The sight of your lips darkening by the day can be annoying and leave one wondering if they can do something to lighten them. If you’ve been undergoing the same experience, you aren’t alone! Lip pigmentation is a common concern affecting millions worldwide. However, in many cases, it can affect an individual’s confidence. So, how do you deal with lip pigmentation? Can pigmentation lips be removed through a lip pigmentation treatment? Let’s delve into everything about lip pigmentation and its removal treatment.
What is Lip Pigmentation?
Lip pigmentation, also termed lip hyperpigmentation, causes darkening of lips beyond their natural color. It is a condition that can affect people of all ages and skin tones. Nevertheless, people with darker complexions are more susceptible to the condition. In some cases, lip darkening is accompanied by chapping and dryness. While one can treat the condition with natural remedies, extreme cases or those with failed natural treatments require clinical treatment to lighten the lips. However, what causes lips to darken, or what are the causes of lip pigmentation? Let’s look at them before reviewing the various lip pigmentation removal treatment options.What Causes Lip Pigmentation?
Here are some common causes of lip pigmentation.- Smoking: Smoking contains nicotine that damages various body parts and also darkens the lips and oral cavity. It restricts blood flow to the lips and deprives them of the oxygen and nutrients they need to look healthy and plump.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A deficiency of iron can cause anemia and make the lips appear pale or dark in color. Also, a deficiency of nutrients like vitamins C and B and cause the lips to darken.
- Hormonal Changes: In some cases, pregnancy or menopause-related hormonal changes can lead to lip pigmentation.
- Dehydration: Lack of moisture can result in flaky or dry lips that begin darkening.
- Genetics: Genetics may also make some people vulnerable to lip pigmentation.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can darken the lips over a period and result in pigmentation.
How to do Lip Pigmentation Removal – Lip Pigmentation Treatment Options
At the outset, let’s overview some home-based lip pigmentation remedies.- Exfoliation: Exfoliating the lips regularly can remove dead skin cells and lighten the lips over a while. You can exfoliate the lips with an expert-recommended lip scrub or soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Sun protection: Using sun protection with an SPF-lip balm or lipstick while stepping out can help protect the lips from sun damage.
- Topical Therapies: Based on the doctor’s recommendation, one may also go for topical therapies with contents, including kojic acid, vitamin C, or hydroquinone.
- Moisturizing: Applying a lip balm or petroleum jelly can help keep the lips moisturized and prevent dryness and chapping.
- Cucumber: Applying cucumber slices for ten to fifteen minutes can have a cooling effect and lighten the skin tone significantly.