6 Reasons To Use Lemon Juice On Face

Lemon juice, as we all know, is acidic. Sometimes the whole problem in acne care is that the skin is not acidic enough for all the other treatments we do to work.

Lowering the pH of the skin makes it a lot less comfortable for bacteria. The skin needs some bacteria as part of its natural “clean up crew.” Acne bacteria in small numbers perform a useful function by consuming excess sebum. But lowering skin pH makes the pores a lot less hospitable to the bacteria, without causing them to send out the chemicals that trigger an immune reaction that result in inflammation and redness on the skin. Korean scientists studying Korean citrus fruits have confirmed that applying lemon juice to the skin causes acne bacteria to send out less of the chemical messenger that tricks the human immune system into destroying skin cells (and giving the bacteria an escape route to the surface) by releasing a compound called interleukin-8, or IL-8.

Japanese scientists have discovered that a compound called nobiletin, which is also present in oranges, stops excess production of sebum, at least in lab animals. Bitter orange, blood orange, and sweet orange juices (that is, juices from sweet oranges such as those consumed in most the world outside Asia, not orange juice with sugar in it), can also be useful on oily skin.

Here are some great uses for the sunny yellow fruit:

Fights Acne: Lemon juice contains antibacterial properties that can help prevent acne. Just rub some lemon juice around the acne prone area, leave it overnight and rinse it off in the morning. It will help prevent acne build-up and breakouts.

Exfoliation: Lemon juice contains citric acid which works as a natural exfoliant and helps remove dead cells. Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 5 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply this mix onto face, massage in circular motion and rinse clean with warm water.

Prevent Oily Skin: Lemon is a strong astringent and can help close pores, thereby reducing oily skin. Apply some lemon oil on your face before going out everyday. Make sure you use sunscreen before doing this as lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Removes Spots: Dab some lemon juice on dark spots before bed and wash off the next morning. Your dark spots will gradually fade as lemon is a natural bleaching agent.

Moisturizes: Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and honey to get a great moisturizer. Apply this on your face, let soak for 15 mins and rinse off with warm water.

Brightens Skin: Packed with vitamin C, it can help boost collagen production which can aid in tight and bright skin. Again, apply some juice before bed and wash it clean in the morning.