Lips grow darker over time because of a range of lifestyle and medical factors. One such factor is hyperpigmentation, which is usually a harmless condition resulting from excess melanin. This condition may be caused by an allergic reaction to lipstick, toothpaste, etc., lack of hydration, lip sucking, cigarette smoking, excessive exposure to the sun, and too much caffeine.
You can address most of these causes by making lifestyle changes like changing toothpaste brands, wearing sunscreen, or limiting caffeine intake. Also, anemia, excessive fluoride use, chemotherapy, and vitamin deficiency can lead to darker lips.
Now, with all the various factors, surely there are also a variety of remedies, right? Well, fortunately for you, there are! Read on to know more about some lip-lightening remedies you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Lightening Dark Lips
Treating lip hyperpigmentation usually calls for a cosmetic treatment. Chemicals and laser treatments such as kojic acid and hydroquinone are typically used as treatments. In addition, many hyperpigmentation treatments work by inhibiting a melanin-producing enzyme.
However, you might find natural lip lighteners that best suit your needs. Here are some that you should consider:
Aloe
An older study infers that aloe vera contains a compound that inhibits melanin production. Massage a thin coat of fresh aloe vera gel on your lips once a day. After it’s dried, rinse it with warm water.
Lime
Lime is also a citrus fruit that may possess anti-melanin production properties. Mix the following in a small bowl:
- 1 teaspoon of glycerin
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice
Apply the lime mixture to your lips in a gentle manner before your bedtime. The following morning, rinse your lips.
Lemon
A study from 2002 suggests that a peel of citrus fruit may work as a melanin inhibitor. Just before you go to sleep every night, cut a lemon and rub the juicy part gently over your lips. The following day, rinse your lips using cold water. Repeat this nightly routine until you see promising results. It might take 30 days.
Lemon and Sugar
Before going to bed, cut a lemon wedge and dunk it in sugar. Rub the sugared lemon on your lips and rinse it with lukewarm water the following day.
Pomegranate
According to a 2005 study, pomegranate extract may lighten lip hyperpigmentation. To create this remedy, blend the following ingredients into a paste:
- 1 tablespoon fresh dairy cream
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
Gently rub the paste onto your lips for around three minutes. After, rinse it with cool water and repeat it every day.
Turmeric
A 2010 study found that turmeric may work as a melanin inhibitor. In a bowl, mix:
- enough turmeric powder to create a paste
- 1 tablespoon milk
Rub the paste onto your lips using a wet fingertip. Then, leave it in place for around five minutes before rinsing it off gently with cool water. After your lips are dry, work in your favorite moisturizer.
Other Natural Remedies
Some use these home remedies to lighten their darker lips. However, further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness. Keep this in mind if you decided to try them out.
Almond. Blend one tablespoon of almond powder and fresh dairy cream, enough to make a paste, into a small bowl. Rub the paste on your lips for about three to five minutes. Then, let your lips dry for five minutes. Rinse your lips using lukewarm water. Do this process regularly.
Almond oil. Each night before going to bed, rub one or two drops of almond oil on your lips.
Beets. Grind the beetroot into a fine paste with a blender or food processor. Two times a week, massage the beet paste onto your lips. Leave it be for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off. Once your lips are dry and clean, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly.
Coconut oil. Using a fingertip, take a tiny amount of coconut oil and lightly apply it evenly on your lips. You may do this many times during the daytime and also before going to sleep at night.
Cucumber juice. Juice one-half of a cucumber in a blender, then cool it inside the refrigerator. Once it’s cool, soak a cotton ball into it and use the ball to apply the juice on your lips gently. Leave it on the lips for around 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Mustard oil. Once a day, gently rub a drop or two of mustard oil onto your lips.
Olive oil. Massage a few drops of olive oil on your lips before bed.
Rosewater. Stir together six drops of honey to two drops of rose water. Apply this onto your lips three to four times a day. You can also apply it before you go to bed at night.
Strawberry. Prepare a paste by mixing five medium-sized crushed strawberries and two teaspoons of baking soda. Gently massage this paste onto your lips at bedtime, then rinse with cool water the following day.
Sugar. Mix two teaspoons of butter and three teaspoons of sugar. Rub this blend on your lips for around three to four minutes three times a week. If you want, you can replace butter with olive oil.