is lemon good for pimples - #17183
I am dealing with this really annoying pimple situation that just doesn’t seem to get better. Like, I tried everything from different creams to avoiding junk food, but my skin keeps breaking out! One of my friends said that is lemon good for pimples, and I honestly have no clue if I should give that a shot. I mean, I know lemon has that vitamin C stuff which seems to be good for skin, but how do, you know, people actually use it? I read somewhere that putting lemon directly on pimples might help but then there are fear stories too about it messing up your skin if you have sensitive skin like mine. Just a couple of months ago, this new breakout started, and I’ve also had some weird redness around my cheeks along with the pimples. I even went to a dermatologist who said it could be stress related but didn’t really give me solid advice on home remedies. Could saving lemon juice like that for a week or so be worth it or should I just let it be? Like, is lemon good for pimples, or does it just make everything worse? Any thoughts would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Lemon juice is generally not recommended for treating pimples, even if it has vitamin C which is often beneficial for the skin. The reason is, lemon juice is highly acidic and abrasive, which can cause irritation, redness, or even worsen your sensitivity when applied directly to the skin. Such side effects can be especially pronounced in individuals with sensitive skin, as you’ve mentioned, potentially leading to worsened outbreaks or skin damage over time. Citrus fruits can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it less effective in protecting against bacteria and irritants, which may paradoxically aggravate acne symptoms. Considering these potential issues, it’s prudent to avoid applying lemon juice directly to the skin, especially when other effective treatments are available.
For a safer approach, focus on established acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These have been clinically proven to reduce inflammation and clear pores effectively. Additionally, maintaining a suitable skincare regimen tailored to your skin type — such as using a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen — can significantly help manage acne. With stress being mentioned as a potential trigger for your breakouts, it might also be beneficial to explore stress-reduction techniques like regular exercise or mindfulness practices, which can complement medical treatments.
If your current skincare routine or medical regimen isn’t providing relief, it might be worthwhile to consult again with a dermatologist to fine-tune your treatment plan. They may suggest prescription medications or additional interventions based on a more detailed evaluation of your skin. Ultimately, prioritizing methods supported by dermatological research will likely offer a safer and more effective path to addressing persistent pimples, rather than using unverified home remedies like lemon juice.
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