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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15835
46 days ago
73

lemon in face - #15835

Kiaan

I am really confused about using lemon in face care. Like, I started to notice some dark spots on my cheeks and thought, hey, maybe lemon is the solution since everyone raves about it. I squeezed some fresh lemon juice and applied it, but now my skin feels like it's burning and looks kinda red. I know lemon in face treatment is supposed to help with brightening, but is it actually safe? I mean, does everyone get this reaction? My friend once told me lemon in face routines can work wonders, but I thought my skin was tough enough for it. I’ve even read that lemon in face applications can cause photosensitivity or some weird allergic reaction, and now I’m like, should I just stop using it? I don't wanna worsen my skin. I used it for only a couple of days but should I go see a dermatologist or try something else? Ugh, I just feel lost here, like I don't know if lemon in face treatments are worth it or if I'm just setting myself up for more trouble. Should I keep going or is there a better, safer alternative? Feel like I need guidance!

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Doctors’ responses

Using lemon juice directly on the skin can indeed be quite harsh and often leads to irritation, redness, or even a burning sensation, as you’ve experienced. Lemon juice is highly acidic, with a low pH that can disrupt the natural barrier of the skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation and damage. This can vary from person to person, depending on skin type and sensitivity, but it’s a fairly common reaction because of the high acidity and the presence of compounds like citric acid and psoralen. Applying lemon to your face can also increase sensitivity to the sun, causing what’s known as photosensitivity, which can result in severe sunburns or worsening of dark spots, ironically enough. It’s important to immediately stop using lemon juice on your skin to prevent further irritation. Cooling, gentle products, like those containing aloe vera or chamomile, can help soothe the irritation. It’s also crucial to apply a good sunscreen, with broad-spectrum coverage and minimum SPF 30 if you go out in the sun, as your skin will be more sensitive right now. A visit to a dermatologist is advisable if redness and burning persist, as they might recommend a more tailored skincare routine or treatment depending on your specific needs and skin type. For lightening dark spots in a safer manner, consider using products containing ingredients like vitamin C (in a stable, formulated product), niacinamide, or retinoids, which are effective and less irritating than lemon juice. Always conduct a patch test before trying any new product to see how your skin reacts. Adjust your skincare approach to what suits your skin best while seeking professional advice when necessary.

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