Lemon helps to remove pimples by reducing the oil on the skin and also by killing bacteria. Products made from citrus fruits are usually part of the ingredients in skin care solutions. This is because of their antioxidant content. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C in citrus fruits, are usually believed to help combat free radicals in the skin and also assist in improving collagen levels.
If you're dealing with acne, you might be questioning if plain lemon juice can be more efficient than an over-the-counter (OTC) combination item. Acne is a common skin problem globally. While it might first appear throughout adolescence, acne affects lots of people well into their adult years. The juices from fresh lemons are among the many natural home remedies touted in online forums throughout the web. The reason is that vitamin C has a high level of antioxidants and natural citric acid. You, however, need to talk to your skin doctor to see if lemon juice is a safe or feasible solution for you.
How lemon juice helps acne and pimples?
Lemon juice for acne
Lemon juice has some acne-fighting qualities and can be a cheap method to attempt and clear your skin. Here are the primary advantages of lemon juice and acne:
Lemon juice reduces oil on the skin
The acid in the lemon juice has some astringent qualities. The astringents work by constricting the body tissues and pushing the oil out of your skin.
Lemon juice reduces the acne scars
Some think lemon juice is a natural way to reduce acne scars. However, there is no clinical research to support this claim.
Lemon juice kills bacteria from the skin
Citric acid acts as an antiseptic. Since germs have a difficult time adjusting to acidic environments, the lemon juice can help reduce the number of germs that are living inside or on top of your skin.
Lemon juice reduces redness on the skin
Applying an astringent like lemon juice considerably reduces the inflammation brought on by acne.
Lemon juice is a cheap skin care alternative
All it takes is some lemons and some cotton balls to use it. These benefits are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-bacterial qualities of topical vitamin C. However, vitamin C hasn't been studied for the treatment of acne as extensively as other vitamins, such as zinc and vitamin A (retinoids). Much of the declared advantages of lemon juice for acne treatment is anecdotal and main supported by online platforms.
Side effects of using lemon to the skin
Negatives of lemon juice for pimples and acne
While there are a couple of possible advantages of lemon juice, there have not been any research studies to prove it's acne fighting capabilities. In addition, there are several side effects that you ought to look out for if you decide to try it out.
Side effects of lemon on dry skin
If you have dry or regular skin, lemon juice might lead to excessively dry and flaky skin.
Lemon is painful on pimples
The acid in lemon juice may trigger your pimples to sting or perhaps even bleed.
Lemon might lighten patches of your skin
Astringents like lemon juice can trigger your skin to lighten where you've applied it.
Lemon treatment is not suitable for dark skins
Those with dark skin ought to avoid using lemon juice as an acne treatment as it can cause dark spots to appear where used.
Better alternatives to fighting acne and pimples
If you're seeking to handle the P. acnes (germs) in your pores, there are tested options readily available that are far more efficient than lemon juice. An antimicrobial like benzoyl peroxide is not only a reliable way to minimize acne triggering germs, and it is also a more efficient exfoliant. This means that the medicine will more quickly permeate your blocked pores and get rid of the bacteria from the inside.
Lemon for acne scarring
Acne scars can last for a number of months to even years if you do not treat them. You're also at a higher danger of getting acne scars if you keep popping and picking your pimples. Individuals with darker skin tones likewise tend to be at a greater danger for hyperpigmentation from acne scarring, according to a 2010 evaluation released by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Proof supporting lemons as an effective acne scar treatment is minimal. As with the supposed benefits of acne treatment from lemon juice, there are many anecdotal discussions on the web about the favorable results of lemons for acne scars.
Still, there's no scientific evidence that this is the case. If you want to use lemons to deal with acne scars at home, you have to first ask your dermatologist. They can offer you some suggestions and likewise discuss any individual risk factors, such as a history of hyperpigmentation. Your skin doctor might additionally recommend in-office chemical peels or dermabrasion treatments, which are extensively studied options for scars.
How to apply lemon juice?
Lemon juice is best used as a spot treatment or an astringent. To use as an astringent, mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Use this about three times a day before applying your moisturizer. This approach may also be used for the treatment of acne scars, though it is not so much effective.
For spot treatment, such as getting rid of breakouts, use it thoroughly to your pimples with a cotton swab. Leave on for a few seconds and wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat a few times a day as needed on a short-term basis up until your blemishes disappear.
It's best to use fresh-squeezed lemon juice rather than store-bought alternatives that have preservatives and added sugar. Simply squeeze a number of lemons in a glass container. Only store in the fridge for a couple of days.
Applying lemon juice for pimple treatment
Wash your face before applying the lemon treatment: Gently rub a mild soap with lukewarm water on your skin with your fingertips. After that, use warm water to wash and allow your skin to dry for about 10 minutes.
Create the lemon treatment: Take a fresh lemon, cut it in half and squeeze the halves into a dish.
Applying the lemon treatment: Soak a cotton ball into the fresh lemon juice. Gently dab the ball on the areas that are affected. A little stinging or itching sensation will be felt. If the stinging is unmanageable add water to the solution to dilute the acid.
Give the lemon treatment some time: Let the lemon juice to dry. This will allow your skin to take in all of the acids. After about half an hour, rinse your face. Be sure to use warm water. Apply moisturizer if needed.
Alternative acne and pimple treatments
If you're trying to find other natural home remedies for acne or acne scars, talk to your skin specialist about the following alternatives:
- aloe vera
- tea tree oil
- witch hazel
- green tea
- lysine
- zinc
- rosehip oil
- sulfur
- eucalyptus
How to prevent pimples?
How do I stop pimples?
Wash your face properly to prevent pimples
To avoid pimples, it's crucial to eliminate excess dirt, oil, and sweat daily. However, cleaning your face more than two or three times a day might worsen the situation. Wash your face with cleansers that are alcohol-free and are not harsh.
How to wash your face for pimples and acne?
Wet your face with warm water. Do not use hot water. Apply a mild cleanser in a circular movement. Use your fingers and not a washcloth. Rinse properly, and pat your face dry.
Know the type of your skin to prevent pimples
Pimples can attack anyone, regardless of their skin type. However, oily skin is the most pimple-prone. This is because the sebaceous glands produce excessive oily sebum. Another kind of skin that may trigger pimples is combination skin. This means that your skin has both oily areas and dry areas. The oily areas tend to be the T-zone. That is, the forehead, nose, and chin. Knowing your skin type means you will pick the right skin care products. For instance, if your skin is oily, choose noncomedogenic products that are created not to block pores.
Moisturize your skin to prevent pimples
Moisturizers help the skin remain hydrated. But many moisturizers include oil, artificial fragrance, or other active ingredients that may aggravate skin leading to pimples. The best use of moisturizers is to first pick a noncomedogenic moisturizer that is fragrance-free. The use it when your skin feels dry or after a face wash.
Use over-the-counter acne treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments might assist zap pimples quick or prevent them altogether. Many contain either sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Use an OTC treatment to spot-treat pimples. Or use it to manage outbreaks. To help prevent side effects such as dryness, inflammation, or soreness, follow the instructions on the package.
Stay hydrated to prevent pimples
If you're dehydrated, your body produces more oil. Moreover, dehydration gives your skin a dull look and promotes redness and inflammation. You are advised to drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Drink more after a workout, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you hang around in a hot, humid environment.
Limit your makeup to prevent pimples
It's tempting to use makeup to conceal pimples. However, doing so might block pores and set off breakouts. Avoid makeup when you can. When you do use makeup, avoid heavy foundations and oily products. Use makeup that is non comedogenic and fragrance-free. Oily or greasy body washes, shaving creams, shampoos, and hair styling items might all trigger pimples. To avoid outbreaks, go for oil-free, non comedogenic choices.
Avoid touching your face to prevent pimples
Your hands come across bacteria continuously throughout the day. And each time you touch your face, a few of those pore-clogging impurities might get transferred to your skin. It does not mean you cannot scratch an itchy spot on the face. But clean your hands regularly, and try to touch your face only when necessary.
Limit exposure to direct sunlight to prevent pimples
Catching some rays may dry pimples in the short term, but it triggers major issues in the long run. Frequent direct exposure to the sun dehydrates the skin, which gradually triggers it to produce more oil and block pores. Wearing sunscreen is important. However, many sunblocks are oily. You need to select a sunscreen that is non comedogenic and oil-free.
To prevent more pimples, do not pick the pimples
It is tempting to try to get rid of that large pimple on your face by squeezing it, do not do it! Popping pimples may trigger bleeding, extreme scarring, or infection. It might also increase inflammation and clog surrounding pores, making your pimple issue worse.
Use tea tree oil to prevent pimples
Tea tree oil is a popular folk treatment for pimples. It can reduce the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.
To use tea tree oil for pimples
Apply a couple of drops to the swollen area. You can incorporate tea tree oil in your everyday moisturizer or cleanser. Just add a few drops. You should remember to do a patch test before using tea tree oil. This is to see if it reacts with your skin. Apply a couple of drops under your arm and wait for some hours. If there is inflammation, then you are to dilute the oil in the 50:50 ratio.
Use antibiotics to prevent pimples
Prescription antibiotics help in reducing inflammation and germs on the skin. Prescription antibiotics are often recommended. They may be used topically to your skin or taken by mouth. Those taken by mouth are generally the last resort for individuals whose acne is severe or does not react to other treatments. Long-lasting antibiotic use may lead to antibiotic resistance. If your doctor recommends antibiotic therapy for pimples, ensure you speak to them about the risks involved.
Apply French green clay for pimples
French green clay is a mineral-rich clay with healing capabilities. French green clay has potent antibacterial properties. It helps extract impurities, reduce inflammation, and soak up excess oil that may lead to pimples. French green clay is offered in a powder form that can be used to make a face mask when mixed with water. You can also add other skin-soothing active ingredients such as honey or yogurt.
Avoid certain foods to prevent pimples
A study revealed that eating a high glycemic diet might cause acne. High glycemic foods and drinks such as baked items made with white flour, sodas, chips spike blood sugar levels and are typically less healthy than low glycemic foods. The study likewise found eating dairy might set off pimples.
Reduce stress to prevent pimples
Stress doesn't cause pimples, but it may worsen. Research has revealed that when you're stressed, your body produces more oil-stimulating hormones. Some options to help you with stress are:
- massage
- yoga
- meditation
- aromatherapy
- journaling
Wash your hair regularly to reduce pimples
Oily hair, especially the hair around your face, can mean trouble for your face. They can make your face more oily and hence cause pimples. To prevent this, ensure you wash your hair regularly to remove the excess oil on the hair.
Use noncomedogenic or "oil-free" skin care products
These are skin care products that do not block the skin pores. Hence, this, therefore, means that they would not cause further problems to the skin. When you go to buy cosmetic products, look at the labels that say oil-free or non comedogenic.
Other advantages of lemon
The benefits of lemons
Lemon juice lightens dark spots and blemish
Acne scars and marks are awkward and can as well be embarrassing. Lemon juice's citric acid slowly fades spots and evens your complexion. Beware of open wounds or cuts on the face, as it can sting badly.
Lemon brightens your hair color
This is the cheapest way to get highlights on your hair. Add lemon juice to your hair conditioner and comb through the hair. Give it a few hours to dry in the sun and wash out. Repeat this once a week, and you will notice how bright your hair is becoming.
Lemon juice whitens the teeth
Teeth bleaching treatments can cost a fortune. Save yourself the time and money with a homemade teeth whitener made from baking soda and lemon juice. Mix the lemon and baking soda and apply on your teeth. Give it a few seconds and carefully scrub off with a toothbrush. Do not leave it for more than a minute, the acid can break down tooth enamel.
Lemon juice relaxes dry scalp and tackles dandruff
Rubbing a mix of family staples like coconut oil, olive oil, and raw honey with lemon juice onto your scalp is a basic solution for dandruff and dry scalp.
Lemon strengthens the nails
Lemon juice and olive oil solution can do the same job as the other numerous nail hardeners in the pharmacy, and it is natural. Apart from conditioning weak and brittle nails, it will also bleach the nails that are turning yellow.
Lemon cleanses the face and body
If you're uncertain about what's hiding inside your favorite face or body wash, you would rather just use a homemade cleanser made out of lemon juice, yogurt and an essential oils like chamomile or lavender. Massage this on to eliminate dirt and bacteria, while moisturizing your skin.
Lemon soothes chapped lips
Another overnight beauty treatment that just requires slicing open a lemon is an exfoliant for chapped lips. Rub the fruit onto your lip wrinkles, then clean off the next morning. The lemon juice will eliminate any dead skin cells so that your lipstick goes on extremely smooth.
The conclusion on using lemon for pimples and acne
While lemon juice might have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could battle acne, very little is understood about the potential dangers to the skin. Moreover, like numerous other natural home remedies for acne and acne scars, there's little clinical proof to support lemons as a practical treatment alternative.
However, lemon juice might still hold some guarantee when applied on the occasional breakout. As it is always advisable, see your dermatologist for persistent breakouts and for treatment choices to help heal acne scars.
