12 Home Remedies to Lighten Dark Lips – Skinformulations

Introduction
Are you unhappy with the color of your lips? While we all want lips that are a healthy, rosy tone, when they are too dark, it can make the rest of the skin appear sallow and tired. If this applies to you, don’t worry – you’re not alone! A lot of women want to lighten their darker lip color, but they don’t know how to do it safely or effectively.
If like them, you’re looking for a natural way to lighten your dark lips without causing skin damage, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll reveal 12 of the best home remedies for lightening dark lips, so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Keep reading to learn more!
Reasons For Dark Lip Skin
There are many factors that may cause your lip color to become darker over time, and it’s not always easy to know exactly why it’s happening. Before we explore the remedies for dark lips, let’s look at some of the most common causes:
It’s in your genes
If dark lips run in your family then there’s a good chance you’ll have them too, as your melanin levels will naturally be higher in this area.
Hormonal changes
As we go through life, we undergo many hormonal changes, especially during puberty, when pregnant, and during menopause, all of which may cause hyperpigmentation and a darkening of the lips.
Biting or excessively licking the lips
You may not even notice you’re doing either of these, but both habits can damage the skin on your lips and create a darker tone.
Side effect of medication
If you find your lips have become darker since taking a certain medication, this is likely the cause. In this case, it’s best to speak to your doctor to inform them of this side effect and see if there’s an alternative that they can prescribe.
Poor quality lip products
Overly matte lipsticks, scented lip balms, and chemical-based lip cosmetics will harm the skin on your lips over time and could contribute to discoloration.
Allergic reaction
It may be hard to track down the culprit of an allergic reaction but if it’s affected your lips, and their color, look first at your toothpaste, a new lipstick you may have just started using, or any other lip product such as balm or scrub.
Exposure to the elements
Just as your facial skin becomes dry and can develop age spots and other types of discoloration, if you don’t protect your lips when you’re outside, they can too.
12 Natural Home Remedies
Now that you know some of the causes of dark lips, let’s discuss 12 natural home remedies for lightening them.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can be used to lighten dark lips. Simply apply lemon juice directly to your lips using a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat twice per day until you achieve the desired results.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and antioxidant that works well for lightening dark lips that are also dry or chapped. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lips twice per day and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is another highly moisturizing substance that is an effective lightening ingredient for dark lips. To use it for this purpose, simply apply a thin layer to your lips at the end of your evening routine and leave it on overnight for best results.
4. Honey
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture to the skin, and can be used to lighten dark skin on the lips. Apply a thin layer of honey to your lips, and even though it may be tempting to lick it off, leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Repeat twice per day until you achieve the desired results.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
The natural exfoliating properties of Apple Cider Vinegar make it ideal for helping to lighten dark lip skin. Dab some ACV directly to your lips using a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat twice per day until you see a visible improvement in the color.
6. Milk
Milk is a gentle bleaching agent that, as such, may help lips become a few shades lighter. After soaking a cotton ball in milk, apply it directly to your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. It’s best to do this twice a day until you achieve the results you want.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
If your dark lips are caused by dry skin, Aloe Vera gel may be able to help thanks to its effective moisturizing properties. To use this method, apply a small amount of the gel to your lips and leave it on for 30 minutes. Because Aloe Vera gel also soothes irritation, this remedy is great for anyone with chapped, sore skin too.
8. Beet Juice
Rich in vitamin C, beet juice works as a natural bleach that can be used to lighten dark lips. It should be applied directly to your lips using a cotton ball and left on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and do this twice a day until your lips lighten up to your desired shade.
9. Orange Peel
Orange peel has exfoliating properties that gently yet effectively remove dead skin, and help lighten darkness on the lips. Using this method is super simple – just rub an orange peel over your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse with cold water, repeating the process twice daily until you see an improvement.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that has many benefits, including lightening dark lips. Make a paste with turmeric powder and water, apply a thin layer to your lips and after 30 minutes, rinse with cold water. As with most methods, it’s best to do this twice a day, morning and night.
11. Sugar
Sugar is a perfect exfoliant for the lips which, when used regularly, can have a lightening effect. While you can simply rub a teaspoon of sugar over them, some people like to make a paste by mixing it with an oil such as almond or coconut, then leaving it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
12. Baking soda
Baking soda has numerous practical uses around the house, but you may not know it has exfoliating properties too! The best way to use baking soda to lighten your lips is to make a paste by mixing it with water, then applying a thin layer, leaving it on for at least 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat twice a day until you see the results you want.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many natural home remedies that can be used to lighten dark lips. Give some, or all, of them a try, and see which ones work best for you. Always remember to keep your lips hydrated and moisturized to prevent them from becoming darker again, and of course, if any of the methods cause irritation or an allergic reaction, stop using immediately. In the case of an extremely adverse effect, or you’re concerned about your skin for any reason, always see your doctor.
Thanks for reading!