One of the most noticeable and prominent features on a human face is lips. While pink lips may be desirable, the shade of your lips varies just like your skin tone. However, if you have noticed a change in the colour of your lips, it means they need some care. It can be caused due to various reasons such as tobacco smoking, medication or stress. Here are seven ways you can prevent lip discolouration.
How To Prevent Lips From Darkening
Use Lipbalms With SPF
Just like our skin, our lips require defence against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. You can shield your lips from sun damage and prevent it from darkening by using a lip balm with SPF protection. Since these ingredients offer broad-spectrum protection, look for lip balms that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone. For continued use, reapply the lip balm every two hours, after swimming, or after perspiring.
Quit Smoking
One of the most common reasons for lips darkening is smoking. So, try to avoid smoking as much as possible to prevent this issue. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can discolour the lips, giving them a gloomy, lifeless appearance. Additionally, smoking can dry out the lips, increasing their susceptibility to cracking and peeling. As a result, stopping smoking might not only stop the darkening of your lips but also enhance your general health.
Also Read: Benefits Of Using Natural Lip Balms, Expert Weighs In
Exfoliate Your Lips
Another way to reduce lip darkening is by exfoliating them. It can help get rid of dirt, pollutants, and dead skin cells that can stain your lips. Use a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips once or twice a week. However, avoid using harsh scrubs as your lips may become irritated or damaged.
Moisturise Your Lips
Moisturising your lips is not only important to reduce lip darkening but also to keep them healthy. To keep your lips soft and smooth, use a high-quality lip balm that has natural ingredients like cocoa, shea butter or beeswax. Regular lip moisturising can also help stop the peeling and cracking that can lead to discolouration.
Stay Hydrated
We all know that staying hydrated is crucial to maintain overall health, but how many of you know that dehydration can cause discolouration of lips? Hence, drink enough water to prevent lips from darkening and keep them moisturised. In addition, restrict excessive consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol as it can lead to dehydration and affect your lips.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why You Have Chapped Lips
Avoid Licking Your Lips
If you have the habit of licking your lips, you should stop it right away. It causes your lips to become dry and chapped. This happens because the saliva evaporates and takes away moisture from your lips, making them dry. As a result, dry lips appear dark and dull.
Look For Good Lip Products
You should avoid buying lip products that contain harmful ingredients, such as lead as it can contribute to lip discolouration. Therefore, invest in good quality products that are made from natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals.
Bottomline
Your lips need extra protection as the skin of your lips is thinner compared to the rest of your body. They do not even have sweat glands for protection, which can make them dry. If you are looking for some treatments to lighten your lips, consult with an expert as some may even have adverse effects.
