A pair of soft, plump and rosy lips is every woman's dream. But in reality, almost everyone has dark lips. Although this is an aesthetic problem, it is not a cause for concern, because there are many natural ways to lighten dark lips.
1. What causes dark lips?
Dark lips can be the result of hyperpigmentation of the lips. This is a harmless condition caused by too much melanin in the skin cells. Causes of hyperpigmentation of the lips can be due to:
- Regular and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Dehydration.
- Smoking.
- Irritation from topical products such as toothpaste and lipstick.
- Excessive caffeine use.
- Lip sucking.
Fortunately, most of these causes can be resolved by adjusting habits and lifestyle, such as using sunscreen when outdoors, reducing caffeine intake, or using a different brand of toothpaste.
In addition, some of the following can also lead to dark lips:
- Chemotherapy.
- Anemia.
- Vitamin deficiency.
- Using water that contains too much fluoride.
2. Natural remedies to lighten dark lips
Treatment of hyperpigmentation often uses lasers and chemicals, such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, to inhibit melanin production in the skin cells.
However, natural remedies to lighten dark lips can still be effective and, importantly, are easy to do at home. These methods include:
2.1. Using lemon to treat dark lips
A 2002 study found that lemon peel can act as a melanin inhibitor. Before going to bed, thinly slice a fresh lemon and gently apply it to your lips. Rinse your lips with cool water the next morning. Repeat this routine patiently for 30 days.
2.2. Lemon and sugar to lighten dark lips
Slice a small lemon and roll it in sugar. Rub your lips with the sugared lemon before going to bed. Rinse your lips with warm water when you wake up the next morning.
2.3. Lemon to lighten lips
Lemon is a citrus fruit that can lighten dark lips. Using a small bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of glycerin. Then, gently apply the mixture to your lips before going to bed. Rinse your lips the next morning.
2.4. Turmeric to treat dark lips
According to a 2010 study, turmeric can act as a melanin inhibitor. Using a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of fresh milk and turmeric powder to form a thick mixture. Then, use your fingertips to apply this mixture to your lips. Leave it in place for about five minutes and gently rinse with cool water. Once your lips are dry, apply your favorite moisturizer to your lips.
2.5. Aloe vera can lighten lips
This product also inhibits melanin production. Apply a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel to your lips every day. After the gel dries, rinse your lips with warm water.
2.6. Pomegranate is effective in treating dark lips
A 2005 study found that ingredients extracted from pomegranates can lighten skin on areas with hyperpigmentation. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of peeled pomegranate seeds, 1 teaspoon of rose water and 1 tablespoon of fresh milk cream. Gently apply the mixture to your lips and massage for about three minutes, then rinse with cool water.
2.7. Other natural remedies
- Coconut oil: Use your fingertips to take a sufficient amount of coconut oil and gently apply it evenly to your lips. You should maintain this habit several times a day and before going to bed at night.
- Rose water: Mix two drops of rose water with six drops of honey. Apply this mixture on your lips three to four times a day. The best time to do this is before going to bed at night.
- Olive oil: Before going to bed, massage a few drops of olive oil all over your lips.
- Cucumber juice: Put half a cucumber in a blender, strain out the solid part and store the liquid in the refrigerator. Dip a cotton ball in it and gently apply the juice on your lips. After about 30 minutes, rinse with cool water.
- Strawberries: Make a paste by mixing 5 crushed strawberries and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Apply this paste evenly on your lips before going to bed and wash it off with cool water the next morning.
- Almonds: Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh cream and enough almond powder to form a paste. Apply the entire mixture on your lips and let it dry for about five minutes, then rinse your lips with warm water.
- Almond oil: Take some almond oil and apply it on your lips before going to bed.
Sugar: Mix 2 teaspoons of butter and 3 teaspoons of sugar together. Three times a week, massage this mixture on your lips for three to four minutes.
Mustard oil: Once a day, morning or night, gently massage your lips with a few drops of mustard oil.
Radish: Grind the radish into a smooth paste and apply this mixture on your lips twice a week and leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with water. Once your lips are clean and dry, apply a thin layer of lip balm.
In short, discoloration on the lips is often a manifestation of pathology as well as lifestyle, certain external factors. Whatever the cause, you can apply some of the above measures to lighten dark lips to bring a fresh color to your lips, contributing to perfecting the appearance of your face.
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Reference source: Healthline.com
