Our lips say a lot about us...and not just when we're speaking.  Pouty, plump, thick or thin, most will agree that lips can be one of our sexiest features.  But what if you smoke?  What if your once beautiful lips have been darkened by years of smoking?

Our recently elected President Barack Obama suffers from smoker's lips.  This phenomenon is the result of the tar and residues contained in tobacco products staining lips and fingertips.  Lucky for you, and maybe one day President Obama, there's a remedy.  But before you try this technique, there's one thing you must do...quit smoking!  If you're not prepared to stop, then whatever benefits you gain from this technique will be circumvented.

Lemon Lips
Lemon is naturally acidic.  You can think of this technique as a dermapeel; the process of removing the outer layers of the epidermis to "freshen" the skin, remove dead skin cells, sun damage and irregular pigmentation.

Before you begin, I must warn you that it's going to get better before it gets worse.  With this technique, your lips will actually get darker before they lighten.  It's similar to what happens when you severely bruise your finger or toenail.  If this has never happened to you, ask somebody.  But to save you the drama, the top layer of the skin (nail) "dies," dries out, discolors and hardens before it falls off.  Like your toe and fingernails, once the deadening process begins, the only thing you can do is cover up the discoloration with polish or in this case, lipstick.  If you're a guy, well...oh well *shrug*.

The reason for this warning is not to deter you from using the remedy below but to suggest that you prepare yourself for the inevitable.  The entire process takes about 2 weeks and around the beginning of week 2 is when you can generally expect to see the progression of the deadening of the top layer of skin so if you're lucky and have a vacation coming up, I'd suggest trying the technique then.  If not, keep plenty of lipstick AND gloss handy and be prepared for a few curious stares.

What You'll Need

• Fresh Lemons
• Glycerin or Sweet Almond Oil
• Q-Tips
• Container with a lid

The purpose of the glycerin or sweet almond oil (you can use virtually any oil) is to seal in moisture and add a bit of lubricaiton.  Doing so will also help reduce cracking (discussed below).

Directions

1. Cut the top off of one of the lemons.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice into the container.  Remove the seeds.
   
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of glycerin or sweet almond oil.
4. Mix well.
5. With a Q-tip, apply the mixture to your lips.
6. Cover the remaining mixture and refrigerate.  Make a new lemon mixture every 2-3 days.
   

You should allow the lemon mixture to remain on your lips for 15 minutes intervals at least 3-4 times a day, for 2 weeks or until the top layer of skin falls or can be easily peeled off.

You can do more frequent applications or allow the mixture to remain on your lips for longer periods if you like...you'll probably lick the mixture off before the 15 minutes expire anyway. 

OUCH WARNING!  The lemon is acidic and will cause cracks to develop.  Once this happens, putting the lemon on your lips will feel like salt on an open wound...or more accurately, lemon.  It will hurt, but be vigilant!  Gradually the cracks will heal, the top layer of skin will harden and within about 2 weeks, it will fall off.

The Result
Once the dead layer of skin sloths off, you'll be amazed at the supple, vibrant, soft skin that lies underneath.  During the process you'll question if it's worth it but afterward, you'll be asking yourself why the hell didn't I do this before?

Fingertips
Tar from cigarettes can stain fingertips as well.  In a similar fashion you can try applications of lemon or as my grandma once suggested, try a potato.  Cut a few slices offf of a fresh potato and rub against your fingertips and nails.  The juice/liquid from the potato will help lift the tar from your tips.  Try this method and overtime, you should see some excellent results.