
Hyperpigmentation of any part of the skin can be unsettling and the upper lip is no exemption. Although, wearing lipstick could camouflage this issue temporarily, the underlying truth shows forth when all the makeup comes off.
A quick and permanent fix is the ultimate way to go, home remedies might take a while, but they are safe and easy to use. The kitchen and fridge harbor all these natural home-made remedies. This article will outline useful home remedies found in the kitchen or fridge, they are inexpensive and extraordinarily effective. Let’s begin with factors that cause dark pigmentation on the lips
What Causes the Upper Lips to Darken?
There are numerous reasons for dark upper lips, and they vary depending on the skin and age of a person. Below are the most prevalent causes.
- Hormonal imbalance is usually the most common reason, especially among menopausal women
- Long usage of birth control pills may lead to melasma, which is the hyperpigmentation of parts of the skin
- The skin around the lips and chin is sensitive, which is why suntan and sunburns may lead to darker lips
- Smoking is a usual culprit, it discolors and pigments the skin, especially the lips
- Waxing and shaving of the upper lip can also lead to dark patches. A safer method would be to bleach or thread.
5 Natural remedies for lightening dark upper lips
1. Lemon Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- A slice of Lemon.
- A teaspoon of Sugar.
Prep Time
2 minutes.
How To Use
- Cut lemon into thin slices and dip in sugar.
- Scrub the slice on the lips in brushing motion. (A toothbrush can be used.)
- Scrub on lips for 3-5 minutes.
How often?
This should be as often as possible or until results are present.
The Lemon Sugar Scrub Effectiveness
This scrub is effective because sugar works as a great exfoliator that reduces pigmentation from dead skin cells. Lemon juice is used as a natural bleaching agent and it reduces darkness on the skin.
2. Turmeric Lemon Tomato Mask (TLTM)

Ingredients
- A tablespoon of Tomato Juice.
- ½ a teaspoon of Lemon Juice.
- ½ a teaspoon of Turmeric.
Prep Time
2 minutes.
How to Use
- Form a smooth paste with all the ingredients.
- Apply paste to the upper lip area.
- Let it stay on lips for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
How often?
Should be done 2-3 times a week.
TLTM Effectiveness
The curcumin found in turmeric balances the production of melanin. Turmeric is also anti-inflammatory, which helps heal sunburns and other skin issues. Tomato juice contains astringents while lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent.
3. Honey and Rose Petals

Ingredients
- Rose petals.
- A tablespoon of honey.
Prep time
10 minutes.
Honey and Rose Petals effectiveness
- Make a paste of the rose petals by crushing them into a smooth consistency.
- Mix honey into the paste.
- Smooth the paste onto the affected area overnight.
How often?
Regularly.
Honey and Rose Petals Effectiveness
Rose petals contain natural sugar and oils, which are useful for treating discoloration and softening the skin.
4. Glycerine

Ingredients
- Glycerine.
- Cotton Pad.
How To Use
- Swab cotton pad in glycerine and apply on lips.
- Leave it on till morning.
- Rinse off with cold water in the morning.
Glycerine Effectiveness
Glycerine is infamous for its moisture and hydrating properties. It is highly recommended for dehydrated skin which causes discoloration and flakiness.
5. Gram flour, Milk and Honey Mask

Ingredients
- A tablespoon gram flour.
- A tablespoon of honey.
- 2 tablespoons of milk.
Prep Time
5 minutes.
How to Use
- Add ingredients into a bowl and mix.
- Apply mixture to lips.
- Place on lips for 30 minutes or until it dries.
- Wash off and moisturize your lips.
Gram flour, Milk and Honey Mask Effectiveness
Gram flour is a skin lightening agent which can be found in the kitchen or fridge. It can be used as a mask and the difference it leaves is remarkable.
These remedies are best used as often as possible for great results. If results are not achieved, dermatological treatments can also be useful in lightening dark upper lips, although they are more expensive than natural remedies.