Dark lips are caused by Hyperpigmentation or excessive production of "Melanin pigment" which is responsible for dark complexion. Sun tanning, some hormonal changes, genetics, harsh terrestrial conditions also cause darkening of lips. Smoking, excessive intake of caffeine, lack of hydration, allergic reactions to toothpaste and some harmful chemicals in cheap or low-quality lipsticks also contribute to darkening of lips.
However, Dark lips can be effectively treated using some natural ways that are gentle yet potent in their effects. Here are 10 natural ways known for their ability to lighten dark lips.
10 Natural Ways to Lighten Dark Lips
1. Lemon Juice
Natural bleaching properties of lemon are very helpful to lighten dark pigmentation. Take a lemon and squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl. Using a cotton ball or a Q-tip, apply the lemon juice directly onto your lips.Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. After 15 minutes, rinse your lips with lukewarm water.Pat dry your lips with a soft towel. Apply a lip balm or coconut oil to moisturize your lips, as lemon juice can be drying.
2. Lemon and Sugar
Sugar is best for exfoliating dead skin cells and Lemon is a natural bleaching agent that helps to lighten sun tanned dark lips.In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Adjust the ratio if needed to achieve a paste-like consistency that is not too runny. Gently apply the scrub onto your lips using your fingertips.Use small, circular motions to massage the scrub onto your lips for about 1-2 minutes. This helps exfoliate dead skin cells. After scrubbing, leave the mixture on your lips for another 5 minutes to allow the beneficial bleaching properties of lemon juice to work. Rinse your lips thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat your lips dry with a soft towel. Apply a nourishing lip balm or natural oil (like coconut oil or almond oil) to moisturize your lips.
3. Lemon Juice and Almond Oil
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which has mild exfoliating properties that might help in lightening dark spots. Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help to hydrate and nourish the lips. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Use a clean cotton swab or your fingertip to gently apply the mixture to your lips. Let the mixture sit on your lips for about 10-15 minutes.Rinse your lips with lukewarm water and pat them dry. Apply a lip balm or a bit more almond oil to keep your lips hydrated. Use this treatment 2-3 times a week.
4. Lemon Juice and Glycerine
Natural skin bleaching properties of lemon juice help a lot to lighten dark lips. Lemon juice contains citric acid which acts as a mild exfoliant and may help lighten dark spots.Glycerine is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep lips hydrated.
Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of glycerine. Stir until well mixed. Using a clean cotton swab or your fingertip, gently apply the mixture to your lips.Let the mixture sit on your lips for about 10-15 minutes.Rinse your lips with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. Apply a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturized. Use this treatment 2-3 times a week.
5. Turmeric Powder and Milk Cream
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has natural skin-brightening properties that can help reduce pigmentation and dark spots on the lips.Milk cream is rich in fats and proteins that provide deep hydration and keep the lips soft. The lactic acid in milk cream gently exfoliates the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells and lighten dark lips. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of cold milk cream in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth, consistent paste.Using a clean finger or a brush, gently apply the paste to your lips. Make sure to spread it evenly over the surface of your lips.Gently massage the paste onto your lips in circular motions for about 2-3 minutes. This will help the ingredients absorb better and enhance the exfoliating effect. Let the paste sit on your lips for 10-15 minutes. Avoid eating or drinking during this time to allow the treatment to work effectively.Rinse the paste off with lukewarm water. Turmeric can stain, so use a gentle cleanser to remove any yellow stains from your lips or around your mouth. After rinsing, pat dry your lips and apply a hydrating lip balm or a small amount of almond oil to keep your lips moisturized. For best results, use this treatment daily or 3-4 times a week.
6. Rose Petals and Milk Cream
Using rose petals and milk cream can be a natural way to help lighten dark lips and keep them moisturized. Rose petals contain natural oils and sugars that can help hydrate and lighten the skin, including the lips.Milk cream is rich in fats and proteins that provide moisturization to dry and chapped lips, helping to soften and lighten them over time. Take a handful of fresh rose petals and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.Grind the rose petals into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Add a small amount of water if needed to facilitate grinding. Once you have a smooth paste of rose petals, mix it with a teaspoon of milk cream (malai). Milk cream helps in moisturizing and nourishing the lips. Apply this mixture evenly on your lips before going to bed. Leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse off the mixture gently with lukewarm water. Use this treatment regularly for best results.
Alternatively, wash and crush four or five petals of red rose and coat the paste on the lips. Apart from pink glow, it will also give smoothness to the lips. Apply every day, 2-3 times.
7. Beetroot and Glycerine
Beetroot contains natural pigments and antioxidants like betaine and betacyanin, which can help lighten dark lips and provide a natural tint. Glycerine is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it effective in keeping lips hydrated and preventing dryness. Take a beetroot and wash thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Grate the beetroot or cut it into small pieces and blend it to extract the juice. You can use a juicer or a blender followed by straining to get the juice. In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of beetroot juice with half a teaspoon of glycerine. Glycerine helps in moisturizing and softening the lips. Using a clean finger or a cotton swab, apply this mixture evenly on your lips. You can leave this mixture on your lips for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to be absorbed. Finally, you can gently rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use this treatment regularly, preferably daily or every other day, to see noticeable results.
8. Cucumber juice
Cucumber is high in water content, which helps keep lips hydrated. It soothes and refreshes, reducing dark pigmentation. Cucumber may help lighten dark lips over time. Extract fresh cucumber juice and apply it directly to your lips using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
Alternatively, Take fresh cucumber slices and one by one rub on your lips for 2-3 minutes. Let the cucumber juice stay on your lips for 15 minutes. Finally rinse off with water. For best results repeat this on a daily basis.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries contain vitamin C, which may help lighten dark pigmentation. The texture of strawberries can gently exfoliate dead skin cells. Mash a fresh strawberry and apply the pulp directly to your lips. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. For best results, apply strawberry pulp 2-3 times a week.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which can help lighten dark pigmentation on the lips. They also contain vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin. Take a fresh tomato and wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues. Cut the tomato into small pieces and blend it to extract the juice. You can use a juicer or a blender followed by straining to get the juice. Using a cotton ball or clean finger, apply the freshly extracted tomato juice directly onto your lips. Gently massage the juice onto your lips for a few minutes. Then, leave it on for another 5-10 minutes to allow it to be absorbed. After the desired time, rinse off the tomato juice from your lips with lukewarm water. Pat dry your lips and apply a lip balm or natural moisturizer to keep your lips hydrated.
Some Preventive Measures and Important Tips
- (i) Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the mixture to your lips to ensure you’re not allergic.
- (ii) Lemon juice can increase sun sensitivity, use lemon containing remedies in the evening or make sure to apply lip balm with SPF during the day to protect your lips from further darkening due to sun exposure.
- (iii) Don't use any Scrub to broken, cracked or wounded lips, as they can worsen inflammation.
- (iv) Avoid smoking and excessive intake of caffeine or coffee.
- (v) Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid additional dryness.
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