Skin irritation is the most common side effect of using fruit acids. Lemon is tremendously acidic, which could damage and annoy your skin. If the skin is dry, or even extremely sensitive, it may burn your skin. You will end up having rashes which cause bad pain.
If you decide to try out fresh lemon as a face treatment, start with once daily applications. Ideally, you would stop using lemons once you see improvements in your complexion. You shouldn't use lemon if you know you're going to be out in the sun. Doing so can increase your risk of sunburn and other side effects.
Lemon juice can help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum. However, straight lemon should never be applied to the skin, as it can cause irritation, sunburns, and skin damage. The safest option is to dilute in another ingredient, like honey, or drink it in beverages.
To prevent acne
Mix 2 parts lemon juice with 3 parts water, and with the help of a cotton dab, apply it as a cleanser on the face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
Lemon is also known to be effective in reducing blackheads and excess oil from the face. Simply diluting the lemon juice with water or even honey, and applying a thin layer on your face with a help of a cotton pad before going to bed, is known to be a great remedy to reduce excess oil production.
“Lemon juice is very high in acidity and can cause damage to your skin,” says Dr Sarah Shah of the Artistry Clinic in London. “As it is a citric acid, lemon juice can alter the natural pH level in your skin, potentially causing skin irritation and sensitivity to the sun.
Lemon juice can help fade away dark spots and scars
Applied topically, lemon juice will work to gradually reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scars. With a cotton pad, wipe fresh lemon juice onto any healed scars or dark patches. Rinse off with lukewarm water after five minutes and pat dry.
It is possible that lemon juice, like nearly any other “stinging” skin treatment, can cause long-term or permanent darkening of already-dark skin. Any darkening of the skin caused by lemon juice will be more severe when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Lemon might irritate your skin because lemon (pH 2-3) is much more acidic than your skin (pH = 4.5). The acidic pH of lemon disturbs the normal flora of the skin.
Skin Brightener
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so they can help brighten and lighten your skin when used over time. "Vitamin C is a great antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals and boosting collagen production," says Marina Peredo, MD, a dermatologist. That means it can help lighten dark spots.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Apply to dark spots and leave on for 8-10 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this a few times a week until the dark spots fade.
Enjoy Clear Skin and Fewer Wrinkles
Starting your day off with a glass of lemon water has innumerable benefits, including increasing the amount of collagen in your skin. That means you'll produce fewer wrinkles, and the vitamin C in the lemon can also fight off toxins that cause breakouts.
Let the lemon juice sit for 20 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water. You can do this a few times per week to fade dark spots on your skin.
This potent citrus superstar can cause photosensitivity that activates under direct sunlight. It can cause swelling, redness, and blistering on the skin, and increase your risk of sunburn. This is why caution should be used when using lemon on skin!
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases.
Yes, Vitamin C in lemon boosts collagen that helps repair the damaged skin cells as well as rejuvenates skin which makes it an excellent anti-ageing ingredient. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and gives you firmer, youthful skin.
Make a solution of lemon juice and water in the ratio of 2:3 and gently apply to your skin using cotton. Leave for 10 minutes and wash with cool water. Then pat dry. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to other homemade face masks.
Lemon juice:
It contains properties that mildly bleach your skin and exfoliate its top layer. Pure lemon juice can be very strong for the skin, so add one part water to one part lemon juice and dab it all over your face with a cotton pad. Wash it with warm water 15 minutes later.