How to Get Rid of Darkness Around the Corners of Your Lips

If you're seeing darkness build up at the corners of your mouth, you’re definitely not imagining it. It’s a real skincare issue — and one that can make your overall complexion look a little uneven or tired. Still, the good news is, with the right routine, you can turn it around.

Let’s walk through why it happens and how you can treat it effectively.

What Causes Darkness Around Lip Corners?

First, it helps to understand what’s working against you.

1. Sun Exposure

Every time your lips are exposed to sunlight without protection, your skin cranks up melanin production to defend itself. Over time, that extra pigment can settle right at the corners, especially since the skin there is thinner and more sensitive.

2. Dehydration and Dryness

Next, if your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it’s easier for cracks and irritation to show up. Those tiny cracks invite inflammation, and inflammation often leaves behind darker marks that are slow to fade.

3. Hyperpigmentation

At the same time, things like hormonal changes, friction, and even certain products can spark melanin production too. When that happens repeatedly, the result is patchy dark areas that don’t blend easily with the rest of your skin.

4. Smoking and Oral Habits

Also, habits like smoking, lip licking, and biting are harder on your skin than you might think. Every small irritation adds up, triggering the body to respond — and usually, that response includes more pigmentation.

How to Treat and Prevent Darkness Around Lip Corners

Now that you know what’s causing the issue, let’s get into what you can do about it.

Build a Smart, Consistent Lip Care Routine

First, you need a daily system that treats the problem and prevents it from getting worse.

1. Start by gently exfoliating your lip corners once or twice a week.
You don't want anything too abrasive — just enough to remove dead skin cells so that healthier skin has a chance to come through. A soft washcloth or a mild lip scrub works well here.

2. Next, focus on hydration.
Look for lip products with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients pull water into your skin and help keep it there. Keeping the area moisturized gives it the resilience it needs to heal.

3. Protect what you’ve built.
Daily sun protection is non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum SPF lip balm for dark lips shields your lips from further UV damage — which, in turn, stops new dark spots from forming.

Choose the Right Products for the Job

Not every balm will get the results you’re after. You need a product that doesn’t just hydrate but also brightens and protects.

For example, Foxtale’s Brightening Lip Balm with SPF 30 checks all the important boxes.
It defends your lips against UV rays, deeply moisturizes the skin, and uses brightening agents that help fade existing pigmentation over time.

Also, how you apply matters.
Use a generous layer every morning and reapply throughout the day — especially after eating or drinking. Be sure to cover the corners thoroughly, since that’s where most of the damage tends to settle.

Small Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference

Still, skincare products alone aren’t enough if you ignore the basics.

1. Stay hydrated. Your skin works better when your whole body is hydrated. Drinking enough water gives your skin cells the support they need to repair and renew themselves.

2. Don't skip sun protection — even on cloudy days.
UV rays break through cloud cover easily, and the lips are usually one of the most forgotten spots when it comes to sunscreen.

3. If you smoke, consider quitting.
Smoking cuts down blood flow to the skin, slows healing, and increases pigmentation. Walking away from it makes a huge difference, not just for your lips but for your entire skin health.

Final Thoughts

Darkness around the corners of your lips doesn’t clear up overnight — but it does respond to consistent, smart care.

Focus on exfoliating gently, moisturizing daily, and protecting your lips with a brightening SPF balm. Stay steady with it, keep an eye on your habits, and you’ll start seeing a more even, healthier tone around your mouth before you know it.

FAQs

Why are the corners of my lips dark?

It usually comes down to unprotected sun exposure, dryness, repeated irritation, or habits like smoking. Each of these triggers melanin production, which causes dark patches to appear.

Can darkened lip corners return to a lighter color?

Yes. With regular exfoliation, daily moisture, sun protection, and targeted treatments, you can gradually fade pigmentation and restore a more even tone.

Will an SPF lip balm lighten dark lips?

Not directly — SPF mainly stops new damage. But when your lip balm includes brightening and hydrating ingredients too, it helps fade existing dark spots over time.