The problem of dark, pigmented, or black lips is very common, and the truth is that many of us long for soft, smooth and pink lips. If it happens to you, you are probably wondering, why are your lips darkening? Why does the so-called lip discoloration occur? They could be due to a lack of proper care, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle. If you want to know more about why lip darkening occurs and how you can treat it, read on! Here we will tell you everything you need to know about dark lips.
Causes of dark lips and how to avoid them
Smoke
All the beauty tips for lips say that nicotine causes lip darkening and the lip discoloration, as well as smoking is also known to cause cancer and other diseases.
Caffeine
Excessive consumption of tea and coffee can blacken your lips, in addition to staining your teeth. Therefore, limit your caffeine intake to prevent your lips from turning darker.
Exposure to the sun
Exposure to the sun also causes lip darkening, as there is a greater amount of melanin pigment in the lips. Be sure to use lip products with SPF / UV protectors if you are spending time outdoors.
Reaction to lipsticks
Prolonged and excessive use of lipsticks and lip cosmetics, especially those of lower quality, can also cause lip pigmentation. Use lipsticks in moderation (apply only when you need them most) and always buy lip products from reputable brands.
Make sure to check the expiration date and don’t use expired lipsticks or lip products. Look for one or more of these ingredients in your lipsticks: shea butter, clarified butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These hydrate your lips and prevent them from drying out.
Always remove your lip makeup with a good lip makeup remover or olive / almond / coconut oil.
Licking lips
Dermatologists advise us not to suck or lick our lips to keep them moist. If you don’t take care of it, this will dry them out even more, leading to lip darkening. Even the habit of biting your lips should be avoided, as there is a risk of damaging them.
An unhealthy diet
Vitamin deficiency can also lead to lip discoloration, therefore, eat a healthy diet and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Intake of vitamin C is also essential to eliminate lip pigmentation, so eat foods rich in this vitamin.
If the pigmentation of the lips is also genetic, so in case you have black or dark lips from birth, there is not much to do, except maybe a cosmetic surgery.
Tips to lighten dark lips
Treatment of hyperpigmentation is usually an aesthetic decision. Laser and chemical treatments are often used to treat them and many hyperpigmentation treatments work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces melanin.
However, you may find a natural lip lightener that suits your needs. Let’s look at a few you can consider:
Lemon
A 2002 study suggests that citrus peel may act as a melanin inhibitor. Every night, just before going to sleep, cut a lemon and gently rub the juicy part on your lips. In the morning, rinse your lips with cold water. Repeat this routine every night until you see results. It may take 30 days.
Before going to bed, cut a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar. Rub your lips with the sugared lemon. In the morning, rinse your lips with warm water.
Lime
The lime is another citrus fruit that may have anti-melanin-producing properties. In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of glycerine.
Gently apply the mixture to your lips before going to bed. Wash your lips in the morning.
Turmeric
According to a 2010 study, turmeric may act as a melanin inhibitor. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of milk and enough ground turmeric to make a paste.
With a wet fingertip, rub the paste on your lips. Leave it in place for about five minutes before gently rinsing it off with cold water. After drying your lips, apply your favourite moisturizer.
Aloe
An older study suggests that a compound in aloe vera inhibits melanin production. Once a day, apply a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel to your lips. Once it’s dry, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Pomegranate
A 2005 study found that pomegranate extract can lighten skin hyperpigmentation. To make this remedy, make a paste with
1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds, 1 teaspoon of rose water and 1 tablespoon of fresh dairy cream. Gently massage the paste on your lips for about three minutes, then rinse your lips with cold water. Repeat every day.
Other natural tips to treat dark or black lips:
- Apply almond oil to your lips before going to bed as it helps lighten your lips, thereby reducing discoloration.
- You can also mix lemon / lime juice with almond oil and apply for the same purpose.
- Daily application of cucumber juice would also help lighten dark lips.
- Another proven remedy is to regularly apply a mixture of lemon juice, glycerine and honey and leave it overnight.
- Make a paste by mixing five crushed medium-sized strawberries and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Gently apply this paste to your lips before bed, then rinse with cold water in the morning.
- In a blender, grind beets into a fine paste. Apply the beet paste on your lips twice a week. Leave it in place for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse. Once your lips are clean and dry, apply a thin layer of Vaseline.
ALFA