Lemons not only produce a refreshing summer beverage, but also may help refresh and revitalize your acne-prone complexion. Containing natural antibacterial, exfoliating and detoxification agents, lemon juice delivers the necessary key ingredients strong enough to both safely peel off your skin's upper layer and flush out impurities from your pores. However, while lemons appear to reduce acne symptoms, check with your dermatologist before incorporating the fruit into your skin care regimen.
Acne
Almost every part of your body has hairs, and each hair grows from a follicle, or tiny pit in your skin. Within each follicle, a sebaceous gland produces oils that keep your skin lubricated. When an excess production of oil occurs and becomes trapped in a follicle, bacteria can multiply, causing acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin complaint in the United States, affecting 40 million to 50 million people. Though the condition doesn't endanger your general health, it does result in embarrassing pimples, pustules, plugged pores and cysts.
Lemon Benefits
When treating acne flare-ups, the Mayo Clinic recommends products that dry excess oil and promote peeling. Lemons may help to do just that. They contain alpha-hydroxy acids, a key constituent found in sugar cane and citrus fruit. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, neurosurgeon, founder of the American Holistic Medicine Association and author of the book "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies," when used topically, lemon juice acts as an exfoliate, working to slough off dead cells and promote skin elasticity and new skin growth. Its astringent qualities can cut through the sebum in greasy skin, and its antibacterial and antiviral properties are thought to stimulate your body's defenses to fight inflammation and infection associated with acne. A natural laxative with the antioxidant powers of vitamin C, oral use of lemon juice appears to act as a detoxification agent, cleansing your liver, aiding digestion and improving your skin's ability to flush out toxins for clearer skin.
How to Use Lemon
Prepare a facial wash by squeezing the juice of a fresh lemon into a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and then apply the liquid directly onto your acne blemishes. Allow the lemon juice to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing your face with cool water. To take internally, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into a pitcher of ice water and drink it throughout the day.
Considerations
Although lemons have a long history of use in European folk medicine, further clinical evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy of lemon juice as a valid remedy for acne. Topical application of lemon juice is not advised for severe cases of acne or scarring. It can irritate sensitive skin. In addition, do not use lemon juice on your skin before sunbathing, as it can increase your risk of sunburn.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne
- Mayo Clinic: Acne: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.; 2002
- "Home Remedies What Work"; Gale Malesky; 1995
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
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