How to Lighten Dark Upper Lips

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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. Dark skin on the upper lip may be caused by excess melanin in the skin, sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics/family history, certain medications, or thyroid disease. [1] You can reduce the appearance of this dark pigmentation by using a topical over-the-counter skin treatment , a topical prescription skin lightening cream, tranexamic acid, chemical peels, or lasers. [2]
    • Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightening products because it limits the skin’s production of melanin. While you can find it in shops catering to Asian, African, Latino, and Middle Eastern communities, it is not approved for over-the-counter sale in the U.S. Talk to your doctor before using it. [4]

    Tip: Kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and retinoid can fade existing dark spots and slow down the production of melanin, so look for products that contain a combination of these ingredients. [3]

  2. Face masks allow ingredients to better penetrate into skin in a short amount of time, which can help brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. [5] 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 warm water, then pat the skin dry. Use these masks once a week until your skin becomes lighter.
    • Some believe turmeric plays a role in reducing the production of melanin, which may reduce hyperpigmentation in the skin. To make your own brightening mask, add a few drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of turmeric, then mix it until it forms a smooth paste. Apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. [6]
    • Ingredients like milk, yogurt, aloe vera, and papaya can also brighten the skin. [7]
    • Before using any homemade mask, perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to ensure you can tolerate the ingredients. [8] Apply the mask onto a small patch of your inner wrist, then wait 24 hours to see if your skin is red or irritated. If so, do not incorporate it into your skincare routine
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  3. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can help reduce uneven pigmentation sitting at the surface of the skin. [9]
    • Exfoliate the skin above your lip 2 to 3 times per week. [10] You can use a store-bought exfoliator, or make your own scrub using sugar or salt.
    • Chemical exfoliants are also a great option. Look for one that contains a beta-hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. [11] 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 when a dermatologist uses a special tool to gently sand away the uppermost layers of your skin. [12]
  4. Studies show that skin darkening may be caused by aggressive hair removal techniques, such as regular waxing. [13] When the skin is irritated by hair removal, it can trigger melanin production in the skin (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
    • Therefore, it's a good idea to take a break from waxing for a couple of months, to give your skin a chance to lighten on its own.
    • If you're concerned about the dark hair that grows on your upper lip, consider bleaching your facial hair or using a gentler hair removal method, such as threading .
  5. Harmful UV rays are one of the biggest culprits behind dark and discolored skin—on the upper lip or anywhere else on the body. [14]
    • Therefore, it is very important to protect your skin from these harmful rays by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher everyday, even when it's not sunny. Reapply it every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. [16]

    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. If you want to look tan, apply a self-tanner instead—it's kinder to the skin. [15]

  6. There are several home remedies that may help fade dark spots and lighten the skin on your upper lip, depending on what is causing the discoloration. [17] If you're interested in lightening your upper lip naturally, you can try the following home remedies:
    • Honey and lemon juice: Mix equal parts honey and lemon juice and apply it to your upper lip. The citric acid in the lemon juice can bleach the skin, while the honey softens and moisturizes. [18]
    • Almond oil: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, so some believe almond oil can fight UV damage and lighten dark spots. [19] Heat up a small amount of the oil and massage it into your upper lip.
    • Potato juice: Some believe potato juice may help lighten dark skin on the upper lip, due to the enzyme catecholase. [20] Grate a potato to extract its juice, then use a cotton pad to apply the juice to the skin of your upper lip. Leave it on 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. Keeping your lips hydrated will allow them to be healthy and moisturized. This is especially important in very cold weather, which can be extremely drying on lips. [21]
    • Apply an ointment-based lip balm before you go to bed each night, and opt for lip balm with SPF during the day. [22]
    • Healing ointments are extremely hydrating. In the winter, try petroleum jelly to seal moisture into your lips and to avoid dry lips.
    • If you prefer natural remedies, try rubbing a little honey on your lips to treat cracking, eczema, and burns. [23]
    • You can also keep your lips hydrated by drinking lots of water. Generally, men should drink 12.5 cups (3.1 L) of water per day, while women should drink 9 cups (2.1 L) of water per day. [24]
  2. Exfoliation is a great way to lighten dark lips, as it removes the discolored outer layers of your skin and restores the natural glow. [25]
    • 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. [26]
    • Do not use any abrasive scrubs when exfoliating.
    • Alternatively, you can exfoliate your lips using the bristles of a soft toothbrush. [27] Simply dampen your lips, then gently rub the bristles of the brush over the lips using small, circular motions.
  3. Exposing your lips to sunlight with no SPF protection may cause them to become darkly pigmented (not to mention dry, cracked and sore). [28]
    • Therefore, it's important to protect your lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing a lip balm that contains an SPF of 30 or higher when you're out and about during the day. [29]
  4. If you're concerned about the dark color of your lips, one of the first steps you should take is to quit smoking. [30]
    • 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, and it can cause dry skin, uneven skin pigmentation, and deeper facial wrinkles. [31]
    • 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. [32] For more information on giving up smoking, see this article .
  5. Some believe that massaging your lips can stimulate blood flow, helping your lips look pinker and lighter in color. [33]
    • 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, you 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.
  6. Some claim that there are home remedies that can lighten dark lips and make them rosy and full. [34] 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, so it may lighten your lip color. Mix lemon juice with water or a little honey before applying it to your lips. Just be sure to moisturize afterwards, as lemon juice can be drying. [35]
    • Potato juice : Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which may be used to lighten dark skin and lips. [36] Simply cut a slice from a potato and rub the exposed flesh over the lips.
    • Honey and rose water: Some believe that honey and rosewater can lighten your lip color. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a few drops of rose water, then apply the mixture to your lips several times a day. [37]
    • Glycerin: Some believe that glycerin can help remove dead skin cells and lighten your lip color. Mix a couple drops of glycerin with lemon juice, then apply it onto your lips.
    • Beetroot juice: Some believe that beetroot juice can reduce the appearance of dark lips. Simply dab the juice directly onto the lips, then apply a light moisturizing lip balm.
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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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    Not Helpful 42 Helpful 114
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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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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      Tips

      • 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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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Remember that a dark upper lip is just another natural feature of many people's bodies! If you can't seem to lighten it, don't sweat it too much.
      • Avoid using dark lipsticks too often, which may "stain" your lips over time.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/melasma-mustache
      2. ↑ https://health.osu.edu/health/skin-and-body/what-is-melasma-mustache
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      4. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/skin-facts-what-you-need-know-about-skin-lightening-products/skin-product-safety
      5. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/the-magic-behind-face-masks
      6. ↑ https://renu.doctor/blog/how-to-remove-pigmentation-from-face-permanently-at-home/
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-ways-to-exfoliate-your-skin-without-irritation
      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/have-you-exfoliated-lately-202405203042
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-ways-to-exfoliate-your-skin-without-irritation
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25124-microdermabrasion
      4. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7984395/
      5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/surprising-facts-about-indoor-tanning
      7. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
      8. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2018/natural-remedies-age-spots-fd.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dermaartsclinic.com/blog/7-effective-skin-whitening-home-remedies-you-can-try-today/
      10. ↑ https://bebodywise.com/blog/almond-benefits-for-skin/
      11. ↑ https://www.dermaartsclinic.com/blog/7-effective-skin-whitening-home-remedies-you-can-try-today/
      12. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/5-tips-for-your-lips/
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-chapped-lips
      14. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5661189/
      15. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-water-do-you-need-daily
      16. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/have-you-exfoliated-lately-202405203042
      17. ↑ https://victoriamcginley.com/2014/01/02/diy-beauty-olive-sugar-lip-scrub/
      18. ↑ https://aadermatology.com/the-importance-of-lip-exfoliation/
      19. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/5-tips-for-your-lips/
      20. ↑ https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/Sunscreen-Tips-to-wear-it-well.h25Z1591413.html
      21. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5561710/
      22. ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/Smoking
      23. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/benefits-of-quitting.html
      24. ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-lighten-dark-lips
      25. ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-lighten-dark-lips
      26. ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-lighten-dark-lips
      27. ↑ https://www.dermaartsclinic.com/blog/7-effective-skin-whitening-home-remedies-you-can-try-today/
      28. ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-lighten-dark-lips

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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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