Say goodbye to dark lips!

Lip hyperpigmentation or dark lips is a common issue in South Asia, but the good news is that it can be fixed. Here’s an expert guide to restore the natural colour of your lips.

1. Don’t use lip scrubs

The skin on the lips regenerates faster than the skin on your face, so it doesn’t need that much exfoliation. Using abrasive lip scrubs can cause micro tears and worsen the pigmentation. Instead, use a warm washcloth and gently massage it over your lips to get rid of any flakiness.

2. Stop licking your lips

Most of the time, dark lips are caused due to the inflammation of the skin, which is very much linked to the habit of lip-licking.

3. Consider your hormones

Just like the skin on the face and body, the pigmentation on the lips can get more severe when exposed to the sun and UV rays. Hence, it is advised to wear a lip sunscreen or use a lip balm with SPF protection.

4. Avoid waxing around your lips

Trauma to the skin around the lips caused due to waxing can further exacerbate the darkening on the lips. Switch to threading or even more gentler alternatives like facial razors.

5. Use a lip sunscreen

Hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and even skin conditions like melasma can cause hyperpigmentation on the lips. It is best to seek professional help when treating hyperpigmentation triggered by hormones.

6. Turn and learn your ingredients

Use lip brightening products that contain active ingredients like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, licorice and retinol. These ingredients are effective, however, be careful not to overuse, which might cause irritation.