Lemons have often been dubbed as a super-fruit, given their immense benefits. They have been actively used in cooking and baking and are a common kitchen ingredient. Lemon juice has also been used as a cleaning hack for centuries. When it comes to beauty, the versatile fruit offers immense benefits. Whether it is the pulp, skin, or the juice of lemon, all parts have found their use in beauty regimes. Suppose you thought lemon juice had no side effects on the skin. If it is entirely safe to use, read this.
The citric nature of lemons, Alpha hydroxy acid, and the rich vitamin C content make them excellent skin revitalizers. Many DIY beauty hacks recommend using lemon juice on the skin- sometimes on its own and sometimes in combination with other ingredients.
However, using pure lemon juice on your skin can also cause serious side effects, sometimes even permanent damage.
Side Effects of Using Lemon Juice on Face
Though lemon juice has a few side effects on the face, it is better to know about them to avert them.
- Unregulated usage increases underlying issues.
- Always conduct a patch test before a full application.
- Over-reliance on lemon juice for the face might make your skin reliant on external pH adjusters.
- Not suitable for all skin types and conditions.
1. It can alter the pH level of your skin
Lemon juice is highly acidic, with a pH level of 2. The thin, protective layer of our skin, called the acid mantle, can suffer permanent damage by altering the skin’s natural pH levels. It can cause hyperpigmentation, irritation, and extreme sensitivity to the skin.
- Disturbed pH leads to breakout cycles.
- Restoring skin’s pH balance post-lemon juice application is essential.
- Long-term imbalance weakens skin’s defense mechanisms.
- Increased vulnerability to infections occurs with regular use.
2. Risk of chemical burns
Using lemon juice on the skin and stepping out in the sun can cause Phytophotodermatitis. Citrus acid in lemon juice makes it extremely phototoxic, and the skin becomes hypersensitive to the sun. Exposure to the sun can cause a reaction to trigger, resulting in severe chemical burns.
- Always wear sunscreen if you’ve recently applied lemon juice.
- Do not go into direct sunlight after using citrus-based products.
- Burns lead to long-lasting marks or discoloration.
3. Scars and spots
Being acidic, when lemon juice is applied to pimples, it can cause them to bleed. Though lemon juice can fight pimples and acne, the bleeding can cause some scars to stay behind.
- Wounds from the acidity are painful and might get prolonged while treating it.
- Continuous application might increase skin discoloration.
- It can cause problems for acne-prone skin.
- Direct application on open wounds or cuts is not good.
4. Skin irritation
People who have sensitive skin may feel that their skin burns and feels itchy when lemon juice is applied. This may leave the skin red and inflamed, causing marks and other damage.
- Immediate redness is a sign of an adverse reaction.
- Moisturizing after applying lemon juice reduces irritation.
- Swelling or blistering shows severe reaction and requires immediate attention.
Precautions when Using Lemon Juice for Skin
Given the benefits lemon juice has for the face and skin, it is natural to try this remedy and get some benefits. However, it may work fine because every lemon has a different acidity level. However, it might irritate the other day. To avoid any possible harmful effects of using lemons on your skin, the following precautions are recommended:
- Always use lemon juice in a diluted form. Mix filtered water, aloe vera gel, rose water, or honey to balance the acidity of lemon juice. Never dab undiluted lemon juice on your face.
- Test your skin type to determine how to use lemon for your face.
- Avoid stepping out in the sun When you use lemon juice on your face. For this reason, you can use lemon in the evening or night to minimize the chances of exposing your skin to the sun and causing potential damage.
- Never use stale lemon juice – always juice it fresh for maximum benefits.
- A patch test is also recommended.
Your face is precious; for hassle-free skin, always make sure you use the right ingredients on your skin.
We discussed the harmful effects of using lemon juice on the face. Now, let us know why it is recommended to be used in the first place.
Benefits of Using Lemon Juice on Face
When using DIY techniques or home remedies for beauty and hair purposes, lemon is quite a regular ingredient. However, before you use lemon juice on your face, you need to understand your skin type. Just pat a blotting paper on different face parts and hold it in the light. Look at the oil that the sheet picked up – if there is little or no oil, you have dry skin; if there is oil on the area of the forehead and chin, you have a combination/normal skin. And oil all over the blotting paper means you have oily skin.
After determining your skin type, you can now use lemon for –
- Toning your face or as an ingredient in face packs for oily skin
- Only as a secondary ingredient in a face pack for dry skin
- Only in diluted forms for combination and sensitive skin
Top Benefits of Lemon for Skin
1. Skin whitening and brightening
People swear that rubbing lemon on knees and elbows has helped lighten the dark color. And they are not wrong – the combination of citric acid with vitamin C does help in whitening and brightening skin, fading dark spots, and diminishing blemishes.
Lemon is the primary ingredient in top skin whitening products like Skinbright, Lucederm, and Meladerm. In these products, it works as a skin-bleaching ingredient. Remember, in these products, the concentration of lemon juice is low to prevent skin irritation. (1)
- Acts as a natural astringent, tightening pores and enhancing skin tone.
- Regular use brings a radiant glow to the skin over time.
2. Revitalization and restoration
Premature Aging and dull face is an everyday problem for almost everyone now. Environmental factors, stress, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors make the skin look older and worn out. Lemon is recommended to revitalize and restore lost skin glow because of its richness in vitamin C content, which acts as an effective antioxidant.
- Its natural enzymes give skin clarity and brightness.
- It helps balance the skin’s natural oil secretion.
3. Anti-ageing properties
Lemon juice can help tighten the skin, and as dead skin cells get removed, wrinkles and other anti-aging signs can be delayed. The combined effect of lemon juice’s exfoliation, revitalization, and brightening properties helps keep the skin younger and fresher.
In a study, it was found that lemon juice prevents oxidative stress-induced premature skin aging. It increases collagen content and prevents wrinkle formation and skin thickness. (2)
- Promotes healthy cell turnover, improving skin’s texture.
- Boosts the skin’s natural resilience against external aggressors.
4. Exfoliation
Lemon juice is recommended mainly for dry and dull skin. Lemon is full of Alpha hydroxy acid, and this helps remove dead skin cells, revealing clear, fresh skin. It even helps generate new skin cells.
- The natural acidity provides a gentle peeling effect, reducing discolorations.
- It acts as a mild purifier, removing the bacteria and impurities from the skin.
So, all seems good, and lemon juice does seem like the best thing to apply to your face. Plus, it is readily available and costs a fraction of the expensive beauty treatments and creams. But using lemon juice on the face also has a few side effects. Let us go through them.
FAQ for Lemon Juice on Face
Does lemon permanently lighten skin?
Sadly, lemon juice does not permanently lighten skin. While it may temporarily lighten the complexion, sun exposure will eventually darken the skin again. Lemon is also acidic and can cause irritation and inflammation if applied topically to the skin. If lemon doesn’t work for you, there isn’t much else that can permanently lighten skin other than sun exposure or surgery.
Can lemons damage your skin?
Yes, lemons can damage your skin. This is because the acidic content of lemons can cause temporary or even permanent inflammation and peel. If you are experiencing any signs of irritation or excessive dryness, avoid citrus fruits altogether until you’ve consulted with a doctor.
Do lemons clear dark spots?
While lemon juice may be effective in lightening skin tone, it is not typically used to remove marks and spots from the face. Lemon oil can aggravate dark lesions and worsen their appearance. If you want an effective way to lighten your facial complexion, you will likely need to consult a physician or dermatologist specializing in skin care treatments.
Some people believe that the citric acid in lemons can help lighten skin and improve complexion. However, more rigorous studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made.
References
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, room L02-56, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26471635
