Has finding a lipstick shade that matches your lips naturally has been a lifelong struggle for you, because of the uneven toning in your lips? If you are here, we will take that as a yes! Darkening of lips is a common phenomenon that can be brought about by smoking, pollution, medical conditions and sun damage. However, some of you may give up on the idea of ever having rosy lips but it isn't an impossible feat to achieve. It isn't a miracle, but a few lifestyle changes and lip care steps can help you get rid of the darkening. We have compiled the ultimate guide for you to identify and prevent your lips from turning black.
You are familiar with hyperpigmentation in the skin, but it is also possible in lips which makes them black or discolored. Although a common condition in lips for people of all ages and skin tones, it is more prevalent in people with darker complexion.
Hyperpigmentation of lips is associated with a wide variety of conditions that include inflammatory diseases, physiological changes, genodermatoses, endocrinological conditions, benign and malignant neoplasm and other non-melanotic conditions (1).
1. Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation tends to appear as dark patches on the lips which is often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy or with the use of certain medications.
2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: this could occur due to injury trauma to the lips or inflammation. Some of the common causes include biting lips, burns or allergic reactions to certain lip products.
3. Smoking-induced hyperpigmentation: Regular and chain smokers will experience darkened lips due to staining from chemicals or nicotine.
4. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation: Overexposure to the sun without any sunscreen can lead to lip darkening especially in individuals with lighter skin tones.
Similar to the development of hyperpigmentation in the skin, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to hyperpigmentation in the lips too. The skin on the lips is more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation as they are thinner.
During phases of pregnancy and menopause women may experience hormonal changes that cause an imbalance which may lead to hyperpigmentation in the lips.
According to the studies high content of nicotine and benzopyrene from tobacco smoke can cause increased melanin production in the gingival tissue which leads to lip discoloration over time resulting in hyperpigmentation.
People with white and pale lips may have anemia as discolored lips are a telltale sign. When your body doesn't have enough red blood cells it leads to discoloration in the lips.
If your body tends to turn dark gray or you have brown patches on your skin, then it can be due to hemochromatosis, a disorder that turns the skin and lips bluish.
A lot of people may experience dark spots due to certain medications that they have been prescribed, some common medications that have these side effects are antipsychotic drugs, and medicines used to treat cancer.
It is a condition named after poor oxygen circulation that causes bluish discoloration of the skin. Central cyanosis affects the lips and the tongue (2).
Lemon is the safest and most natural bleaching agent that can lighten darkened lips.
How to use it?
Squeeze out fresh lemon juice from half a lemon into a sanitized container, dab it on your fingers or cotton pad and rub it across your lips.
Leave it for 10 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Lemon juice can dry out your lips so always apply a moisturizer after to keep it hydrated.
Honey is nature's moisturizer, it makes the lips more soft, supple and hydrated. It also acts as a lightening agent and works extremely well for darkened lips.
How to use it?
Wear a glove as honey can get sticky and apply a thin layer over your lips.
Keep it on for about 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do it alternate days to lighten the lips and keep up the hydration.
Rose petals are full of natural compounds that nourish, hydrate, and lighten darkened lips.
How to use it?
Pluck rose petals off fresh roses, rinse them in water thoroughly then crush them and mix a few drops of honey to create a paste.
Apply this mixture to your lips and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Cucumber is an excellent solution to lighten pigmented lips. It also provides refreshment to the lips.
How to use it?
Wash and cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices and gently rub them on your lips for a few minutes. Do it as often as you can to see the results.
Aloe Vera can inhibit melanin production and provide moisturization to the lips.
How to use it?
Take fresh Aloe Vera and cut through it, peel out a thin layer of its gel apply it to your lips and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Beetroot also contains natural bleaching properties that can lighten your dark lips and make them rosy naturally.
How to use it?
Peel and juice fresh beetroot (do not add water) and apply the extract to your lips.
Leave it for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Almond oil contains fatty acids that help moisturize and heal chapped lips. Additionally, the emollient properties of it help soften, smoothen and lighten your lips.
How to use it?
Take 100% natural almond oil and rub it onto your lips before going to bed.
Rinse it off in the morning along with your morning skincare routine and apply lip balm.
Pomegranate seeds have natural bleaching properties that can help reduce lip darkening.
How to use it?
Crush a few pomegranate seeds and mix them with a teaspoon of milk cream to create a paste. Apply the paste on to your lips and keep it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Coconut oil has multiple benefits, some of it being rich in iron, vitamins K and E and lauric acid and is extremely effective in lightening dark lips.
How to use it?
Melt fresh coconut oil and transfer it to a small container. Then apply a thin layer to your lips several times a day like lip balm.
While darkened lips are very common, choosing to lighten them is a personal visual choice. However, it is best that you ensure that you are actively avoiding the causes that can be controlled such as wearing sunscreen to prevent further darkening. If the discolouration bothers you, then several effective home remedies are effective and efficient. For professional & medical help get in touch with your dermatologist to discuss a course of treatment that is suitable for your skin and condition.
FAQs
1. How do I stop my lips from turning black?
Keep your lips hydrated by drinking plenty of water, using a lip balm with SPF to protect them from sun damage, avoiding lip licking, quitting smoking, and gently exfoliating your lips regularly with a lip scrub to remove dead skin cells
2. How can I reduce the darkness on my lips?
• Exfoliate
• Moisturize
• Apply rose petals and milk cream for 10-15mins
• Be consistent
3. How do I prevent dark skin around my lips?
Protect yourself from sun exposure for a longer period, use lip balm and sunscreen, use lemon or aloe Vera mask.
4. Why do I have naturally black lips?
Hyperpigmentation might be the cause of natural black lips.
5. How do I make my lips pink?
• Exfoliate regularly
• Use sunscreen
• Moisturize regularly
• Hydrate internally
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Soumil is really passionate about health and fitness. He provides great insight on various trends about health and fitness. By writing about these topics he try to provide key insight on diet and e... Read More
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