The pinkish hue that you associate with your lips is a natural pigmentation called melanin. When this coloration changes, there is often a reason behind it. Habits like smoking or drinking alcohol that affects the coloration of your lips, but it could also be something more serious. Your lip colors can give you an idea of what is happening inside your body. It can help you determine what needs to be done to correct the problem. The first step is to explore what each color means.
Pale Lips
If your lips are lacking coloration, that can be a sign that your blood is not circulating properly. When your body does not have enough blood, it is typically a sign of an iron deficiency or anemia. If you notice that your lips are pale, you may want to have a blood test conducted to scan for anemia. Pale or white lips can also be a sign of severe dehydration.
Candy Apple Red Lips
Lips that naturally look like they are sporting red lipstick typically indicate that your liver and spleen are suffering. Bad breath may accompany this red lip coloration as well. A stress-free night of relaxation is a great remedy for red lips.
Green or Purple Tinted Lips
These lip colors may be fun during Halloween, but should not be a natural occurrence. In fact, when you see these colors, you should notify your doctor. Lips that are green or purple can be an indication that you are having respiratory distress or issues with your heart. Both of these issues need to be taken seriously, as they can be life to alter issues.
Extremely Dark Red Lips
Lips that are extremely red or on the verge of black can mean that you are having digestive issues. Often this is the result of eating a lot of processed foods. One way to help rebalance your digestive tract is to cleanse the toxins from your system. That means eat lots of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to help with your digestion. You should also drink a lot of lemon water to help boost your metabolism.
Dark Purple Lip Outline
This natural lip liner is the way that your body is telling you that it is out of balance. A few days of rest and relaxation should help you gain balance in your body. Limit the stress you put on your body each day and monitor the food you put into your system.
Blue Lips
If you notice that your lips are turning blue, and it is not cold outside, you may have circulation issues. The proper term for this type of poor circulation is cyanosis. This illness can often be one of the first indications that you are suffering from a blood disease.
Yellow Lips
This can be a sign that you have jaundice, especially if your skin or eyes are also yellow in coloration. Yellow lips can also be a sign that you are partaking of excessive amounts of beta-carotene. In fact, eating too many carrots can cause this coloration.
Other Health Issues that can Cause Lip Discoloration
Having an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia can be a cause. A nutritional deficiency, as well as the stomach acid from repeated vomiting, can cause discoloration. Excessive sun exposure and chemotherapy treatments can darken your lips as well.
Ways to Remedy the Discoloration
The best option when your lips are an unnatural color is to see your doctor. Many creams are often recommended by dermatologists to restore your lip color. You can also take preventative measures to keep your lips a rosy pink color. Wear sunscreen when you are in the sun for long periods of time, even on your lips. Avoid blistery cold days if you have poor circulation. Drink lots of water; in fact, you can even add lemon and honey to the water if you want.
As you can see, lip colors can reveal a lot about your health. Even if you are not aware that there is an issue, your body knows that it is off balance. Your body is the key to discovering the root of the issue and restoring your natural lip color; listen to it.
Edited by: Jessa (March 1, 2019)
