Lemons, the familiar tart, yellow citrus fruits, were introduced to the New World by Columbus in 1493; the World's Healthiest Foods website notes that they have been grown in Florida since the 1500s. In addition to their dietary uses, lemons, which have natural skin lightening properties, have been employed cosmetically for centuries to tone, refresh and lighten skin. Whether you want to fade brown spots due to excessive sun exposure, or simply wish to perk up a dull, muddy complexion, you can use lemon juice as a natural mild bleaching agent and brightener.
Contituents and Effects
According to The World's Healthiest Foods, lemon juice is high in vitamin C --- a potent antioxidant agent that can scavenge free radicals --- as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Drugs.com says lemon also contains antioxidants in the form of eriocitrin, herperidin, and coumarin; lemon has antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. Skincarerx.org adds that lemon and lemon juice contain naturally occurring substances called alpha-hydroxy acids, commonly used in commercial skin care products.
Bleaching Properties
According to skincarerx.org, the alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon can lighten skin. Jerome Z. Litt, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, concurs, saying lemon juice has mild exfoliative effects. "The juice of a fresh lemon is acidic enough to safely peel off the upper layer, which will remove or lighten some age spots," Litt asserts.
Research
There is some scientific research suggesting that the alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon juice can lighten and brighten the skin. In a clinical study conducted by C.M. Ditre and colleagues and published in the February, 1996 issue of "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" researchers found that a lotion containing citric acid produced significant reversal of the epidermal and dermal signs of photoaging, or sun damage, on patients' forearms.
Application
Litt advises rubbing lemon juice on your skin with a cotton ball twice daily. For best results, you should use the treatment consistently for six to eight weeks.
Safety
Health 911 cautions that lemon juice increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, and advises waiting for the lemon juice to dry on your skin before going outside. Apply a small amount to your skin 24 hours before use to make sure you're not allergic. If the lemon juice causes irritation or redness on your skin, rinse off and discontinue using it.
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