Does Lemon Juice Help Acne?
Lemon and its extracts have been extensively used in various skin care products due to their powerful antioxidant potential. In general, antioxidants can help in scavenging free radicals on the skin and boosting collagen levels. Acne is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin conditions in the United States and affects around 9.4 % of the global population (1). While there is a range of over-the-counter treatments available for treating acne, many people are on the lookout for natural methods to deal with the issue. Anecdotal evidence validates the use of lemon in treating acne and improving the scarring caused by it. The properties that may make lemon juice a great option to consider for treating acne are as follows:
Lemon juice is anti-inflammatory (2). It can help reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness associated with acne.
It also exhibits antiseptic and bactericidal activities (3). These activities can help prevent the progression of acne and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Lemon juice dries out your skin due to the presence of citric acid, which helps in reducing sebum production (4).
Lemon extract is used in various skin lightening products due to its bleaching properties (5). Thus, it can help in lightening hyperpigmentation caused by acne spots.
Here’s how you can use it.
How To Apply Lemon Juice For Acne And Scarring
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of water Cotton pads or balls
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this once daily or every alternate day. Lemon juice can dry out your skin. Hence, it is recommended that you use a non-comedogenic moisturizer after trying out the above remedy. Listed below are some tips that you should remember while using lemon juice topically.
Tips To Remember While Using Lemon Juice On Your Skin
Do a patch test before applying lemon juice to the affected area.
Always dilute the lemon juice before applying it to your face as it may sting.
Follow up with a moisturizer after using lemon juice topically.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight after using this remedy as lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive (6). Always apply sunscreen before stepping out.
Use freshly extracted lemon juice for maximum benefits.
There are also a few side effects that may occur when you apply lemon juice topically. They are listed below.
Side Effects Of Applying Lemon To The Skin
Itchiness Redness
Dryness Stinging or burning Killing good bacteria present on the skin
How long does it take for acne scars to go away with lemon juice? Pigmentation caused by acne generally fades in 7 to 10 days. However, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may take anywhere between a few months to even a year to fade completely. However, the acne scars that extend into the dermis will never go away completely. Does drinking water help acne? While consuming water alone will not cure acne, it will help flush out toxins from your body, which can result in healthier skin. Is lemon acidic? Yes, lemons are acidic due to the presence of citric acid. Lemons have a pH between 2 and 3, which makes them very acidic. What happens if we apply lemon on the face and leave it overnight? Leaving lemon on the skin for too long can increase your skin’s sensitivity and make it dry and itchy. How long do pimple marks last? Pimple marks are usually temporary. They may last anywhere between 7 to 10 days before they start disappearing. How do you make homemade vitamin C serum with lemon? Combine 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. Pour the mixture into a tiny bottle and allow it to sit overnight before applying it to your skin.
