There is no doubt that having naturally soft, rosy lips is quite appealing to most if not all of us. Just as the colour of our skin differs from one person to another, so does the shade of our lip colour. There is no healthier or superior shade as we are all unique. Beautiful lips can do a lot to enhance your effortless daily look, no wonder cosmetic companies come out with all sorts of shades to glamour our lips. Dark pigmented lips are a concern to many but with simple home remedies and an ounce of will, you can easily lighten dark lips leaving them soft, lighter and kissable.
What Leads to Darkening?
Dark lips are usually the result of hyperpigmentation which is caused by an excess of melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by the following factors;
- Excessive exposure to direct sunlight
- Using low-quality cosmetics
- High caffeine intake
- Hormonal imbalances
- Dehydration
- Allergic reactions to toothpaste or lipstick
- Chemotherapy
- Anaemia
- Vitamin deficiency
- Excessive fluoride and smoking
Stay with me to find out how to lighten dark lips.
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Simple Ways to Lighten Dark Lips
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great source of fatty acids which are essential when it comes to keeping your lips healthy and hydrated. There isn’t a specified number of times that you are meant to use it, simply apply the same amount as you would with lip balm. The basic key to reaping the most from coconut oil is to make sure you do not leave your lips dry and reapply as soon as you feel the need, day time all the way through to nighttime.
2. Moisturizing DIY lip balm
I am all about saving a few bucks. After discovering this simple DIY lip balm, I ditched my store-bought for it. It contains three key ingredients that work wonders on your lips leaving them soft and juicy. Beeswax, peppermint essential oil and coconut oil. Beeswax contains natural emulsifiers which help retain moisture in the skin making it perfect for dry and chapped lips. It is often used in lip balms due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is responsible for the solid-like consistency and smooth texture of your lip balm. Peppermint oil is an active ingredient in most chapsticks and lip glosses as it helps heal your lips. The menthol in the oil has a soothing effect making it amazing for wind-chapped or sun-burnt lips.
Preparation
- Place a tablespoon of beeswax pellets in a microwavable bowl and heat for 45 seconds.
- Add one tablespoon of coconut oil to it and microwave for another 45 seconds
- Continue microwaving the mixture until all the ingredients have melted
- Add 4 drops of peppermint oil and microwave for another 15 seconds
- Pour the mixture into a clean old lipstick tube or small pot and allow it to cool and solidify
Store the lip balm in a cool place to prevent melting.
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3. Sweet Ol’ almond oil
Almond oil has emollient properties which help rejuvenate and smoothen your lips. It also has sclerosant properties which help lighten dark lips. I love this simple trick because it saves me time. What you need to do is take a drop or two, put it on your lips and rub gently for about two or three minutes before bed. Leave overnight and let it work its magic. Keep repeating this quick hack even after your lips have become softer and lighter.
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4. Coffee, honey and olive oil lip scrub
Grounded coffee acts as the defoliating agent for this miraculous scrub. Coffee contains antioxidants which makes it able to lighten skin in our case, dark lips. I like using medium-sized coffee grains to scrub the dead cells without irritating the delicate lower layer.
Honey is an organic humectant which helps your lips stay moisturized. It also contains lots of natural antioxidants. Raw honey is the best choice for this DIY lip scrub as it easily traps moisture from the air which helps plump up those pretty lips. If it isn’t available, processed honey will do.
Olive oil acts as a sealant. It provides a protective barrier to shield the hydration from the honey. Feel free to use alternative edible oils.
Preparation
- Take 1 tablespoon of grounded coffee and put it in a bowl
- Add one-quarter tablespoon of honey and half a tablespoon of olive oil and stir.
- Wet your lips with lukewarm water first then apply the scrub
- Gently rub using your fingertips for about 2 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
For best results, use this scrub at least thrice a week.
5. Beetroot stain
If you have ever handled a beetroot then you must know how easily it stains whatever it comes into contact with. Beetroot not only gives you a gorge pink tint it also clears up lip pigmentation. All you need to do is extract the juice add some coconut oil and voila you have your new daily go-to lip balm. Peel a clean beetroot and chop it into smaller pieces then put in your food processor. Grind until you get a watery residue. Strain to make sure no bits get in then add your oil. You can substitute coconut oil with beeswax. Pop it into your fridge and let it cool and solidify before using. As it has no preservatives this lip balm may need to be stored in the refrigerator to make it last longer. Once you apply, the tint is usually a soft pink colour but once it oxidizes it gives you this beautiful reddish tint that looks amazing on any skin tone. Do not be afraid to layer for more intensity.
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What tips and tricks do you use to lighten dark lips? Share in the comment below.
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