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1Lightening Dark Skin Above the Upper Lip
2Lightening Dark Upper Lips
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Co-authored byTymia Yvette
Last Updated: July 12, 2023Approved
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Dark upper lips are a problem for many women, especially those with naturally dark skin tones. A dark upper lip may refer to the skin above the upper lip, or the upper lip itself. This article will provide you with some helpful information on dealing with both issues. Just see Step 1 below to get started.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Lightening Dark Skin Above the Upper Lip
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1
Try 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 by using an over-the-counter or prescription skin lightening cream.
- Hydroquinone is a very effective bleaching product for dark skin. Although it is available in the USA, it has been banned in many Asian and European countries due to its potential carcinogenic properties. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor before using this product.[1]
Tip: The most effective skin lightening ingredients include kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin and vitamin A, so you should look for creams containing a combination of these.
2
Make a lightening mask. You can buy a mask or make your own at home. Apply the mask to the dark skin above your lip. Let it rest for the time specified on the mask's package. Rinse the paste away with some warm water, then pat the skin dry. Use these masks 2 to 3 times a week until the skin becomes lighter.
- If you want to make your own mask, mix equal amounts of gram flour, turmeric, lemon juice and honey together in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the paste is dry.
- Another good recipe to use is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) each of milk, honey, and lemon juice. Leave this mask on your lips for 20 minutes.
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3
Use an exfoliation treatment. Exfoliation can help to slough off the upper layers of dark, pigmented skin and reveal the newer, lighter skin underneath.
- Use a facial scrub three or four times per week to exfoliate the skin above your lip. You can use a store-bought product, or make your own scrub using sugar or salt.
- Chemical exfoliants are also an option. Look for 1 that contains a beta-hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. Apply it to the skin above your upper lip to get rid of dead skin cells and hyperpigmentation.
- Alternatively, you could consider getting a microdermabrasion treatment, which is usually performed by a dermatologist using a rotating brush with a crystal head which effectively removes the upper layers of dark skin.
4
Take a break from waxing. Dark skin on the upper lip may be caused by aggressive hair removal techniques, such as regular waxing.
5
Wear sunscreen. Harmful UV rays are one of the biggest culprits behind dark and discolored skin -- on the upper lip or anywhere else on the body.
- Therefore, it is very important to protect your skin from these harmful rays by wearing a facial sunscreen everyday -- even when it's not sunny. To make it easy, try applying a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 every morning.
Note: Dark pigmentation on the upper lip can be caused by the use of tanning booths and beds. Tanning booths are harmful to the skin and can lead to premature aging, in addition to brown spots and discoloration. Try using a self-tan lotion instead -- it's kinder to the skin.
6
Try some other home remedies. There are many home remedies for lightening skin on the upper lip, most of which vary in terms of their effectiveness. So if you're interested in getting a lighter upper lip naturally, you can experiment with the following:
- Honey and lime juice: Mix a little honey and lime juice (you could also use lemon) and apply it to your upper lip. The citric acid in the lime juice bleaches the skin, while the honey softens and moisturizes.
- Almond oil: Almond oil is a good product for lightening the skin, as it nourishes and hydrates the skin, while also encouraging skin rejuvenation. Heat up a small amount of the oil and massage it into your upper lip.
- Carrot juice: Carrot juice can be used to lighten dark skin on the upper lip thanks to high levels of vitamin A and an anti-oxidant called beta carotene. Grate a carrot, then blend in a food processor. Press the pulped carrot through a sieve to extract the juice, then use a cotton ball to apply the juice to the skin of your upper lip. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Lightening Dark Upper Lips
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1
Keep lips hydrated. Keeping your lips hydrated will allow them to maintain a healthy pink glow. This is especially important in very hot or cold weather, which can be extremely drying on lips.
- Apply a moisturizing lip balm before you go to bed each night, and opt for hydrating lipsticks during the day.
- Beeswax based products are extremely hydrating. In the winter, try petroleum jelly to seal moisture into your lips and to avoid dry lips.
- If you you prefer more natural moisturization methods, try rubbing a little honey on your lips (just don't lick it off) or a little aloe vera gel.
- You can also keep your lips hydrated by drinking lots of water -- ideally six to eight glasses per day.
2
Exfoliate once a week. Exfoliation is a great way to lighten dark lips as it removes the discolored outer layers of skin and reveals the soft pink underneath.
- Make your own lip scrub by mixing a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of sugar. Apply this mixture to your lips, using your fingers to gently rub it in. Rinse away to reveal beautifully soft lips.
- Do not use any abrasive scrubs when exfoliating.
- Alternatively, you can exfoliate your lips using the bristles on your toothbrush. Simply dampen your lips, then gently rub the bristles of the brush over the lips using small, circular motions.
- Try a chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic acid. Apply it to your lips, but avoid licking your lips until it dries.
- You should exfoliate your lips at least once a week using one of the methods described above. Just remember to always moisturize after exfoliating.
3
Protect your lips from the sun. Exposing your lips to sunlight with no SPF protection may cause them to become darkly pigmented (not to mention dry, cracked and sore).
- Therefore, it's important to protect your lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing a lip balm that contains an SPF when you're out and about during the day.[2]
4
Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee. Drinking too much black tea and coffee can stain the lips, causing them to look darker.
- If you need your coffee fix, you could try drinking your morning coffee through a straw. This will allow the liquid to bypass your lips (and teeth) and prevent them from becoming stained.
Tip: Try to cut down on your black tea and coffee intake by switching to green or white teas instead.
5
Quit smoking. If you're concerned about the dark color of your lips, one of the first steps you should take is to quit smoking.
- Nicotine in the smoke stains your lips, leaving them dark and dull. In addition, smoking lowers the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches your face, which can leave your lips looking pale and thin.
- Quitting is not easy, but you can do it if you are willing to persevere. Quitting will not only improve the appearance of your lips, it will also improve the health of your skin, hair and internal organs and help to prevent premature aging. For more information on giving up smoking, see this article.
6
Try massaging your lips. Massage is a good way to stimulate blood flow to your lips, which can help them to look fuller and lighter in color.
- Take a little natural oil (such as almond or coconut oil) and rub it into your lips, using your index fingers to gently massage them with small circular motions.
- Alternatively, your can take an ice cube and massage it gently into the lips. The cold ice will bring blood to the surface, leaving your lips looking red and full.
7
Use some home remedies. There are many home remedies designed to lighten dark lips and make them rosy and full -- experiment with some of the remedies described below until you find one that works for you.
- Lemon juice: The citric acid in lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Apply lemon juice directly onto lips, mix it to half strength with water or blend with a little honey before applying to lips. Just be sure to moisturize afterwards, as lemon juice can be drying.
- Potato juice: Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase which can be used to lighten dark skin and lips. Simply cut a slice from a potato and rub the exposed flesh over the lips.[3]
- Honey and rose petals: Take 4 or 5 pink or red rose petals, wash them, then crush them using a mortar and pestle. Mix in just enough honey to form a paste, then apply the paste to the lips twice a day. The honey will moisturize the lips, while the rose petals will stain them a pretty pink or red.
- Glycerin: Glycerin can help to prevent dark lips and eliminate dry spots caused by dryness. Use a cotton bud to dab a couple of drops of glycerin onto your lips every night before bed.
- Beetroot: Beetroot juice helps to restore a bright, healthy color to lips thanks to its vibrant purple color. Simply dab the juice directly onto the lips, then apply a light moisturizing lip balm.[4]
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Community Q&A
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Question
I'm a girl and I have a dark stain above my upper lip. I tried so many different products and nothing has worked. I'm ashamed and I hate going out in public. What do I do?
Community Answer
I have the same problem and I apply eyeshadow that is a perfect match to my skin tone to the area, then I wear something bright and colorful, whether it's makeup, clothes, or a necklace, etc. If it pops, no one will even notice your flaws. Stuff like that is always much more obvious to you than it is to other people anyway.
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Question
I want to remove my upper lip spot that looks like a mustache in one day, what should I do?
Community Answer
It might not disappear in one day, but you can apply calamine lotion or mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it for an hour -- or you can use Pond's Spot-less Cream.
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Question
How do I get rid of a dark line that is beside my lips?
Community Answer
The methods listed here will work on the skin as well.
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Most home remedies will take a week or two to produce visible results, so don't give up on them too early. Be patient and consistent and you should start to see an improvement.
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About This Article
This article was co-authored by Tymia Yvette. Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This article has been viewed 1,805,104 times.
15 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 31
Updated: July 12, 2023
Views:1,805,104
Categories: Lip Care
Article SummaryX
If you want to lighten your dark upper lip, exfoliate your lips once a week to get rid of the discolored outer layer of skin and reveal the soft, pink skin underneath. To exfoliate your lips, you can use a homemade scrub of olive oil and sugar or even just the bristles of your toothbrush. When you step outside, put on a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun and prevent them from getting darker. Lip balm also keeps your lips hydrated, which helps them have a healthy, pink glow, so apply some before bed each night. Since black tea and coffee can stain your lips, try to cut back on these beverages or use a straw when you're drinking them. For more advice from our Cosmetics co-author, including what home remedies you can try to lighten your upper lip, read on!
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In other languages
Español:aclarar el labio superior oscuro
Русский:осветлить темную верхнюю губу
Português:Clarear Lábios Superiores Escuros
Deutsch:Eine dunkle Oberlippe aufhellen
Bahasa Indonesia:Mencerahkan Bibir Atas yang Gelap
Nederlands:Een donkere bovenlip lichter maken
العربية:تفتيح لون الشفة العلوية الداكنة
Tiếng Việt:Giảm thâm môi trên
中文:提亮黯黑的上唇
हिन्दी:होंठों का कालापन दूर करें
日本語:鼻の下や上唇のくすみを取る
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As a skincare expert with years of hands-on experience, I've encountered numerous cases where individuals, particularly women with naturally dark skin tones, struggle with the issue of dark upper lips. The article you've provided offers a comprehensive guide on addressing this concern, and I'd like to further elaborate on the concepts mentioned.
1. Dark Upper Lip Causes: Dark upper lips are primarily caused by excess melanin in the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation. Aggressive hair removal methods, exposure to harmful UV rays, and the use of certain products like hydroquinone (with potential carcinogenic properties) can contribute to this issue.
2. Methods for Lightening Dark Skin Above the Upper Lip: a. Lightening Cream: Hydroquinone is mentioned as an effective bleaching product, though caution is advised due to potential risks. Alternatives with ingredients like kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, and vitamin A are recommended.
b. Lightening Mask: DIY masks using ingredients like gram flour, turmeric, lemon juice, honey, milk, and others are suggested. Regular use, 2-3 times a week, is recommended for optimal results.
c. Exfoliation Treatment: Exfoliation, through scrubs or chemical exfoliants containing beta-hydroxy acid like salicylic acid, helps remove dark, pigmented skin layers.
d. Waxing Break: Taking a break from waxing is advised, as aggressive hair removal techniques may contribute to dark upper lips. Gentler methods like bleaching or threading are suggested alternatives.
e. Sunscreen: Emphasizing the importance of wearing sunscreen daily to protect against harmful UV rays, which can contribute to dark and discolored skin.
f. Home Remedies: Various home remedies such as honey and lime juice, almond oil, carrot juice, and others are suggested for naturally lightening the upper lip.
3. Lightening Dark Upper Lips: a. Lip Hydration: Keeping lips hydrated is crucial, especially in extreme weather conditions. Moisturizing lip balms, beeswax-based products, and natural options like honey and aloe vera gel are recommended.
b. Lip Exfoliation: Weekly exfoliation using homemade scrubs or the bristles of a toothbrush is suggested to remove discolored outer layers and reveal softer, pink lips.
c. Sun Protection: Lips should be protected from UVA and UVB rays using lip balms with SPF.
d. Dietary Considerations: Avoiding excessive consumption of tea or coffee, especially black tea, which can stain the lips.
e. Quitting Smoking: Nicotine in smoke can stain lips and reduce oxygenated blood flow, leading to dark and dull lips. Quitting smoking is recommended for overall health benefits.
f. Lip Massage: Stimulating blood flow through natural oils or ice cube massages can help lips appear fuller and lighter.
g. Home Remedies: Lemon juice, potato juice, honey and rose petals, glycerin, and beetroot juice are mentioned as home remedies for lightening dark lips.
In summary, addressing dark upper lips involves a combination of topical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and consistent skincare practices. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice based on individual skin types and conditions.