Dark upper lip is a problem for many women, especially those with naturally darker skin tones. A dark upper lip can mean the skin over the lips, or the upper lip itself. This article will provide you with helpful information to deal with both problems. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Lighten Dark Skin Above Lips
Step 1. Try using a lightening cream
Dark skin on the upper lip is caused by excess melanin in the skin. You can reduce the appearance of this dark pigmentation using over-the-counter or prescription lightening creams.
- The most effective skin lightening ingredients include kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin and vitamin A. So, look for creams that contain a combination of these ingredients.
- Hydroquinone is a very effective lightener for dark skin. Although available in the United States, its presence is banned in many Asian and European countries due to its potential carcinogenicity. Thus, you should first consult with your doctor before using this product.
Step 2. Go for an exfoliating treatment
Exfoliating can help shed the top layer of dark-looking skin, and reveal a new, lighter layer of skin underneath.
- Give a facial scrub treatment three or four times a week to exfoliate the skin above your lips. You can use store-bought products, or make your own using sugar or salt.
- Alternatively, you can do a microdermabrasion treatment, which is usually performed by a dermatologist using a rotating, crystal-tipped brush that can effectively remove the top layer of dark skin.
Step 3. Stop waxing treatment
Dark skin on the upper lip may be the result of excessive hair removal techniques, such as regular waxing treatments.
- We recommend that you stop waxing treatment for two months, so that the skin has a chance to brighten itself.
- If you're concerned about dark hair growing above your lips, consider getting a facial hair bleaching treatment or using a more subtle hair removal method, such as threading.
Step 4. Use sun protection
Harmful UV rays are one of the main causes of dark and black skin, whether on the upper lip or anywhere on the body.
- So, you have to protect your skin from these harmful rays using a face cream every day, even when it's not hot. To make it easier, try using a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 every morning.
- Dark pigmentation on the upper lip can be caused by using a tanning bed or room. Tanners are harmful to the skin and can cause premature aging, in addition to causing dark spots and darkening of the skin. Try using a darkening lotion instead – it's more skin-friendly.
Step 5. Make a brightening mask
Some people manage to lighten dark upper lips by using a homemade face mask made from flour, turmeric, lemon juice and honey.
- Mix equal amounts of the above ingredients (e.g. 1 tsp) in a small bowl until they form a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste on the dark skin above your lips and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the paste dries.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then pat the skin dry. Use this mask 2-3 times a week until the skin becomes brighter.
Step 6. Try other treatments
There are many homemade treatments for lightening the skin above the lips, with varying effectiveness. Therefore, if you are interested in lightening your skin naturally, you can experiment with the following ingredients:
-
Honey and lime juice:
Mix a little honey and lime juice (you can also use lemon juice) and apply it on your upper lip. The citric acid in limes brightens the skin, while the honey softens and moisturizes it.
-
Almond Oil:
Almond oil is a good ingredient for lightening the skin, as it nourishes and moisturizes the skin, it also promotes skin rejuvenation. Warm some almond oil and massage it into the skin over your lips.
-
Carrot water:
Carrot water can be used to lighten dark skin above the lips, because of its high vitamin A content and an antioxidant called beta carotene. Grate a carrot, then puree in a food processor. Press the carrot pulp through a sieve to remove the water, then use a cotton ball to apply the water to the skin over your lips. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Method 2 of 2: Lighten Dark Upper Lip
Step 1. Keep lips moist
Keeping lips moisturized will make them look pink and healthy. This is especially important when the weather is very hot or cold, which can lead to very dry lips.
- Apply lip balm before you go to bed every night, and choose a moisturizing lipstick for everyday wear.
- Vaseline is a good and inexpensive product for moisturizing lips as well as giving them a radiant shine. Beeswax based products are also very moisturizing.
- If you prefer to use a natural moisturizing method, try rubbing a little honey on your lips (but don't lick it off) or a little aloe vera gel.
- You can also moisturize your lips by drinking plenty of water, ideally six to eight glasses per day.
Step 2. Exfoliate once a week
Exfoliating is a great way to lighten dark skin because it removes the outermost layer of darkening and exposes the soft pink layer underneath.
- Make your own lip scrub by mixing a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of sugar. Apply this mixture on your lips, using your fingers to rub gently. Rinse to reveal soft and beautiful lips.
- Alternatively, you can exfoliate your lips using the bristles of a toothbrush. Simply wet your lips, then gently rub the toothbrush on your lips in small circular motions.
- You should exfoliate your lips at least once a week using one of the methods described above. Remember to always moisturize your lips after exfoliating.
Step 3. Protect your lips from the sun
Lips exposed to the sun without SPF protection will darken (besides being dry, cracked, and sore).
Protect your lips from the harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing a lip balm that contains SPF when you go out during the day
Step 4. Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee
Drinking too much black tea and coffee can stain your lips, making them look darker.
- Try to reduce your consumption of black tea and coffee and replace it with green tea or white tea.
- Alternatively (if you need caffeine intake) you can drink coffee in the morning through a straw. This will keep the liquid from getting on your lips and teeth and prevent them from staining.
Step 5. Quit smoking
If you are worried about dark lips, one of the steps you should take is to stop smoking.
- The nicotine in cigarettes stains the lips, making them look dark and pale. In addition, smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood flowing to the face, and can make lips look pale and thin.
- Quitting smoking is not easy, but you can do it if you are willing to put in the effort. Quitting smoking will not only improve your appearance, it will also improve the health of your skin, hair, and internal organs as well as prevent premature aging. For more information about quitting smoking, see this article.
Step 6. Try massaging your lips
Massage is a great way to stimulate blood flow to your lips, which can help them look fuller and lighter in color.
- Take a small amount of natural oil (like almond oil or coconut oil) and rub it on your lips, using your index finger to gently massage it in small circular motions.
- Alternatively, you can take an ice cube and massage it on your lips. The icy cold will rush the blood to the surface, making your lips look red and full.
Step 7. Use homemade treatments
There are many homemade treatments designed to lighten dark lips and make them plump and full – experiment with some of the treatments listed below until you find one that works for you.
-
Lemon water:
The citric acid in lemon water is a natural lightening agent. Apply lemon juice directly on the lips, mix half the fruit with water or mix it with honey before applying it to the lips. Make sure you moisturize afterward, as lemon juice can dry out.
-
Potato water:
Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase which can be used to lighten dark skin and lips. Just take a piece of potato and rub the exposed flesh of the potato on your lips.
-
Honey and rose petals:
Take 4 or 5 red or pink rose petals, wash them, then crush them using a mortar and pestle. Mix enough honey to make a paste, then apply the paste on your lips twice a day. Honey will moisturize your lips, while rose petals will stain them pink or red.
-
Glycerin:
Glycerin can prevent darkening of the lips and reduce dry spots caused by dry skin. Use a cotton swab to apply a few drops of glycerin to your lips every night before going to bed.
-
Beetroot:
Beetroot juice helps to restore a healthy and natural lip color due to its vibrant purple color. Simply put the water directly on the lips, then apply a thin layer of lip balm.
