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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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.
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.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a break from waxing for a couple of months, to give your skin a chance lighten on its own. If you’re concerned about the dark hair that grows on your upper lip, consider bleaching the hair or using a gentler hair removal method, such as threading.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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] X Research source
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.
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.
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.
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] X Research source 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] X Research source
