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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16440
2 days ago
16

is lemon bad for skin - #16440

Aadhya

I am really worried about this whole thing with lemon on my skin. A few weeks ago, I started using a DIY face mask with lemon juice because I heard it's great for brightening the skin?? But now, my skin has been feeling super irritated and itchy. Like, I didn't think lemon could be bad for skin! I mean, I thought it was natural and would help with my acne scars, but instead, I'm kinda freaking out here. I even saw some redness that I don't usually have. My friend keeps tellin' me lemon is bad for skin, especially if you go out in the sun right after applying it, but like, I apply it at night! Is that really such a big deal? I tried looking this up, and there’s so much conflicting info about whether lemon is bad for skin. I'm starting to wonder if maybe I just have sensitive skin or if the lemon somehow made it worse. Has anyone else dealt with this? How long does the irritation last? Should I just stop using lemon altogether or is there a way I can still use it safely? I mean, I really wanted those brightening effects! Help!!!

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Doctors’ responses

Lemon juice on the skin can indeed cause some issues for certain individuals. You’re definitely not alone in experiencing irritation and redness from it. While lemon juice is natural and contains vitamin C, which can aid in brightening the skin and reducing blemishes, it also has a high acidity level that can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. This can lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Your concerns about irritation, itchiness, and redness are common reactions, and these symptoms might persist as long as you continue using lemon juice. Even if you apply it at night, the sensitivity it causes can still lead to reactions if you expose your skin to daylight afterward. It’s advisable to stop using lemon juice immediately to prevent further irritation. To soothe your skin, consider using a moisturizer that’s free of fragrances and contains ingredients such as aloe vera or ceramides, which are often calming. Antihistamines can also reduce itchiness if it’s severe, but discussing this with a healthcare provider would be wise. If your skin doesn’t improve within a few days or worsens, consult a dermatologist. They can assess whether your skin’s reaction could be due to other underlying sensitivities. For brightening and treating acne scars, there are alternative treatments available that are less likely to irritate, like products with niacinamide or retinoids. These, however, should be used as directed on the packaging or with professional advice, considering your history of sensitive reactions. Always remember, patch testing on a small skin area is advisable with any new skincare ingredient.

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