How to Get Rid of Lip Pigmentation

Lip pigmentation is a condition which gives the lips a darker colour - which may appear as two-toned, patches or even around the lips or as increased darkness on one lip. Most prevalent in the Asian population, research indicates that around 18-20% of people face this condition, with Indians being the most common victims of the condition among them. Several factors contribute to lip colour, including the amount of oxygen in your blood and the production of the colour pigment melanin, among others.

Common Causes of Lip Pigmentation 

Sun Exposure

Melanocytes, the cells producing Melanin, make more pigment when you’re exposed to the sun for a long time. This is to protect your deeper skin layers from UV damage. So if your sun exposure increases, more melanin is produced, thus giving you darker spots, including on your lips, which can lead to lip pigmentation. 

Allergic Reactions

Known as pigmented contact cheilitis, this kind of pigmentation is an allergic reaction to certain products that are not suitable/ expired when they come in contact with the lips. As a result, the lips can get discoloured in a brown-black colour. 

Certain Medications

Lip pigmentation can be a side effect of certain drugs. For example, drugs that are given to chemotherapy patients can cause pigmentation in soft tissue cells like lips.  

Dehydration

Dehydration can cause the lips to become extremely dry and flaky, leading to the top layers of the skin peeling off. This, in turn, creates surface wounds and blood clots that make the lips look pigmented. 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations have a direct bearing on the pigmentation of lips. The changes lead to the overproduction of melanin, a condition called melasma, especially during pregnancy and menopause. It's also a common symptom if you’re taking hormone-regulating medication. 

Iron Content in the Body

Both iron deficiency and excessive iron can cause the lips to get discoloured. In the first case, it happens because of anaemia, and in the second case, the lips appear darker as do all areas of the skin due to the body storing more iron than a person needs. 

Genetics

Your body may be producing excessive melanin, the colour pigment, simply because your parents had the same condition. Since it is an inherited condition, this most commonly affects people of colour. 

Smoking

Among other health concerns, smoking also triggers an increase in melanin production with ingredients like nicotine and others in tobacco. Further, smoking can also harm the blood vessels, hence leading to poor circulation, which can cause darkening of the lips. 

Types of Lip Pigmentation

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• Upper Lip Pigmentation

It usually becomes visible as a darkening of the skin north to the upper lip. Conditions which cause this include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne, sun exposure and hormonal changes. 

• Darkness around the Lips 

A lot of factors like irritation, excessive lip licking and dryness can result in darkness around your lips. Sometimes, it is also indicative of an underlying medical condition. 

• Black Pigmentation on the Lips

Caused by smoking, excessive intake of certain medicinal compounds with side effects, and genetic factors, black pigmentation is the most difficult to treat among the other types. This may require professional intervention in extreme cases. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

There are plenty of skin-lightening treatments that help even out the colour of your lips, especially by way of exfoliation. Before you make a decision, it is important to be cautious as the lips’ skin is extremely delicate and vulnerable. It is advisable to get a doctor’s advice before you proceed. 

• Kojic Acid: Often combined with other ingredients like vitamins C and E, this is one of the most popular over-the-counter options for treating pigmentation of all kinds, and not just of the lips. It has antioxidant benefits and increases the efficiency of the ingredients it accompanies. 
• Retinoids: Available in different forms, such as over-the-counter retinol and prescriptive tretinoin, retinoids are known for boosting the rate of cell turnover and can help lighten and reverse lip hyperpigmentation. But, it is known for causing irritation and is not suitable for everyone. When you’re choosing it, though, make sure you choose a product that specifically aims at the lips rather than a general solution. If you feel like your hyperpigmentation isn’t controllable through home remedies or over-the-counter options, kindly consult a medical professional and ask them their opinion on tretinoin. 
• Hydroquinone: This is known as the ‘gold standard’ in skin lightening. It works well because it curbs an enzyme that is crucial for producing melanin. However, it is known to cause irritation on the skin and hence is available only through prescription, and even if prescribed, it is only for a short duration of time. This is because it can create ‘rebound hyperpigmentation’ and can make your pigmentation return once you stop using the compound. . 
• Arbutin: Its mechanism is very similar to that of Hydroquinone but it doesn’t cause as much irritation as the latter does. Hence, it is easily available over-the-counter. An effective skin-brightening agent, it is best suited for people who face moderate hyperpigmentation and those who have lighter skin tones. 
• Azelaic Acid: This is an exfoliating acid which combats inflammation and so helps in reducing lip pigmentation. Extremely gentle on the skin, it is perfect for those with sensitive skin. 
• Tranexamic Acid: This one is most effective in treating lip hyperpigmentation that is caused by melasma and sun damage. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a skin-brightening agent, thus making it ideal. 

Over-the-counter medicines are the best deal when it comes to dealing with pigmentation problems. Their wide availability doesn’t just mean anyone can get their hands on them, but also that they’re safe to use. They are also very affordable and guarantee results. A product like Masofta Anti-Pigmentation Lip Balm will be perfect for this case. 

It contains powerful ingredients like Kojic acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Hyaluronic acid. These perform the three main functions of skin-lightening, preventing and fading pigmentation, and hydrating the lips, respectively. In addition, the balm also contains shea butter, which nourishes the lips and retains their moisture, and octocrylene, which protects your lips from UV damage and further darkening. 

Professional Treatments

• Glutathione IM Booster: A potent antioxidant, Glutathione detoxifies the body gently and slowly works towards brightening your overall skin complexion. It results in an even skin tone, including in the lips. 
• Chemical Peels: Usually, these peels are used over a period of time repeatedly and work as gentle exfoliators - particularly the topmost layers of the skin; hence, they lighten lip pigmentation gradually. Generally mild, the peels contain substances that are effective in combating hyperpigmentation in the lips, like alpha hydroxy acids and the like. 
• Laser Lip Bleaching: Scientific evidence suggests that lasers have the ability to break down our skin’s pigment. It works similarly to the way lasers are used to remove permanent tattoos from our bodies - the pigments are broken down. 
• Semi-Permanent Make-Up: Although not a widespread technique, some clinics and professionals offer a unique tattoo method to change the tone only in the discoloured part of the lips. This kind of lip neutralisation helps to cover up hyperpigmentation, producing an even tone. 
• Lip Hydrating Injection: Two of the major causes of dark lips are ageing and dehydration. To combat these causes, the lip injection method works by hydrating the lips and making pigmentation less visible. 

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pigmentation

1. Lemon

A study conducted in 2002 concluded that peels of citrus fruits curb the production of melanin. Every night before you go to sleep, cut a lemon and apply its juice to your lips. Wash it off with cold water the next morning. In about 30 days, you should be able to see a visible change in pigmentation. Alternatively, a cut lemon piece could be dipped in sugar and then rubbed on your lips, to be washed off with lukewarm water the next morning.  

2. Lime

Another citrus fruit that inhibits melanin production. Honey has hydrogen peroxide, which has lightening properties. In a bowl, mix the following and apply gently on your lips, to be washed the next morning:

• 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh lime juice 
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of glycerin

3. Turmeric

Turmeric can not only reduce the production of melanin, but it also has curcumin which has lightning properties - both of which will help fight pigmentation. Mix 1 tablespoon of milk with an adequate amount of turmeric powder to make a paste; wet your fingertip and rub the paste on your lips with it. Rinse it with cold water after leaving it on for 5 minutes. You could apply a moisturiser after this. 

4. Aloe

Aloe vera can also curb the production of melanin and so is helpful. Apply a fine layer of aloe vera gel on your lips and wait till it dries completely. After that, wash it off with warm water. 

5. Pomegranate

A study suggested that pomegranate has an ellagic acid content of 90% which helps lighten pigmentation. Mix 1 tablespoon each of pomegranate seeds & fresh dairy cream, and 1 teaspoon of rose water. Massage the paste on your lips gently for about 3 minutes, and then rinse it with cold water. If repeated every day, this could yield a significant change in your lip colour. 

6. Other Natural Remedies

Although there hasn’t been extensive research on their efficacy, the following remedies have been reported by various individuals as beneficial:

• Beetroot: Grind beetroot to form a fine paste and apply it to your lips 2 times a week. You should leave it on for 5-10 minutes and wash it off. You can apply petroleum jelly or any moisturiser following this. 
• Mustard Oil: 2 drops of mustard oil can be massaged onto your lips 1 time per day for best results. 
• Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil on your lips multiple times a day, even as an alternative to moisturiser, is said to help fight lip pigmentation. You could also apply it before you go to sleep at night. 
• Almond Oil: Massage almond oil on your lips before you go to sleep and wash it off in the morning. 

• Olive Oil: Before you go to sleep, apply a few drops of olive oil to your lips and massage, to wash off the next morning. 
• Rose Water: You have to mix two teaspoons of rose water with about 6 teaspoons of honey. Apply this to your lips at least 3 to 4 times a day. You can also, as mentioned above, apply it before you go to sleep.
• Cucumber Juice: Juice half a cucumber in a blender and let it cool inside the refrigerator. Once it is cold, use a cotton ball to dip the juice onto your lips gently. Leave it on for 30 minutes before you can wash it off with cold water.
• Sugar: 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of butter need to be blended and applied thrice a week. Massage the mixture onto your lips for about 3 minutes. 
• Almond: Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh dairy cream with almond powder adequate to make a paste, and massage it to your lips for about 3 minutes. After letting it dry for 5 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Doing this every day is beneficial. 

Lip Care Routine

• Lip Sunscreen: Many of us dismiss protecting our lips from the sun and don’t extend the same amount of care we take for our skin. It is important to include a lip balm/ product in your routine which has at least SPF 15. Although required for all days, it is particularly essential on days you will be exposed to the sun for a long time. 

• Exfoliation: It helps greatly in removing dead skin cells, which will help keep your lips smooth and hydrated. Follow one or a few of the home remedies mentioned above in the article to get rid of dryness. 
• Anti-pigmentation Lip Products: Some lip balms in the market are aimed at combating lip pigmentation. They have ingredients that range from Kojic acid and alpha arbutin to vitamin C and resorcinol, among other popular ones. They help in reducing pigmentation and make our lips healthy and bright. These are also affordable, hassle-free choices that show great results when used consistently. 

Lifestyle Habits

• Hydration: Hydrating your lips starts with hydrating your body; An adult should typically have 3 litres of water a day to make sure your lips are well hydrated, to prevent dry lips. 
• Diet: Generally, pigmentation is associated with an increase in free radicals which leads to oxidative stress. To fight this, incorporating foods that are rich in antioxidants in your diet helps maintain the colour and tone of your lips. 
• Smoking: As mentioned at the beginning of the blog, smoking contributes to dark lips. Quitting smoking can make sure your lips are back to their natural, healthy colour, getting rid of pigmentation. 

Final Note 

Lip pigmentation can be caused by a large range of factors, and it's upon you (in extreme cases, your doctors) to choose which mode of treatment you want. While professional treatments can be effective, they can be expensive and also have side effects. So, over-the-counter options are the safest bet as they are not only affordable and accessible but are also safe and guarantee results. 

Masofta’s range of skin and hair care products is one of the best examples in the market that has satisfied users with amazing results. They work on the root problem instead of covering up symptoms and are easily accessible. Masofta focuses on a sustainable, safe approach, even if that means the results take time to show. An overnight solution is not what we believe in, as it takes time to heal the body from the inside. We hope you make the right choice and get back your healthy lips!