applying lemon on face - #13756
I am a bit worried because I started applying lemon on my face like a week ago after reading about the benefits online. At first, I thought it would help brighten my skin, which has been looking kinda dull lately. But now I'm not so sure. I applied lemon juice directly from the fruit, you know, thinking it's all-natural and stuff, but my skin feels kinda sensitive now. I mean, like, it tingles a bit every time I wash my face, and I noticed some redness around my cheeks. Is this normal after applying lemon on face, or am I doing something wrong? I’ve heard that lemon has citric acid that can help with dark spots and acne scars, but I didn't know it could react like this. Should I be concerned about how my skin is reacting? I just thought applying lemon on face would be a quick fix, but now I'm not sure if I need to stop or if there are precautions I should take. Anyone else had a similar experience? What about mixing it with something else like honey or that aloe vera gel I have? Does that help when applying lemon on face to reduce irritation? I hope I didn’t ruin my skin or somthing, ugh!
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Doctors’ responses
It’s understandable to have concerns about your skin’s reaction after applying lemon juice directly to your face. Lemon, while often praised for its natural components, like citric acid and vitamin C, can be too harsh for some skin types when applied directly. The tingling sensation and redness you’re experiencing suggest that the lemon juice may be irritating your skin. This is a common reaction, especially if your skin is sensitive or if the lemon juice was used excessively. Even being “all-natural,” lemon juice is highly acidic and can disrupt the skin’s pH balance, leading to irritation or sensitivity. It’s also photosensitizing, meaning it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn or hyperpigmentation. If you’re noticing irritation, it’s wise to stop using lemon juice directly on your skin. Instead, consider gentler, more balanced alternatives for brightening the skin and dealing with dullness. Products containing stabilized vitamin C, niacinamide, or even mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid can help improve skin tone without causing such harsh reactions. Combining lemon juice with soothing agents like honey or aloe vera might reduce irritation, but honey or aloe alone can provide the calming effect your skin might need right now without the risk of adding more acid. In the meantime, focus on skincare routines that support skin barrier repair, include using gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid further exfoliation until your skin calms down. If redness or irritation persist, seeing a dermatologist would be a good step to look deeper into the problem and prevent any long-term damage.
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