Some people develop darker lips over time due to a range of medical and lifestyle factors. Read on to learn about the causes of dark lips and some home remedies to lighten them.
Causes of dark lips
Darkening of the lips can be the result of hyperpigmentation. This is a typically harmless condition caused by an excess of melanin. Lip hyperpigmentation may be caused by:
excessive exposure to the sun
lack of hydration
cigarette smoking
allergic reactions to toothpaste, lipstick, etc.
too much caffeine
lip sucking
Most of these causes can be addressed by lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunscreen, limiting caffeine intake, or changing toothpaste brands.
The following can also lead to darker lips:
chemotherapy
anemia
vitamin deficiency
excessive fluoride use
Treating hyperpigmentation is often a cosmetic decision. Laser treatments and chemicals such as hydroquinone and kojic acid are often used to treat lip hyperpigmentation. Many hyperpigmentation treatments work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces melanin.
You might, however, find a natural lip lightener that suits your needs. Download the app to know more..
