Causes For Dark Spots On The Lips
Before we delve into the treatment options for black spots on the lips, we need to know why we get them. Here are the causes that lead to the formation of those spots on the lips:
Vitamin B Deficiency – Every time you notice changes in the texture or appearance of your lips, hair, or nails, the primary cause is the deficiency of vital vitamins and minerals. In this case, black spots on the lips might be a result of vitamin B deficiency. Consult a doctor and seek treatment if you suffer from any vitamin deficiency to prevent other complications.
Usage Of Old Lip Products – Using old lipsticks or lip balms that are past their expiry date is yet another reason for black spots. Always make sure you double check the expiry date of your favorite lip product to prevent black spots.
Excessive Drinking And Smoking – The harmful chemicals from smoking can easily damage your lips. Alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the body and lead to dark spots on the lips.
Excess Iron In The Body – This medical condition also leads to black spots that make the lips look unhealthy. A simple blood test can tell you if you have too much iron. You can then consult your doctor for treatment.
Dryness Of The Lips – Chapping essentially means dry skin, which might serve as a breeding ground for infection when left untreated. These infections can also lead to spots. Hormonal Imbalance – Our body needs all the hormones to function properly for it to work efficiently. Sometimes, these spots might be an indication of hormonal imbalances in the body and may need treatment.
Now that we know the common causes of dark spots on the lips, we shall list some home remedies to treat the same.
How To Get Rid Of Black Spots On Lips
Home Remedies To Treat Black Spots On The Lips
1. Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove Dark Spots On Lips
You Will Need
Apple cider vinegar Cotton swab
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
ACV can be applied twice or even thrice a day.
Why This Works
The application of apple cider vinegar can help reduce the appearance of the black spots as ACV has skin lightening and infection-treating properties. The acids present in this vinegar exfoliate the darkened skin to reveal luscious pink lips (1).
2. Almond Oil For Dark Spots On Lips
You Will Need
1-2 drops almond oil
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Apply almond oil every night.
Why This Works
The nourishing fats present in almond oil will hydrate the lips and get rid of the dryness that can cause spots. Almond oil also has mild bleaching properties that can lighten the spots (2).
3. Lemon And Honey For Dark Spots On Lips
You Will Need
1-2 drops lemon juice 1-2 drops honey
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a day.
Why This Works
The bleaching properties of lemon juice prove to be beneficial to lighten the dark spots (3). Lemon is also an antiseptic agent and can heal the spot even if it is caused due to an infection (4). Honey helps to moisturize the lips and eliminates the dry and flaky skin (5).
4. Beetroot For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
A beetroot slice
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day religiously for best results.
Why This Works
This vegetable is known to be extremely helpful in getting rid of spots on the lips. It hydrates the skin and removes the darkened dead skin cells. It also helps in the formation of new skin cells and reduces oxidative damage (6).
5. Rose Petals And Glycerin For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
2-3 rose petals 1 teaspoon glycerin
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every day.
Why This Works
The application of glycerin reduces the black spots that are ruining the beauty of your lips. It extensively hydrates the skin and improves its elasticity, which is often lacking in chapped lips. Even if the black spots are caused due to some irritation, glycerin can help to alleviate the irritation and get rid of the black spots (7). Adding rose petals to glycerin enhances its effects as the vitamin E present in these petals has hydrating and antioxidant properties (8, 9).
6. Pomegranate For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds 1/4 teaspoon rose water OR milk cream
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every alternate day.
Why This Works
Pomegranate can add moisture to the lips and also help in the healing of the dark spots. It can do this by improving the regenerative process of the skin cells and encouraging circulation (10).
7. Sugar Scrub For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
1 teaspoon sugar A few drops of lemon juice
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Use this scrub twice or thrice a week. Why This Works Scrubbing with sugar exfoliates the dark and dead cells from the lips and makes them look fresh and pink. It also promotes new cell growth (11).
8. Turmeric And Nutmeg Paste For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
A pinch of turmeric powder A pinch of nutmeg powder Water
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once every day.
Why This Works
Both turmeric and nutmeg have antibacterial properties and can work well in conjunction when the spots on your lip are due to an infection. These spices also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. All of these help in the quick recovery of the damaged skin on your lips (12, 13, 14).
9. Cucumber Juice For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
A cucumber slice
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You can repeat this up to twice a day.
Why This Works
The mild bleaching and hydrating properties of cucumber lighten the black spots on your lip and also moisturize the dry skin present there (15).
10. Strawberries For Black Spots On Lips
You Will Need
1/2 strawberry
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every day until the spot fades away.
Why This Works
The vitamin C content of the strawberry will exfoliate the skin, lighten the dark spot, rejuvenate the skin, and also eliminate the dryness (16). And not to mention, the lip-smacking taste and flavor of strawberries are a bonus. Tips to prevent black spots on the lips Check out the infographic below for the top 5 natural remedies to help manage the black spots on your lips! A key tip regarding water consumption has already been mentioned above. Other than that, here are some more tips you can follow to prevent black spots on lips:
Use a lip balm with SPF, especially before you step out in the sun. Reapply every two hours. Reduce your caffeine intake. Do not keep biting or licking your lips. Quit smoking. Reduce your iron intake, but consult your doctor before you stop any supplements that you are already taking. Dispose all old and expired skin care and lip products.
How long does it take to get rid of dark spots on the lips? Depending on the cause and intensity of the spots, it can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to more than a month for the spots to go away. What type of cancer causes black spots on the lips? Lip cancer is a rare type of skin cancer can cause black spots on the lips. These spots are usually accompanied by lumps. Extensive exposure to the sun is a major cause of this. Now that you know how to get rid of black spots on lips, what are you waiting for? These were some of the best and effective home remedies that show results when used regularly on the black spots on your lips. There is no need for you to live with those ugly looking spots anymore. Make your lips shine and just smile! Can a dermatologist help with black spots on lips? Yes, dermatologists can prescribe cosmetic procedures such as liquid nitrogen therapy or medicated creams/ointments to lighten dark spots on lips. Is Vaseline good for black spots on lips? Vaseline does not have skin-brightening properties. However, it works as an excellent emollient and can help heal dry and cracked skin on the lips and make it smoother, which may reduce the appearance of black spots. Let us know your favorite home remedy in the comments section below.
