Dark Lips: Causes, Home Remedies, Treatment & More

Introduction

Have you ever noticed lips becoming darker over time for some people and thought why? Yes, dark lips are a common concern many people face. They are usually noticed as dark patches or small dark spots on the lips. These colour changes appear on the surface of the lips and do not affect the inner areas of the lips, which are normally red or pink^1,2. 

The colour of lips can change for many reasons. It may include some normal body changes, skin irritation, hormonal changes, or using some medicines or products. Usually, dark lips are harmless, but since the lips and skin around them are always visible when we talk or smile, darkening of that area can affect how people feel about themselves^3,4. 

So, in this blog, let us explore what dark lips are, their causes, simple home remedies, dark lips treatment, and ways to prevent them. 

What Are Dark Lips?

Dark lips is a condition in which the lips appear darker or develop dark spots/areas on their surface. Medically, this is known as lip hyperpigmentation¹. This happens mainly because the lips are highly exposed and have very little natural protection. They are constantly in contact with sunlight (UV rays), food, saliva, cosmetics, and products like tobacco, all of which can affect the delicate lip tissue over time and cause pigmentation changes^4,5.  

The area around the mouth, called the perioral region, is also highly exposed to environmental factors such as food, saliva, and cosmetic products. Pigmentation in this area is also commonly seen, especially in people with darker skin types.  

Since the lips and the perioral area are always visible and play an important role in facial expressions and communication, pigmentation in these areas can sometimes cause emotional discomfort or distress for affected individuals. Moreover, in people with darker skin, extra pigmentation can sometimes hide skin irritation or inflammation^1,4. Hence, lip pigmentation can become a cause of concern in some individuals. 

There are several causes of dark lips. Let’s have a look at them in the following section. 

Causes of Dark Lips

Dark lips can happen due to many reasons. Lips are soft, delicate, and always exposed to sunlight and the chemicals we put on them. Along with this, some medicines, ageing, and habits like smoking can make lips darker. Here is how each of these factors can cause dark lips. 

• Sun Exposure: The lips are often exposed to sunlight every day. Sun rays increase the pigment in the lips and make them look darker. Since lips do not have much protection, the effect of sunlight is stronger. This is common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors. 
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking can cause dark colour on the lips and around the mouth. Harmful substances in tobacco trigger the body to produce more pigment. This leads to brown or black patches on the lips. The colour may slowly improve after stopping smoking. 
• Lip Licking and Repeated Irritation: Frequent lip licking dries the lips instead of moisturising them. This repeated dryness causes irritation and redness. When the skin heals, dark marks may appear. This is often seen in children and teenagers. 
• Allergic Reactions and Cosmetics: Some lip products, toothpaste, or foods can irritate the lips. This irritation may cause burning, itching, or swelling. After the irritation settles, the lips may turn darker. Avoiding the product usually helps prevent further darkening. 
• Genetic Conditions: Some people are born with genes that cause more colour (pigment) to form on their lips (for example, conditions like Peutz Jeghers syndrome or inherited lentiginosis). Because of this, dark spots or patches may appear on the lips from childhood (often as small brown or black dots). It often appears in childhood and can be passed down in families. 
• Hormonal Issues: Certain hormonal conditions, particularly those involving the adrenal glands can cause the skin and lips to turn darker. These include issues like Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome, and sometimes lip darkening is one of the first signs. Hormonal shifts as in pregnancy can also cause pigmentation. 
• Vitamin Deficiency: Not having enough vitamins like B12 or folate can make lips and mouth corners dark. This happens because the body produces more pigment when certain protective substances like glutathione are low. Taking these vitamins usually helps the lips return to normal. 
• Skin Inflammation or Injury: Any rash, infection, or injury near the lips can cause dark spots later. This happens because the skin produces extra pigment while healing. The dark colour may look brown or grey. In many cases, it fades slowly with time^1,4.
• Drug-Induced Pigmentation: Medicines can sometimes cause darkening of the lips and surrounding skin. Drug-related pigmentation accounts for about 10–20% of acquired pigmentation cases. Some medicines increase melanin, while others get deposited in the skin and darken with sun exposure. Certain painkillers (NSAIDs), antibiotics like tetracyclines, antimalarial drugs, some chemotherapy drugs, and even some heavy metals are common causes of dark lips induced by medications².

As we can see, dark lips can happen due to many reasons. However, some simple home remedies for dark lips may help reduce dark colour and keep the lips healthy. 

Home Remedies for Dark Lips

Natural home remedies like aloe vera, lemon, and honey can help lighten dark lips gradually when used regularly.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera helps lighten dark lips because it contains aloesin, a natural compound that reduces melanin production in the skin. Aloesin works by blocking enzymes involved in pigment formation, which lowers skin darkening. With regular use, this reduction in melanin helps improve lip colour and lower pigmentation⁷.

How to apply: Apply a light layer of fresh aloe vera gel to your lips. 
Duration: Leave it on until it dries completely. 
Frequency: Once daily. 
When results appear: Visible improvement may be seen in 4 weeks with consistent use⁸. 

2. Lemon

It helps lighten dark lips because it contains antioxidants such as hesperidin and vitamin C, which reduce melanin (dark pigment) production. These compounds slow down the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme needed to produce melanin. By reducing this process, lemon helps to gradually reduce hyperpigmentation and improve lip colour⁷.

How to apply (Method 1): Before going to bed, slice a lemon and gently rub the juicy side over your lips. Rinse with cool water the next morning. 
How to apply (Method 2): Dip a lemon piece in sugar and gently scrub your lips. Wash it off the next morning using lukewarm water. 
Frequency: Once daily (scrub method 2-3 times a week). 
When results appear: Results may be visible in about 30 days. 

3. Honey (with Lime Juice and Glycerine)

Honey helps dark lips because it has antioxidant and healing properties that may repair damaged skin and improve skin tone. It also moisturises the lips and supports skin healing, which can reduce dryness and pigmentation over time⁹. 

How to apply: Mix 1½ teaspoons of fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of glycerine in a small bowl. Gently apply this mixture to your lips before bedtime. 
Duration: Leave it on overnight. 
Frequency: Once daily. 
When results appear: Noticeable improvement can be seen in a month or so. 

4. Turmeric

It is a golden spice, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compound, curcumin, can help reduce dark pigment by slowing melanin production¹⁰.

How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of milk with turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply gently on lips for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water and moisturise. 
Frequency: 3-4 times a week. 
Results: Lips may appear lighter and healthier in 4-6 weeks with regular use. 

5. Pomegranate

Pomegranate extract contains ellagic acid, which can reduce dark pigment by slowing melanin production and stopping extra pigment-making cells from growing¹¹.

How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds with 1 teaspoon rose water and 1 tablespoon fresh cream. Gently massage onto lips for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water. 
Frequency: Once daily. 
Results: Lips may appear lighter and healthier with regular use over a few weeks. 

6. Beetroot

It has natural pigments, antioxidants, and vitamins that help moisturize, nourish, and protect lips while giving a subtle pink tint¹².  

How to use: Grind fresh beetroot into a fine paste. Apply gently to lips for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. After drying, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly. 
Frequency: Twice a week. 
Results: Lips may look naturally pinker, softer, and healthier with regular use. 

By using these home remedies for dark lips, you may notice some improvement in lip colour and keep your lips soft and healthy. However, research on their effectiveness is limited, and results can vary, and they should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  

Note: Always do a patch test before using any natural product on your skin. If any discomfort, redness, or swelling is noted, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Treatments for Dark Lips

In this section, we will see how to get rid of dark lips through medical and dermatological treatment options. Besides managing the underlying issue, the following treatments can be undertaken after doctor’s prescription/done by an expert for lightening of lip colour. 

• Lightening Creams (Topical Depigmenting Agents): These creams are applied on the lips to slowly reduce dark colour. They are used for dark spots after infections, allergic reactions, or certain medicines. 
• Medicines for Inflammation (Topical Steroids or Calcineurin Inhibitors): These help calm irritation or inflammation in conditions like perioral dermatitis or lip-licker’s dermatitis. Reducing inflammation helps the dark colour fade. 
• Moisturisers and Emollients: Soft creams or lip balms keep the lips hydrated and protect them while other treatments work^4,13. 
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use a gentle chemical such as glycolic, salicylic, citric, trichloroacetic (TCA) acid or retinol to exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and colour. For dark skin, a combination of TCA and lactic acid can work best by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme and reducing pigment formation¹⁴. 
• Laser Treatments: 
  • Q-switched Nd:YAG and Diode lasers: Use high intensity pulses of light to break down melanin
    • Nd:YAG 532 nm: Lightens superficial dark spots
    • Nd:YAG 1064 nm: Helps with stubborn pigmentation¹⁵. 
  • CO₂ Laser: Breaks down melanin and removes the thin damaged outer layer (resurfacing), used for hard-to-remove dark spots or uneven lip tone.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses electric current to destroy abnormally pigmented areas, used for removing lip lesions or growths like moles etc⁴.
  • Vitamin Supplements: Vitamins like B12 or folate can help restore normal colour when deficiencies cause dark lips^4,16. 
• Dark lips treatment depends on the cause and how serious the darkening is. A dermatologist can suggest the right treatment for you based on your condition. Following it consistently can help dark lips gradually return to a lighter, healthier, and more natural colour. 

Prevention Tips

Dark lips can often be prevented by taking care of them and avoiding habits that irritate or damage the lips. 

• Use lip products with SPF every day. This protects the lips from sun damage, which can make them darker over time. 
• Avoid frequent lip licking and contact with allergens or irritating chemicals. Constant irritation can cause inflammation and permanent pigmentation. 
• Review medications with a doctor if they might cause lip darkening. Some drugs can change lip colour, and stopping or changing them may prevent worsening. 
• Quit smoking, as tobacco can darken lips over time. This also reduces the risk of other oral and skin health problems. 
• Take supplements such as vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C if deficient. These nutrients help maintain normal lip colour and support overall skin health⁴.
• Use natural oils or herbal lip products daily. They moisturize lips, reduce dryness, and can gently lighten pigmentation over time¹⁷. 

Following these steps consistently can help prevent dark lips and maintain a healthy, natural appearance. 

When to See a Doctor?

See a doctor if your lips get darker and: 

• The colour changes suddenly or worsens quickly. 
• There is pain, swelling, sores, or bleeding. 
• The dark colour stays even after avoiding triggers. 
• Dark spots appear elsewhere, like knuckles, gums, or armpits. 
• Family members have unusual skin patterns or inherited health conditions (syndromes). 
• Spots are uneven, irregular, or grow fast. 
• You have tiredness, weakness, or stomach problems. 

Early check-ups can detect vitamin deficiencies, hormone issues, infections, or rare conditions that can cause dark lips^3,4.

Conclusion 

Dark lips are common and usually harmless. Most cases improve with proper care, hydration, sun protection, and natural home remedies for dark lips like aloe vera, lemon, or honey. Avoiding habits like lip licking, smoking, or irritants can avoid further darkening. For persistent or stubborn pigmentation, dark lips treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy, or vitamin supplementation may be necessary. If the colour stays, spreads, or causes pain, a doctor can check for vitamin deficiencies or health problems and help with treatments. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reference

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