10 awesome benefits of lemon for skin

Lemon is a versatile citrus fruit, and you may already be using it a lot in the kitchen. Not only does it add a zesty flavour to a variety of baked dishes, sauces, salad dressings and desserts, but lemons are also a rich source of vitamin C. But did you know that lemons have lots of uses outside the kitchen? Lemon for skin has amazing detoxifying benefits and is a popular home remedy for skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. Today, let’s explore the 10 awesome benefits of lemon for skin and how they can help you achieve that coveted glow.

Is lemon good for skin?

Both lemon juice and lemon essential oil are good for the skin, especially for oily, acne-prone skin. Lemon oil for skin is usually extracted from lemon peel, by various methods such as steam extraction or by a cold-pressing process. You can dilute it and apply it topically to your skin to address various skin concerns. Lemon essential oil is also a very popular ingredient in various creams and serums. We, at Poko, understand the value of this natural vitamin C powerhouse and therefore have lemon essential oil as one of the primary ingredients of our Soothing Serum.

There is also strong anecdotal evidence that both lemon oil and lemon juice for skin help reduce inflammation, kill harmful bacteria, and clear the skin of blemishes, discolouration, and acne scars.

Lemon for face skin: Why so good?

Your facial skin and hair both love lemon juice and oil, all for the right reasons. Citrus fruits are renowned for their skin healing properties and lemon is no different. It is full of essential vitamins and minerals which have potent benefits for the skin. These include:

• Vitamin C: Numerous medical studies indicate the importance of vitamin C for healthy, glowing skin. Lemon contains a high concentration of this vitamin which protects facial skin from free radical damage and helps slow down the ageing process.
• Citric acid: Lemons are full of this natural astringent, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is all the rage in the beauty world nowadays. Citric acid helps regulate oily skin and shrink large open pores. Moreover, it also helps exfoliate the skin’s surface and remove dead cells, revealing bright, glowing skin underneath.
• Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral found in the uppermost layer of the skin, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin. However, people with dry and itchy skin often have a calcium deficiency. Lemons contain a high concentration of this mineral and are thus quite beneficial for itchy, dry skin.
• Magnesium: Lemons are rich in this important mineral which promotes healthy, supple skin. Magnesium-rich fruits and vegetables help slow down the skin’s ageing process and prevent damage from oxidative stress.

Top 10 lemon benefits for skin

The following are the top ten amazing benefits of lemon for facial and body skin:

1.  Naturally lightens skin tone

As discussed above, lemons are rich in citric acid, a type of AHA that has natural skin lightening effects. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and is far safer than other commercial skin lightening products on the market. Not only does it help lighten stubborn age spots and brighten uneven, dull skin, but lemon juice helps lighten any dark hair on the face. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice and dilute it with water to apply to your face. Or you can use serums and facial creams containing this amazing ingredient to get the desired results.

2.  Increases collagen

There is strong anecdotal evidence that using lemon juice on the skin increases collagen production. Our bodies contain this protein in abundance, but it breaks down as we age. This results in fine lines and wrinkles. To slow down this ageing process, the use of fresh lemon juice is highly recommended by many users. Alternatively, you can use creams, lotions and facial serums that contain this beneficial ingredient. Moreover, as lemons are rich in vitamin C content, they also prevent free radical damage to collagen, leaving you with firmer, smoother skin.

3. Fights pimples and inflammatory acne

Before reaching for over-the-counter creams to get rid of pesky pimples, you should know that lemon juice may be able to do the job well! Lemons are acidic and have antimicrobial effects, effectively tackling bacteria that causes inflammatory acne. Moreover, the astringent qualities of lemon juice for skin help breakouts from worsening by reducing inflammation and itching.

Additionally, citric acid helps remove dead skin skills that may clog pores and lead to non-inflammatory forms of acne like blackheads.

4. Regulates oily skin

Lemon juice can also help regulate oily skin, which may be the cause of acne breakouts. It can effectively tackle the overproduction of sebum, which may be clogging pores and resulting in unsightly blemishes. By dabbing lemon juice on your face once a day and rinsing it off after 5-10 minutes with cool water, you can achieve a glowing, shine-free face.

5. Fades acne scars, discolouration, and blemishes

Due to its bleaching qualities, lemon juice may help fade stubborn acne scars and blemishes. The citric acid in lemons helps exfoliate skin and slough off dead skin, accelerating cell renewal. This leaves you with glowing, blemish-free skin.

6. Has potent antifungal properties

One of the top lemon benefits for skin is that it helps treat a variety of fungal rashes as well as scalp rashes that may be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. It also has antiseptic properties and can ease the pain of sunburns and bee stings.

A recent study also suggests that lemon essential oil can be efficacious against harmful bacteria like E Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This makes it great for topically treating small wounds and cuts.

Lemon essential oil has potent antifungal properties that may effectively alleviate certain skin conditions. A recent review of medical studies suggests that topical application of lemon juice is highly efficacious in getting rid of fungi that cause yeast infections, athlete’s foot, thrush and so on.

7. Makes an effective psoriasis treatment

Those suffering from psoriasis know what a troublesome skin condition it is. It is categorised by scaly, itchy red patches of skin. While there are many creams and lotions that might alleviate the symptoms, lemon juice can do the trick too.

As you know by now, lemon contains high levels of citric acid which have an exfoliating effect on the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and calming inflammation. There is strong anecdotal evidence that lemon juice works as an effective home remedy in calming psoriasis affected skin.

8. Helps reduce corns

Corns and calluses are quite common on the soles of feet, hands, or fingers. Lemon juice can be of great help in getting rid of these hard lumps of skin, all due to its exfoliating qualities. You can rub lemon directly on the affected areas or squeeze some juice and dilute it with water to dab on the skin. Frequent use may help lessen these unsightly skin lumps with time.

9. Brightens dull skin

Another great benefit of lemon for the skin is that it helps even out and brighten a dull complexion. A powerful antioxidant, the citric acid in lemons boosts collagen production and prevents free radical damage. Dull skin is usually the result of damage from environmental free radicals and oxidative stress.

Using lemon juice can help revive your skin and even out skin pigmentation. Since lemon has natural bleaching qualities, you can easily use a cotton pad soaked with some diluted lemon juice and dab it on your face to lighten dark spots and pigmented skin.

10. Shrinks large, open pores

Last but not least, a major benefit of lemon for skin is that it helps shrink large, open pores. Lemon juice can help visibly tone and tighten the skin, thanks to its astringent qualities. Large pores can get clogged up with dirt and oil, increasing chances of inflammatory acne. Not only does lemon juice help shrink them, but it also exfoliates to give you glowing, smooth skin.

Besides large pores, frequent use of lemon on facial skin can also help prevent blackheads. You can make an effective scrub at home using freshly squeezed lemon juice and some baking soda. Rubbing this mixture on your nose and other blackhead affected areas can make a visible difference in skin clarity.

Lemon for skin: Important considerations

If you decide to topically use lemons on your skin, it is a good idea to first do a small patch test. If you experience any itching or stinging, you should discontinue use and wash the area with water. Another important thing to remember is that using lemon juice on your face and body can make your skin photosensitive. This simply means that it is extra sensitive to UV rays from the sun and other lights.

You should therefore rinse off all lemon juice thoroughly from the skin before any sun exposure and liberally use suncream before heading out. Not doing so can increase the risk of skin discolouration and discomfort.

Our favourite product containing lemon essential oil

Poko’s Soothing Serum is a favourite of many users of our skincare range. Formulated with lemon essential oil, as well other natural ingredients like aloe vera powder and tea tree oil, this lightweight serum visibly enhances your skin health. It is specially designed to tackle redness and prevents the production of excess sebum, thereby preventing spot-causing bacteria. It is ideal for sensitive, oily and combination skin types.

Benefits of lemon on face: Key takeaways

Using lemon for skin can have great benefits. You can use the juice of freshly squeezed lemons and apply it topically or you can use serums such as Poko’s Soothing Serum that contains this natural ingredient. Incorporating the Serum in your daily skincare regimen can help you benefit from the vitamin C and AHAs this citrus fruit is renowned for.

Both lemon juice and lemon essential oil can prove to be an effective anti-ageing remedy, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and blackheads. Moreover, lemon juice can also be a safe and efficacious spot treatment.

Lemon juice is also a great natural antiseptic and cures several skin problems. It can help with acne and eczema, and may also be able to soothe inflamed, red skin caused by sunburns and bee stings.
Drinking lemon juice can have great detoxifying benefits for the body but so does applying it topically. Many products contain lemon as an important skincare agent. It is a safe, natural ingredient with hardly any side effects.