If you are here to find how to lighten the dark skin around mouth, you must first understand the root causes of the problem.

The deeper layers of the epidermis produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While melanin is essential for protecting the skin from the sun rays and harmful chemicals, excessive amounts of it can result in pigmentation and black spots.

It happens to a lot of people, and a majority of us try to cover it up with makeup. However, let’s see some natural home remedies which can help you uproot the problem itself!

Causes of dark skin around the mouth

Pigmentation and discoloration around the mouth are often caused because of hyperpigmentation. However, hyperpigmentation is harmless, it can be very annoying.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, to find out best home remedies to get rid of dark skin.

Dr Kapoor says, “The skin around the mouth is thin and therefore more susceptible to damage. These dark spots are a result of high amounts of melanin. High amounts of melanin around the mouth can happen because of many reasons such as sun exposure, melasma caused by hormone changes during pregnancy, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and climate around you.”

While there are remedies to reduce the pigmentation, dark skin on a specific area of the body does not go away on its own.

Here are 5 home remedies to treat dark skin around mouth:

1. Lemon

Lemon increases collagen and has natural bleaching properties. Mixed with honey or curd it increases its antioxidant property and helps reduce oxidative stress. Mix some fresh lemon juice with honey or curd and apply a thick paste on the dark areas. Let it dry and wash with normal water.

2. Gram flour or besan

An excellent and age-old remedy for clean skin, gram flour absorbs the excess oil from the skin and lightens it naturally. Make a scrub mask of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and some raw milk. Apply on the affected areas and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Wash with cold water and use your regular moisturizer.

Also, read: 7 home remedies to treat dark armpits, knees and elbows in summer

3. Onion juice

Onion is an excellent antioxidant and helps brighten the skin. It also helps in keeping the skin cells healthy and reduces the signs of ageing. Just take some fresh onion juice and mix with a little water. dab it on the affected areas and let it dry. Wash with plain water.

4. Potatoes

Rich in vitamins and minerals, the humble potato is an excellent skin lightening ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, dark spots, and pigmentation. Simply grate some potato or take potato slices and massage them on the affected areas. Wash after 20 minutes.

5. Green peas powder

Take some dried green peas and grind them in fine powder. Mix with milk to make smooth paste. Apply on the pigmented areas and wash after 15-20 minutes. Green peas reduce melanin and hence lighten the spots.

Use these remedies at least once a week for effective results. If you notice that the dark spots are spreading then consult your dermatologist for more treatments. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen everyday for good skin protection.