How To Lighten Dark Lips: 7 Home Remedies

It is a known fact that everyone is born with a different shade and color of lips, but issues arise when hyperpigmentationⁱ  A common, harmless condition in which you observe darker patches or spots on the skin due to excess melanin (natural skin pigment). occurs. Thus, it is important to recognize the cause and then go for treatments that work well to get rid of dark lips.

Having dark lips can affect a person’s self-confidence and make them feel self-conscious in social situations. Some may worry about how others perceive their appearance, leading to feelings of insecurity or embarrassment. This can further impact the quality of social interactions and even cause a reluctance to speak or smile openly. However, 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?

Dark lips may be a result of the following factors:

• 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 (1).
• Dehydration can cause dark lips. When your body lacks enough water, your lips become dry and cracked. This dryness can make your lips look darker or duller.
• 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 (2).

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.”

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

Wondering how to make lips pink naturally? These simple home remedies may come in handy.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has emollientⁱ  A substance or agent that helps moisturize the skin by forming a protective layer or barrier on the skin and trapping moisture. 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

Citrus fruits like lemons are known for their skin lightening properties

(4). 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.

Arius, a YouTube blogger, explained how she naturally brightens her dark lips in one of her vlogs: “I applied this lemon and sugar scrub morning and night, so I could get a faster result. I was actually not so consistent, so it took me no long time before my lips began to brighten up. It was all soft and pinkish, and I was really happy (i).”

Note: Lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on your skin. Please do a patch test before trying this remedy.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural and safe ingredient to use if you are concerned about how to lighten dark lips. It contains aloin, a compound with depigmenting properties (5). 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

Cucumber contains antioxidants and silica-rich compounds (6). 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.

Quick 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

Curcumin is a major constituent of turmeric. This may help inhibit melanogenesis (the formation of melanin) (7). 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. Hence, do a patch test before you proceed with this remedy.

6. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil contains an active lignan called sesamol, which was found to inhibit the biosynthesis of melanin in animal studies

(8). 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.

7. Pomegranate

Wondering how to get pink lips naturally? Pomegranate may be the answer! Pomegranate extracts were found to reduce tyrosinaseⁱ  A copper-containing enzyme responsible for the first step in melanin (natural skin pigment) production. activity and melanin production (9). These properties may eventually lighten dark lips, making them plump and pink.

What You Can Do: Take a teaspoon of pomegranate powder and make a paste using water. Apply this paste to your lips and leave it to dry. Rinse off with plain water. You may do this 1-2 times daily for best results.

Note: Pomegranate powder can cause an allergic reaction like skin irritation and rashes in some people. Hence, do a patch test.

Dr. Rokhsar adds, “Dark lips caused by excessive smoking or sun exposure can be reversed by quitting smoking and using sunscreen. Similarly, dark lips resulting from certain medications can fade once the medication is stopped or changed. However, it is important to note that in some cases, dark lips may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as Addison’s disease or Laugier-Hunziker syndrome. In these cases, reversing the darkening of the lips may not be possible without treating the underlying condition.” So if the discoloration of your lips is sudden and excessive, consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment and make sure any hidden issues are handled.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the high acid content in apple cider vinegar may help exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce pigmentation, and improve overall lip texture. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

What You Can Do: Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water to reduce its acidity. Gently apply this mixture to your lips and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with water. You can do this once daily.

Note: Apple cider vinegar may cause a slight burning or stinging sensation. Conduct a patch test before application to ensure it is well tolerated.

If the above natural remedies do not lighten your lips, scroll down to the next section to know how to lighten dark lips permanently.

Treatment For Dark Lips

• The common treatment options for dark lips include the use of lasers (10). 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 (11).
• 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).

Dr. Rokhsar says, “These treatments should only be performed by a qualified and experienced dermatologist, as they require specialized training and equipment.”

Prevention Tips

• 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.

Quick Tip

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.

Infographic: 6 DIY Remedies To Treat Dark Lips

Does it break your heart to see your lips turning darker? Well, it is because of the hyperpigmentation of the skin that no amount of gloss or chapstick can fix. But worry not – we have listed in the following infographic some natural ways you can restore and achieve pretty pink lips. Take a look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best lip balm to make your lips pink?

You can use lip balms with skin lightening agents. You may also use any lip balm with SPF 40 or above to prevent your lips from darkening further.

Does toothpaste make your lips pink?

Toothpaste may help lighten your lips to a small extent, but if left on overnight, it can burn your lips and cause scarring.

Does lip scrub lighten lips?

Using natural lip scrubs like beetroot, lemon, and honey scrub, or sugar scrub can help gradually lighten your lips.

Why are my lips turning dark even though I don’t smoke?

Smoking is one of the many factors that may contribute to darkening lips. Other factors can include increased exposure to the sun, lack of hydration, an allergic response to products like toothpaste, lipstick, etc., and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Why are my lips dark around the edges?

One of the primary triggers of dark lips around the edges is hyperpigmentation. This can be caused by increased sun exposure or even an inflammatory skin condition.

Can I use petroleum jelly to lighten my lips?

There is no scientific claim confirming that petroleum jelly lightens lips, but you can use it to moisturize your lips and keep them supple. Dr. Rokhsar says, “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Vaseline can lighten the color of lips. When applied to the lips, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents it from escaping. However, it does not contain any ingredients that have been proven to lighten the skin or pigment of the lips. Therefore, if you are looking to lighten the color of your lips, Vaseline is not an effective treatment option.”

Are dark lips genetic?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that genetics, climate, and lifestyle play an important role in determining your lip color. Thus, you may have a genetic predisposition toward dark lips.

Is brushing your lips good?

Brushing your lips with a toothbrush helps in exfoliation. It may help increase blood flow to your lips. However, it does not affect their pigmentation.

How long should I scrub my lips?

Use a lip scrub for a couple of minutes to eliminate and diminish the dry skin from your lips. Avoid over-exfoliation as it may irritate your lips.

Does milk lighten lips?

Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that using milk with a teaspoon of turmeric may help reduce lip hyperpigmentation and lightly brighten them.

Illustration: How To Lighten Dark Lips: 7 Home Remedies

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Are you tired of dark lips? Learn effective home remedies to lighten and get rid of dark lips in this informative video guided by a dermatologist. Say goodbye to dark lips and hello to confidence!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma

• 
  Dr. Cameron RokhsarMD, FAAD, FAACS Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and laser and MOHS surgeon. He has over 16 years of experience and is the founder of New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center, where he offers a wide variety of options, techniques, and procedures to patients. Dr. Rokhsar is an alumnus of Harvard University and is popular in Manhattan, New York City, Long Island, and Garden City.
  
  Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and laser and MOHS surgeon. He has over 16 years of experience and is the founder of New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center, where he offers a wide variety of options, techniques, and procedures to patients. Dr. Rokhsar is an alumnus of Harvard University and is popular in Manhattan, New York City, Long Island, and Garden City.

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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