You cannot do much about genetically inherited darker lips, especially when your overall complexion is dark too. Hormonal imbalances or excessive caffeine intake may also make your lips to look darker.It is however possible to learn how to lighten dark lips when caused by factors such as exposure to smoking, UV rays, and allergies. Thankfully, you don't have to live with dark lips, especially when there are several remedies that lighten the color of your lips and make them look pink in no time.

Best Ways to Lighten Dark Lips

You can try a number of ways to make your lips look pink again. Here's more about it how to lighten dark lips:

1.   Lemon

Lemon has always been an effective way to lighten your skin and treat dark skin spots. It possesses bleaching properties that naturally darken your dark lips.

How to use:You simply need to squeeze a fresh lemon and apply its juice directly on your lips. Do it before you go to sleep at night. Use this remedy for a month or so to get great results.

2.   Sugar

You can use sugar in different ways to exfoliate your lips. This will help get rid of any dead cells that are making your lips look dark.

How to use: Make a scrub by blending two tablespoons of butter and three tablespoons of granulated sugar. It will turn into a thick paste that you have to apply on your lips. Scrub gently to lighten the color of your lips and restore their natural shine.

3.   Berries

Berries such as strawberries and raspberries contain vitamins and minerals that help keep your lips healthy and vibrant.

How to use: Make a paste by mixing one-half tablespoon of raspberry juice with honey and aloe Vera. Apply it directly on your lips, leave it there for a while, and scrub gently. Use lukewarm water to rinse it off after 10 minutes. Repeat thrice a week for better effects.

4.   Massage and Exfoliate

Massaging helps increase blood flow to your lips and make them look lighter as well. A gentle massage with almond oil before you go to bed at night will keep your lips moisturized and improve their color tone as well. Exfoliation is equally important. A simple sugar scrub will help exfoliate your lips and remove dead skin cells.

5.   Moisturize

Your lips may look dark when they crack due to dryness. In order to learn how to lighten dark lips, it is very important to know how to keep your lips moisturized. Using a lip balm or simply applying Vaseline on your lips will do the trick.

6.   Raw Milk and Fresh Rose Petals

Make a paste by adding raw milk and fresh rose petals to a small bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly before applying it on your lips. Wash your lips in 3-5 minutes with warm water. Use a moisturizer or lip balm for soft lips.

7.    Baking Soda and Water

Take some baking soda in a bowl and add a small amount of water to it. Mix well to form a paste. Apply this paste to your lips using a toothbrush – you can use your finger as well to apply the paste in a circular motion. Don't forget to apply a moisturizing lip balm, olive oil, or coconut oil in the end to lighten dark lips.

8.    Pomegranate

It has specific ingredients that work effectively to lighten your dark lips and to keep them hydrated. Take a small amount of crushed pomegranate and add rose water to it with some milk cream. You may also consider adding some carrot juice or beetroot juice to the bowl for instant results. Apply the paste on your lips regularly to lighten your lips naturally.

How to Prevent Dark Lips

Instead of learning how to lighten dark lips, it is always better to learn how to prevent your lips becoming dark in the first place.

1.   Moisturize Your Lips and Drink Water

Your lips will look dark when dry and damaged. Apply a lip balm or use a moisturizing product with ingredients such as cocoa butter, Shea butter, and almond oil. Cocoa butter works amazingly well to reduce discoloration caused by scarring, so it will help lighten your dark lips as well.

Drink plenty of water. It is important to keep your body hydrated to maintain the look and softness of your lips.

2.    Use Sun Block

Unlike your skin, your lips don't tan. They can however burn due to excessive exposure to sun. It is therefore a good idea to wear a quality lip balm – opt for the one that contain sun blocking material of at least SPF 20. Use lipsticks with UV protection.

3.    Quit Smoking

Nicotine in cigarettes will make your lips look dark. Tobacco and tar also play a role in discoloration of your lips. Similarly, heat from cigarettes will encourage the production of melanin, which in turn will darken your lips.

4.   Avoid Licking Your Lips

Licking your lips all the time will produce friction and irritation your lips. This in turn will have darkening effect on your lips.

5.   Select Lip Care Products Carefully

Sometimes, you think you're taking proper care of your lips, but you're not doing your lips any favor by using products with dyes, fragrances, or flavors. Be sure to select high quality products only.

Note: try laser treatment if natural remedies don't work

You may want to try a KTP laser to lighten your dark lips. The procedure is quite safe and involves using a laser beam to target excess color on your lips. You will require 2-4 sittings before you see some change in the color of your lips.