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| - Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Quick Take
A social media post claims that applying a mixture of sugar, honey and coconut oil can lighten the colour of lips within a week. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram post reads, “Did you know? Regularly applying a mixture of sugar, honey, and coconut oil to the lips every night will lighten lip colour in just a week.”
Fact Check
Are there any factors which determine the color of lips?
Yes. There are a few factors that can affect the color of lips, such as follows:
- Genetics: The color of lips is determined by genetics. Some people are naturally born with darker lips, while others are naturally born with light-coloured lips.
- Sun exposure: The sun’s UV rays can damage the lips and lead to pigmentary changes, making them appear darker.
- Smoking: It influences lip and gingival pigmentations and periodontium, making them darker.
- Hormonal changes: The changes in various hormones such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause the color of lips to change.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as cytotoxic drugs, analgesics, antimicrobials, etc., can cause pigmentation.
- Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as anemia (pale lips) or liver disease (yellow discolouration), can cause the color of lips to change.
Can sugar, honey and coconut oil lighten lips?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that sugar, honey, and coconut oil can lighten lips. Lip color is primarily determined by the natural pigmentation of the skin and the amount of melanin present. While these ingredients are all-natural and can be used to exfoliate the lips, which may help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter-looking lips. they are unlikely to alter the natural color of the lips.
Here’s what each of these ingredients is commonly used for:
Sugar: It is often used in lip scrubs to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, leaving the lips smoother and softer. However, it does not affect the pigmentation or color of the lips.
Honey: It is known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it a popular ingredient in lip balms and treatments. It can help keep the lips hydrated and healthy, but there is a lack of evidence in proving that it can lighten their color.
Coconut Oil: It is a natural moisturizer and can help soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips. Like honey, there is a lack of credible scientific evidence in proving its lightening effect on the lips’ natural color.
Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist explains, “There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Coconut oil and honey have moisturizing properties and wouldn’t do anything to lighten the lip colour. Sugar has mild exfoliative properties but this too, has no role in decreasing lip pigmentation.”
Remember, the natural color of your lips depends on melanin pigmentation and other factors as mentioned above and it is not possible to alter it naturally. If you are concerned about the color of your lips and wish to lighten or change it, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on appropriate treatments and procedures that may be suitable for your specific needs and concerns.
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