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Pigmented Lips: Causes, Treatment & More

Adrija Chakraborty -
Table of Contents +

Causes of Pigmentation on Lips

Pigmented lips can result in the darkening of the lips. An overproduction of melanin causes this usually innocuous condition. Pigmented lips can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Excess exposure to the sun
  • Lack of hydration
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Lip-sucking
  • Anaemia
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Chemotherapy
  • Excessive fluoride usage


Wearing sunscreen, reducing coffee intake, and hydrating sufficiently are all examples of lifestyle adjustments that can be made to address most of these factors.

Lip Pigmentation Treatment

Hyperpigmentation on lips can be treated through cosmetic surgery. Lip hyperpigmentation is commonly treated with laser treatments and medicines like hydroquinone and kojic acid. Many lip pigmentation treatments work by blocking melanin-producing enzymes.


A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments if you want to get rid of skin pigmentation around your mouth permanently:

  • Prescription-strength retinol or hydroquinone
  • Azelaic acid to reduce discolouration and inflammation
  • Kojic acid for melasma and age spots
  • Laser therapy for dark spots
  • Chemical peels - used to exfoliate the skin and lighten pigmentation.

But, you might be able to find a natural lip lightener that works for you.

If you use sun protection methods, such as applying sunscreen every day, dark patches may vanish. When applying sunscreen, it's easy to overlook the mouth area, so make sure to do it every day and reapply as needed.

Pigmentation Around Mouth Home Remedies

Hyperpigmentation, hormone instability, and various other conditions can all contribute to dark rings around the corner of the lips. Unfortunately, hyperpigmentation around the mouth is widespread, and we frequently attempt to conceal them with makeup. But these black patches can be managed at home with a few natural remedies.

Here are some pigmentation around mouth home remedies:

1) Lemon

According to a 2002 study, citrus fruit peel may function as a melanin inhibitor. It has bleaching properties that help in the lightening of the skin.


How to use:

Cut a lemon in halves and gently brush the juicy section over your lips and around your mouth every night before bed. Then, rinse your lips with cool water the following day. This routine should be repeated every night until you see results. It could take up to 30 days.

You can also mix sugar and lemon to get rid of pigmentation. Cut a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar. Rub the sugared lemon where there is pigmentation around the mouth. Wash your lips with lukewarm water the following day.


2) Lime

Lime is another citrus fruit that may inhibit the synthesis of melanin.

How to use:

Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • Honey (1 teaspoon)
  • One tablespoon of glycerin
  • Apply the mixture on your lips and around the mouth gently before going to bed.
  • The following day, wash your lips.


3) Turmeric

Turmeric may function as a melanin inhibitor, according to a 2010 study. It has a compound called curcumin, which works by inhibiting tyrosinase. This restricts the potential of melanocytes to formulate more melanin.

How to use:

Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl.

  • One tablespoon milk
  • Add turmeric powder (enough to make a paste)


Rub the paste on your lips and around the mouth with damp fingers. Allow it to sit for five minutes before gently washing it away with cool water. Apply your preferred moisturiser after drying your lips.

4) Aloe

As per research, aloe vera contains components like aloin and aloesin that prevents melanin synthesis. Apply a small layer of fresh aloe vera gel on your lips and around your mouth once a day. Rinse it with warm water once it has dried.


5) Pomegranate

Pomegranate extract was reported to lighten skin lip pigmentation in a 2005 study. It reduces the number of melanocytes from the upper layer of the lip skin.


How to use:

Here is how you can prepare a paste with the following ingredients:

  • Pomegranate seeds, 1 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon rose extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dairy cream


Massage the paste into your lips gently for three minutes before rinsing with cool water. Repeat daily.

6) Others

The following substances can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients:

  • Gram flour- helps in lightening skin tone.
  • Potato Juice- helps in preventing darker skin patches.

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth

Due to the sensitive skin around this area, hyperpigmentation around the lips may be more challenging to correct than in other areas of the face. Home remedies and conventional treatment from a dermatologist are both viable treatment options.


Exfoliation and skin-brightening serums with antioxidants like vitamin C may also help to minimise hyperpigmentation. Retinoid and hydroquinone may also aid in skin lightening. However, once you stop using these methods, the spots may reappear.