Mix the turmeric powder with milk until it turns into a paste.
- Take some of the paste and spread it all over your lips.
- Leave it on for five minutes, then wash it off gently with warm water and add a rich moisturizer on top.
4. Rose Water
Rose Water can lighten your lips naturally. It restores the PH balance and soothes and heal. In addition, it’s hydrating and can moisturize the lips. Rose Water can remove oil and dirt, and it can also give your lips a pinkish color.
If you want to know how to lighten lips with rose water, follow these simple steps.
- Mix 2 drops with 6 drops of honey and add this formula to your lips 3-4 times a day.
- You may also put it on your lips before you go to sleep.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
If you’re wondering how to lighten dark lips permanently, try aloe vera. It’s an incredibly hydrating ingredient that eliminates dryness. In addition, it can block melanin production after exposure to the sun. It contains a substance called aloesin, which gets rid of excess melanin. You can apply it once a day, and you should wash it off once it has dried.
6. Cucumber Juice
Do you want to know how to lighten lips easily by using something in your fridge? Cucumber juice is cooling and calming to the skin, and it has rejuvenating and nourishing properties. In addition, it’s high in vitamin C, which can lighten the lips by blocking melanin production.
To apply, blend half a cucumber and put the juice in the fridge for cooling. Use a cotton ball in applying to your lips and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing. A study in the African Journal of Biotechnology[2] concluded that cucumber has skin rejuvenating, bleaching, and moisturizing benefits.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil has potent antioxidants properties, which heal skin damage and protect from UV rays, and anti-inflammatory benefits, which decrease swelling. It’s also hydrating and can deeply moisturize the lips.
In addition, extra virgin olive oil does have some skin-lightening properties, although not as powerful as some of the other ingredients. It may not be how to lighten dark lips permanently, but if you mix it with lemon juice, you’ll have a potent formula. Add a few drops to your lips before bed and massage them thoroughly.
8. Almond Oil
Almond oil has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help repair skin damage and reduce swelling. In addition, it’s full of vitamin E, which has skin-lightening properties. It can lighten dark lips, moisturize, and offer general health benefits.
Here is how to lighten lips with almond oil:
- Take a small amount onto your fingers before bed and rub it on your lips.
9. Citrus Balm
The citrus balm is a plant that is often called lemon balm. According to a study in Food Science and Technology[3], it contains an active compound that blocks melanin production and can lighten the skin and lips. In addition, it has anti-bacterial properties, which kill harmful microbes, and anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce swelling.
10. Pomegranate Seeds
Do you want to know how to lighten dark lips permanently? Consider using pomegranate seeds. There’s evidence that they have potent whitening effects, and this should have a significant impact on lightening dark lips.
In addition, they are higher in antioxidants than most other fruits, meaning they can repair damage and protect against UV rays and pollutants. For the ideal paste, combine the seeds with rose water and fresh dairy cream. Apply the mask and leave it on for 3 minutes before washing.
11. Strawberry
Strawberry is highly effective at lighting the lips due to its high vitamin C content. It prevents melanin production, eliminating the dark lip shade. In addition, it gives the lips a fresh, glowing appearance.
Naturally, strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, which repair damage and protect from environmental threats. If you’re wondering how to lighten lips with this fruit, take five strawberries, crush them, and add two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix into a paste and apply to your lips before going to sleep. Wash it off when you get up in the morning.
12. Beetroot
The vitamin C in beetroot makes it an effective lightening agent, which can eliminate dark lips. It also gives the lips a reddish, rosy appearance and provides them with nutrients. In addition, it’s rich in antioxidants which repair and protect the lips.
As for how to get rid of dark lips with beetroot, it involves mixing a paste in a blender and applying it to your lips twice a week. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off and dry your lips. Apply a moisturizing agent like petroleum jelly.
13. Mustard Oil
If you’re interested in yet another method on how to get rid of dark lips, try mustard oil. When rubbed on the skin and lips, it has properties that allow it to remove areas of pigmentation. It’s also high in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that protects the lips from UV rays. Massage a couple of drops onto your lips once a day.
14. Own Lip Balm
Learn how to lighten dark lips permanently with this easy recipe you can make at home. Microwave 1 tablespoon of beeswax for 45 seconds, then add a tablespoon of coconut and oil and heat for an additional 45 seconds or until everything is melted.
- Add 3 drops of peppermint oil and heat for another 15 seconds.
- Take the entire mix and pour it into a small container or tube.
- Leave it to cool for at least 5 minutes before using.
15. Hydrate
As for how to get rid of dark lips with hydration, use enriching oils, which are full of liquid and can moisturize the lips. They can improve blood flow to the lips, giving them a rosy glow and decreasing dark areas. Take your favorite oil, such as coconut, olive, or almond, and rub it on your lips several times a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are some ways that could help lighten your lips permanently if you follow them consistently, including lip scrub for dark lips and other home remedies we have outlined in this article.
You may also consider going to a dermatologist for more effective techniques like prescription medication or laser technology. An article in the International Journal of Laser Dentistry[4] outlined 2 case reports of the use of a 940 nm laser diode for lip depigmentation.
Lips that are genetically dark may not benefit as much from home remedies or over-the-counter creams for lightening. If this is your situation, it’s best to see a dermatologist for dark lips treatment that includes prescription creams and laser therapy to decrease the melanin and lighten your lips.
Not everyone has the same lip color, as it depends on skin color and simply individual differences. However, typically lip color ranges from reddish-pink to brown.
Conclusion
Lips can darken with age, and it is a cosmetic issue that many women deal with. There are dermatological treatments available and some over-the-counter products on the market, which are more helpful. However, in this article, we have outlined how to lighten lips using some simple home-based methods that can be highly effective.
