Lightening Dark Lips

Pink lips are one of the most attractive features of a woman’s beauty. Not only are pink lips only attractive on women but for men as well. So many people seek for different ways to lighten their lips. They’re so many things that cause this problem and so many ways to reduce the darkness. Reasons as to why your lips are getting darker could be too much sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, smoking etc. Below are ways in which you can lighten your lips with natural, safe and uncostly home remedies.

How to lighten dark lips

Stop smoking

Smoking has many disadvantages and negative effects. However, not only is it bad for your health but on top of that leads to lip discoloration. This happens because it contains nicotine and tar which darkens. Moreover, the heat produced from cigarettes leads to more melanin production. A doctor can assist a person who is finding it hard to quit this bad habit.

Moisturizing lips

You should moisturize your lips all the time by using lip balm. This is done to prevent them from becoming too dehydrated. When lips are dehydrated they tend to get dark. They’re many natural moisturizers such as Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax etc.

Drinking water

Water! This can’t be stressed more can it? Drink lots of water. Water prevents the lips from drying out and keeps them healthy therefore not being dark. You should drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day.

Exfoliate lips

Exfoliating your lips is very important. You can make a natural homemade scrub to do so. Start by mixing 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of butter/lemon or honey and rub them. Do this for 3-4minutes and about 3 times a week. You can use a toothbrush in circular motions for better results.

Massage your lips

Massaging your lips is important to increase blood flow. When there is an increase in blood flow, it helps the lips in lightening instead of darkening. You can use natural oils such as coconut or castor oil. Apply it to your lips and massage slowly and multiple times during the day.

Home recipes for darker lips

There is a bunch of home recipes that can be used to lighten your lips. Below are the ways in which you can do this:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a mild acid that contains alpha hydroxyl acids that helps lighten and remove pigmentation. It can be used on your lips.

Method: Take a bowl, add vinegar and water and mix. Use a cotton ball and dip it in the diluted vinegar solution then wipe it on your lips. Leave the solution on for 10-12 minutes then wash your lips and repeat daily.

Lemon

Lemon has natural bleaching properties to help lighten the skin. This can work as well on lips too. Lemon removes the top layer of the lips skin and makes them lighter and pink.

Method: Take a bowl and mix 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey and mix it well. Apply on your lips for 5 minutes and massage. Let it dry and repeat daily for good results.

Olive oil

Olive oil has many nutrients to refresh, revive, lighten and moisturize your lips.

Method: Mix extra virgin olive oil and ½ a spoon of sugar very well. Apply the mixture well and rub in gently. Repeat this recipe every week for the best results.

Baking soda and olive oil

Baking soda helps remove dead skin cells which then helps in lightening dark lips. Olive oil maintains the moisture of the lips after using baking soda.

Method: Make a paste of baking soda and water into a paste. Then apply it on your lips and rub gently, you can use your fingers or a toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Rinse, pat dry then apply olive oil and repeat every 2 days.

Rose water and honey

Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the skin also reducing sun damage.

Method: Add a few drops of rose water and ½ a teaspoon of honey and mix them well. Apply to the lips and repeat this 3-4 times for good results.

Causes of dark lips

• Cigarette smoking
• Allergic reactions to toothpaste, lipstick, etc.
• Eat a lot of caffeine
• Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays
• Dehydration
• Chemical treatments
• Anemia
• Lack of vitamins
• Drinking alcohol
• Exposure to water that contains chlorine
• Eating an unbalanced diet
• Use of low-quality cosmetics