Citrus fruit has a long history as a versatile natural medicine. The ancient Greeks and Romans used lemons as a disinfectant, and European sailors ate limes to treat scurvy. Practitioners of alternative medicine tout citrus juice's effectiveness as an acne remedy, as it is rich in vitamin C and natural exfoliating and detoxification agents. Further scientific study is needed, however, to confirm the efficacy of citrus as a valid treatment for acne, so consult your dermatologist before incorporating citrus into your skin care regimen.
Acne
The acne battle begins when a sebaceous gland, located at the bottom of each hair follicle, becomes plugged with natural lubricating oils, leading to bacterial buildup. The bacteria commonly secrete lipase, an enzyme that interacts with sebum to produce free fatty acids, provoking inflammation. Acne plugs can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules or cysts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 40 million to 50 million Americans suffer from the appearance of characteristic lesions, especially adolescents. While the condition does not affect your general health, it can cause embarrassment and psychological distress.
Citrus Benefits
While the verdict is out whether oranges benefit or exacerbate acne, lemons, limes and grapefruit have similar properties and can be used interchangeably when it comes to acne complaints. Their astringency qualities help to dry glandular secretions of sebum and promote peeling of the upper layer of skin, qualities recommended by Mayo Clinic in anti-acne products. 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," citrus fruits contain alpha-hydroxy acids that, when used topically, help to slough off dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. Citrus fruits also have antiviral and antibacterial properties that are thought to stimulate the immune system, battling infection and fighting inflammation associated with acne. Additionally, their natural laxative properties and the antioxidant powers of vitamin C allow oral use of fresh citrus juices to work as detoxification agents, stimulating your digestive system and flushing out impurities for clearer skin.
Usage
Squeeze the juice of a fresh grapefruit, lemon or lime into a small bowl. Soak a cloth or cotton ball in the liquid, then dab it liberally onto acne blemishes. Let the juice dry for 20 minutes, then rinse your skin with cool water. Alternatively, Andrew Chevallier, former president of the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists and author of "Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine," suggests diluting 1 tsp. of lemon or lime juice with 1 tbsp. of water to use as a facial wash twice daily. For internal use, squeeze the juice of a fresh grapefruit, lemon or lime slice into a glass of ice water.
Considerations
Topical application of citrus juice is not recommended for severe cases of acne. Citrus juice can irritate sensitive skin and cause sunburn. In fact, according to Dr. Shealy, you should not apply citrus to your skin within two days of exposure to sunlight. Do not use citrus around your eyes or on open wounds. Additionally, drinking large amounts of orange juice may encourage candida growth -- a yeast-like fungus that can result in acne.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne
- Mayo Clinic; Acne: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; Nov. 3, 2009
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.; 2002
- "Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine"; Andrew Chevallier, F.N.I.M.H.; 2000
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