Lemon is a citrus fruit that plays a vital role in Indian households. When you cannot think of anything cooking, there comes the magic ingredient.
When lemon can add goodness to our food, why not to our skin? The blog focuses on the benefits lemon offers to your skin.
What does lemon do for the skin?
Lemon contains natural antioxidants that help to repair any skin damage. Lemon has antifungal properties that help to fight fungal infection effectively.
Citrus fruits like lemon have healing properties that can heal your skin and detoxifies naturally. It can effectively treat acne and dark blemishes.
Why are people putting lemon on their skin?
Help treat acne
Acne is caused due to various reasons like exposure to pollution, food habits and excess sebum secretion.
Lemon is good for acne-prone skin. Lemon naturally contains antimicrobial properties that can fight the acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Lemon contains citric acid that removes the clogged pores and the underlying dead skin cells.
Help reduce blackheads
When you sweat too much and are exposed to pollution your skin can get clogged and create blackheads. Lemon can effectively treat blackheads.
The areas prone to blackheads are the chin and nose. To get rid of the blackheads exfoliating the skin will be required.
Exfoliation helps remove the dead cells from the skin and is said to improve the appearance of the skin.
The process of exfoliation requires great care as the wrong products can cause permanent damage to the skin.
To exfoliate your skin naturally, ingredients at home can help. Follow the steps for effective exfoliation.
- Mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities in a bowl
- Add one tablespoon of granulated sugar
- Apply the mixture gently to your skin and
- After ten minutes, rinse in cold water in a circular motion.
When you have washed it, you will notice that blackheads will not be very prominent before your exfoliation. This mixture can also help to tighten your skin and reduce pore size.
Help lessen discolouration and scarring
Lemon can help with scarring and reduces discolouration of the skin. When applied to your skin, Lemon can gradually reduce the discolouration and scarring of the skin.
Lemon can irritate your skin when applied directly to damaged or scarred skin. So, it is always advised to mix with other ingredients to reduce its after-affects.
Wipe some fresh lemon juice on your healed scars and dark spots. Before using this method, test it in a small area to determine if lemon can irritate your skin. Keep it for a few minutes, not more than five minutes.
Rinse with water and gently wipe with a soft cloth. If you notice any irritation and red spots after the treatment, do not repeat it further as this treatment is unsuitable for your skin.
Benefits of Lemon for Skin
Naturally lightens skin tone
Lemon juice can naturally lighten your skin tone and give an even skin tone. Most of our elbows and knee can be dark-pigmented. To reduce the dark skin on your elbows and knees lemon juice can be applied.
Lemon juice, when applied to your skin, reduces the pigmentation and also helps tighten the skin if you have saggy skin.
When you apply it directly to the pigmented skin, there can be some stinging sensation. If you have any wash them off right away.
Increases collagen
Collagen is a protein that is naturally present in our bodies. But as we age, collagen breaks down. As a result, there will be wrinkles and fine lines. The usage of lemon juice can increase collagen production.
When collagen production decreases ageing, sets in early. Fresh lemon juice can help in the production of collagen.
Fights pimples and inflammatory acne
Lemon juice contains antimicrobial agents that can tackle inflammatory acne. Over-the-counter cream may help with inflammation, but lemon can be used as a natural ingredient that helps with inflammatory acne.
Lemon effectively helps to cleanse the dead cells and kills acne-causing bacteria. Fresh lemon juice can be mixed with an equal quantity of water to reduce the astringent effect.
Apply the diluted lemon juice to your skin and wipe it off after a few minutes. This will reduce the inflammatory acne and pimples breakouts.
Regulates oily skin
For some people, there can be increased production of oil secretion. So, the usage of lemon is suggested to regulate oil secretion. Overproduction of sebum can cause acne breakouts.
Just dab some fresh lemon juice on your skin. This will help to reduce oil production. Avoid using lemon on your skin if you have acne breakouts.
Wash off your face after 5 minutes with cold water. Your face will have a natural glow with reduced oil secretion.
Has potent antifungal properties
The fungus can cause various skin problems starting from your skin to your scalp. Lemon can be added to your skincare regime to treat all types of infections.
The growth of common fungi like Candida albicans can be restricted with the use of lemon juice. Lemon juice, when mixed with turmeric, gives a good result for your skin.
Makes an effective psoriasis treatment
Lemon juice can be an effective treatment for dandruff. It can remove your dead cells by topical application.
However, you should be careful with the usage of lemon for psoriasis. Lemon can flare up the psoriasis symptoms. So, always be watchful before using lemon.
There is no effective evidence that lemon can help with psoriasis. So before applying lemon in your affected area, consult your doctor.
Helps reduce corns
Corns are thick hardened skin that grows on the top layer of your skin to protect itself from pressure and friction.
The growth of corn is common in hands and feet. Directly use the lemon on the affected area or dilute it with water and then use it on the affected area.
Both techniques will have good results. It can reduce the occurrence of corns over time.
Brightens dull skin
When lemon is used for skin, it can brighten your skin and gives an even tone. Lemon contains natural bleaching quality. So, when used to your skin can give you good results.
Shrinks large, open pores
Lemon juice helps to tone your skin naturally and tighten large pores. This is because it naturally increases collagen production.
Side Effects of Lemon on Skin
Lemon offers various benefits to the skin. However, there are many side effects of lemon juice if directly used on the skin.
Skin Irritation
Lemon has a pH of 2, which is highly acidic. So, when used directly on the skin, it can cause skin irritation. It can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun and lead to skin burns.
Excessive dryness
Lemon can cause excess dryness when used on your skin. It is recommended for oily skin to some extent. Excess dryness can lead to itching and might cause infection in your skin.
If you have dry skin, you can use honey and lemon. Mix diluted lemon juice with honey and apply it to your face. Do not leave it for more than five minutes and wash with cold water.
Redness
Lemon, when used on the skin, can cause redness due to skin irritation.
Skin Peeling
If lemon is used directly on the skin, it can cause your skin to peel.
Conclusion
Lemon is good for health when consumed, but when applied to your skin can cause skin irritation and redness.
Lemon can be mixed with honey and applied to the skin. Honey can reduce the acidity of lemon. It is safe when it is used in diluted form.
If you get any skin irritation after using lemon. Stop the usage as it is not suitable for your skin.
