What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Makes a Person's Lips Go Black & Chapped?
Darkened, chapped lips can lead to a bad first impression. They make you look unclean and unhealthy. Causes of black, chapped lips range from the body’s absorption of toxic ingredients to the lack of proper lip care.
Smoking
Tobacco in cigarettes stains the lips and causes them to darken to a black color. It also dries out your lips and leaves them chapped by depleting them of their natural oils. If you don't want to quit smoking or can't, apply petroleum jelly to your lips regularly and drink lots water. The water flushes out the tobacco in your system.
- Tobacco in cigarettes stains the lips and causes them to darken to a black color.
- It also dries out your lips and leaves them chapped by depleting them of their natural oils.
Hyperpigmentation
How to Remove Nicotine Stains From Lips
Learn More
According to MayoClinic.com, the sun’s rays harm all parts of the body, including the lips 23. The lips are especially vulnerable to hyperpigmentation, or an overproduction of melanin. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays causes hyperpigmentation. Applying lip balm with sunscreen in it prevents your lips from drying, cracking or changing colors. Wearing a scarf also stops the sun from damaging your lips.
- According to MayoClinic.com, the sun’s rays harm all parts of the body, including the lips 2.
- Wearing a scarf also stops the sun from damaging your lips.
Lack of Proper Skin Care
Caring for your skin improperly can cause black, chapped lips. A lack of sunscreen and licking the lips strips moisture, causing discoloration and dryness. Applying a high-emollient lip balm daily is the best way to retain moisture in your lips. It's also important to choose a lipstick that is labeled as moisturizing.
- Caring for your skin improperly can cause black, chapped lips.
- Applying a high-emollient lip balm daily is the best way to retain moisture in your lips.
Allergens
5 Vitamins and Minerals That Will Save Your Chapped Lips
Learn More
According to MayoClinic.com, allergens in cosmetics or skin care products can contribute to chapped or blackened lips 23. These allergic reactions are often caused by dyes or fragrances in the products, and can be prevented by terminating use of the product.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic. It dries the lips by causing people to urinate more often, thus depleting the body of water. Even if you drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day, caffeine counteracts the hydration and leaves your lips looking damaged. It's best to limit caffeine intake if you want more natural-looking skin.
- Caffeine is a diuretic.
- Even if you drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day, caffeine counteracts the hydration and leaves your lips looking damaged.
Related Articles
How to Remove Nicotine Stains From Lips
Learn More
5 Vitamins and Minerals That Will Save Your Chapped Lips
Learn More
How to Protect Skin in the Sun Without Sunscreen
Learn More
How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Lips
Learn More
How to Stop Skin From Getting Darker From the Sun
Learn More
Chapped Lips and Allergies
Learn More
How to Heal Sun Poisoning on Your Lips
Learn More
Caffeine for Skin Care
Learn More
Facial Skin Problems Related to Alcohol
Learn More
How to Remove Yellow Stains From Fingers From Smoking
Learn More
References
Writer Bio
Based in Boulder City, Nev., Tara Thackeray began writing in 2008 for a national law review website. Her work has been published on the BARBRI website and she also contributes humorous articles on her blog. Thackeray holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Arizona State University.