When you take up the habit of smoking, not only will you damage your lungs but also your lips. Smoker’s lips, or smoker’s melanosis, is a consequence of long-term exposure to the carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco. So, once you develop a smoker’s lips, it is pretty hard to get rid of them. Fortunately, once you make up your mind to quit smoking (which can be a gradual process as well), along with the new habit picked up, you can explore various natural remedies for this smoker’s lips treatment to help improve the appearance of your lips.
Keep reading to learn about the causes of smoker’s lips and how you can treat them naturally with these simple tips!
What is smokers lips
Smoker’s lips are a type of lip discoloration that is the result of smoking tobacco products. This condition is most commonly found in the lower lip and is characterized by a darkening of the skin due to blood flow issues. In addition to darkening of the lips, the smoker lip also causes your skin to show lines and wrinkles (which usually come with aging) above the upper lips, making your lips constantly dry and chapped.
What causes smokers lips
Smoker’s lips can be caused by a variety of factors. Foremost it is caused by excessive or prolonged smoking – of course. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that are absorbed into your skin when you smoke. Consistent exposure to these substances can lead to an increase in pigmentation in the lower lip. Additionally, smoker’s lips can also be caused by sun damage. This is because tobacco breaks down the skin’s barrier, making it easier for UV rays to penetrate the lip and cause damage. As a result, your lips are more susceptible to sunburn. Sometimes, allergy to certain ingredients of toothpaste and your meal can also cause this which may require surgical lip enhancement to take care of.
Now that you understand what exactly is smokers lips and what goes behind those lips to have that chapped and darkened, let’s see what are the natural remedies of getting rid of smokers lips.
Quit Smoking
Not surprising but a great and possibly the most effective way to start with smokers lips treatment is to – quit smoking! This will reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, making any natural (and even surgical) treatment that you take up much more efficient.
It may get difficult at first but with the right consultation, supplements and lifestyle it can be achieved and progress will be visible quite quick.
Exfoliate and Hydrate lips
Exfoliating and hydrating the lips can help immensely with smokers lips treatment. Exfoliating the lips on a regular basis will remove dead skin cells and excess oil. This will brighten the appearance of the lips and make them less susceptible to sun damage. Furthermore, hydrating the lips is essential. This can be done by applying a lip balm before bed with a high SPF. A humectant-rich moisturizer can also be applied throughout the day to keep the lips hydrated and protected from the sun.
Consume high antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for fighting damage caused by smoking. They can help to reduce the amount of discoloration in the lips and protect them from sun damage. Some great ways to consume antioxidants are by drinking green tea and eating foods like blueberries, red apples, and pomegranates. These foods are all rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the lips.
Use lemon and sugar rub
A lemon and sugar rub can be used to treat a smoker’s lips. The sugar acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and brightening the appearance of the lips. Meanwhile, the lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to reduce the amount of discoloration in the lips for its melanin inhibition properties. This can be applied regularly and is a great low-cost home remedy.
Apply aloe gel
Aloe vera is known for its various medicinal properties. One of them is also having the natural properties of melanin production. Applying either a direct cut gel of aloe vera or an organic product made out of it directly on the lips can serve as smokers lips treatment. Point a fresh thin layer of it on your lips until its dry and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Use turmeric and milk paste to treat smoker lips
Turmeric and milk are another great home remedy for treating a smoker’s lips. Both of these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin. They can also help to reduce the amount of discoloration in the lips. This mixture can be applied as a paste and a leave-on treatment. It’s recommended to use the mixture once a day before bed and leave it on overnight.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various natural products and habits that can be picked up for smokers lips treatment. However, all these methods do not give quick results and in some cases may take up year or so. Those looking for a faster and secure way of smokers lips treatment in Dubai can also explore lip enhancement procedures for an effective remedy!