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can i rub lemon on my face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14856
46 days ago
88

can i rub lemon on my face - #14856

Kashvi

I am really curious about something that's been bothering me for a while... I’ve started noticing some dark spots on my face, mostly from sun exposure I guess, and a friend of mine mentioned that I should try rubbing lemon on my face. I mean, I always thought lemons were like, super acidic, right? Anyway, I looked up whether can I rub lemon on my face and found conflicting info—some say it's great for brightening skin, while others warn about irritation and stuff. I’ve also read about people getting really bad reactions from it, like burns or rashes! Can I rub lemon on my face safely? I did try a small patch test, and it seemed okay, but now I'm worried maybe I’m just not seeing the bad reaction yet? Also, how often can I rub lemon on my face without it causing me problems? I really just want to fade these spots without making my skin more sensitive or causing bigger issues. Do any of you have experience with rubbing lemon on your face? What should I really watch out for? Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Your cautiousness about using lemon directly on your face is well justified. Lemons are highly acidic with a pH around 2, and while some people recommend them for skin brightening or fading dark spots, there’s a good reason to be careful. The acidity of lemon can indeed lead to skin irritation, dryness, and even a condition known as phytophotodermatitis, which is triggered when the psoralens in lemon juice react with sunlight - can cause burns or skin blotches. This reaction can sometimes be delayed, which might explain why you didn’t see immediate irritation after your patch test. If you’re determined to proceed with natural remedies, you could consider diluting the lemon juice with water before applying it to your skin. This approach might mitigate some of the potential side effects; however, it doesn’t entirely eliminate the risk of irritation or other adverse reactions. Using it on your skin a couple of times a week might be safer, but again, monitor your skin closely for any adverse changes.

Alternatively, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist or trying over-the-counter products that are specifically formulated for hyperpigmentation. These products often contain ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or retinoids, which are generally more controlled and tested for efficacy and safety than using raw lemon juice. If sun exposure is the underlying cause of those dark spots, it’s important to adopt a consistent sun protection regimen. Regularly using broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can prevent further darkening of those spots and help prevent new ones from developing. All in all, while the idea of a natural solution is appealing, your skin’s health is a priority, and sometimes clinical treatments are better suited—especially when potential sun exposure is involved.

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