Citrus fruit extracts are commonly found in skincare products because of their antioxidant content. Antioxidants, like the vitamin C present in citrus fruits, are believed to combat free radicals in the skin and enhance collagen production.
If you’re dealing with acne, you might be curious about the effectiveness of plain lemon juice compared to commercial over-the-counter (OTC) combination products.
Acne is a prevalent skin condition in the United States, affecting individuals not only during puberty but also continuing into adulthood.
The utilization of fresh lemon juice is among the many home remedies advocated in online discussions. This is primarily due to the abundance of antioxidants and natural citric acid, a form of vitamin C, found in lemons.
However, applying lemon juice directly to your facial skin can lead to adverse effects that may harm your skin further. In this article, explore alternative treatments such as aloe vera, rosehip oil, and zinc. Keep reading to discover more.
Lemon juice for acne
Lemon juice is often suggested to offer the following benefits for acne:
- Reduced Oil (Sebum): The drying properties of citric acid in lemon juice can potentially lead to decreased oil production (sebum) on the skin.
- Antiseptic Qualities: Lemon juice may possess antiseptic properties that can help eliminate bacteria responsible for causing acne, like P. acnes.
- Reduction in Redness and Inflammation: The potential to alleviate redness and inflammation is beneficial for treating inflammatory acne and addressing residual scars.
These advantages are ascribed to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of topical vitamin C. However, it’s worth noting that the use of vitamin C for acne treatment hasn’t undergone the same extensive research as other vitamins, such as zinc and vitamin A (retinoids).
It’s important to recognize that much of the purported benefits of using lemon juice for acne treatment are based on anecdotal accounts found in online forums and blogs.
Side effects of applying lemon to the skin
Potential side effects can arise from applying lemon to the skin due to the potent nature of this citrus fruit. These side effects encompass:
- Dryness: Lemon’s natural astringent properties can cause dryness in the skin.
- Burning and Stinging: The acidity of lemon juice can lead to a burning or stinging sensation upon application.
- Itching: Some individuals might experience itching as a result of lemon juice’s effects on the skin.
- Redness: Lemon juice can cause skin redness, which may worsen existing inflammation.
- Disruption of Beneficial Bacteria: Lemon’s antibacterial properties aren’t selective and can impact beneficial bacteria on the skin.
Using lemon juice on the skin frequently, particularly on a daily basis, might elevate the likelihood of encountering these side effects.
It’s noteworthy that this method may not be suitable for individuals with darker skin tones due to the potential for hyperpigmentation caused by the citrus fruit. Furthermore, regardless of skin tone, lemon juice can heighten the risk of sunburn and the development of sunspots when exposed to sunlight.
Lemon for acne scarring
Acne scars emerge as a consequence of blemishes and can persist for a significant duration, ranging from several months to even years if left untreated.
Engaging in the habit of picking at your skin or popping pimples can escalate the risk of developing acne scars. Moreover, individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to experiencing hyperpigmentation resulting from acne scarring, as highlighted in a 2010 review published by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
The available evidence supporting the efficacy of lemons as an acne scar treatment remains limited. Similar to the purported benefits of lemon juice for treating acne, there is a plethora of anecdotal discussions circulating online regarding the positive effects of lemons on acne scars.
Nonetheless, there lacks conclusive scientific validation for this notion.
If you are contemplating the use of lemons for addressing acne scars in a home setting, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist beforehand. They can provide guidance, offer insights, and evaluate specific risk factors that might apply to you, such as a history of hyperpigmentation.
As an alternative, your dermatologist might suggest in-office procedures like chemical peels or dermabrasion treatments, both of which have undergone comprehensive research and are recognized as well-established options for managing scars.
How to apply lemon juice
Lemon juice is most effective when utilized as either an astringent or a spot treatment.
For use as an astringent, mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water. This concoction can be applied two to three times a day prior to your moisturizer. While this method might also be employed for addressing acne scars, noteworthy outcomes in this regard might not be readily apparent.
If your intention is to utilize lemon juice as a spot treatment for combatting breakouts, cautiously apply it to individual pimples using a cotton swab. Allow it to sit for a brief duration before rinsing your face with lukewarm water. Repeat this process a few times daily as required, but limit it to a short-term basis until your blemishes subside.
It’s advisable to opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice over store-bought alternatives that could contain added sugars and preservatives. Simply extract the juice from several lemons and store it in a glass container. Refrigerate the container, and the juice can remain viable for up to several days.
Takeaway
While lemon juice might possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could potentially combat acne, the potential risks to the skin are not well understood.
Similarly, like numerous other home remedies aimed at acne and acne scars, there exists limited scientific evidence to substantiate lemons as a reliable treatment choice.
Nonetheless, lemon juice could offer some potential benefits for sporadic breakouts. As a general rule, consulting your dermatologist is recommended for persistent breakouts and for exploring treatment alternatives to address acne scars.
