How to Lighten Dark Upper Lips

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: November 26, 2022 References Approved

Dark upper lips are a problem for many women, especially those with naturally darker 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

1
Try a lightening cream. Dark skin on the upper lip is caused by excess melanin in the skin. You can reduce the appearance of this dark pigmentation by using an over-the-counter or prescription skin lightening cream.
- 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]
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Tip: The most effective skin lightening ingredients include kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin and vitamin A, so you should look for creams containing a combination of these.
2
Make a lightening mask. 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 some warm water, then pat the skin dry. Use these masks 2 to 3 times a week until the skin becomes lighter.
- 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.
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3
Use an exfoliation treatment. Exfoliation can help to slough off the upper layers of dark, pigmented skin and reveal the newer, lighter skin underneath.
- 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.
4
Take a break from waxing. Dark skin on the upper lip may be caused by aggressive hair removal techniques, such as regular waxing.
- 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.
5
Wear sunscreen. Harmful UV rays are one of the biggest culprits behind dark and discolored skin -- on the upper lip or anywhere else on the body.
- 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.
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. Try using a self-tan lotion instead -- it's kinder to the skin.
6
Try some other home remedies. There are many home remedies for lightening skin on the upper lip, most of which vary in terms of their effectiveness. So if you're interested in getting a lighter upper lip naturally, you can experiment with the following:
- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Lightening Dark Upper Lips

1
Keep lips hydrated. Keeping your lips hydrated will allow them to maintain a healthy pink glow. This is especially important in very hot or cold weather, which can be extremely drying on lips.
- 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.
2
Exfoliate once a week. Exfoliation is a great way to lighten dark lips as it removes the discolored outer layers of skin and reveals the soft pink underneath.
- 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.
3
Protect your lips from the sun. Exposing your lips to sunlight with no SPF protection may cause them to become darkly pigmented (not to mention dry, cracked and sore).
- 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]
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4
Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee. Drinking too much black tea and coffee can stain the lips, causing them to look darker.
- 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.
Tip: Try to cut down on your black tea and coffee intake by switching to green or white teas instead.
5
Quit smoking. If you're concerned about the dark color of your lips, one of the first steps you should take is to quit smoking.
- 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.
6
Try massaging your lips. Massage is a good way to stimulate blood flow to your lips, which can help them to look fuller and lighter in color.
- 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.
7
Use some home remedies. There are many home remedies designed to lighten dark lips and make them rosy and full -- 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. 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]
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- 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]
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Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.