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benefits of applying lemon juice on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #18853
67 days ago
110

benefits of applying lemon juice on face - #18853

Fatima

I am really curious about the benefits of applying lemon juice on face because I’ve been hearing about it everywhere. A couple weeks ago, I tried it for the first time after noticing some dark spots from sun exposure. I just squeezed a fresh lemon right into a little bowl and dabbed it onto my skin with a cotton ball. At first, I thought, wow this stings a bit, but I kept going since I read about its super benefits. I even mix it with honey sometimes thinking that would help. Anyway, my skin felt kinda glowy afterward, but I also started getting these tiny little red bumps, and I freaked out a bit. I read online that the benefits of applying lemon juice on face include brightening the skin and removing dead skin cells, but does everyone experience those red bumps like I did? Should I be worried? Like, is it normal to have a reaction like that, or did I mess up? I sometimes wonder if I should stick to store-bought products instead! Also, how often can you apply lemon juice on your face without it causeing any harm? Just trying to figure out if the benefits of applying lemon juice on face are worth the risks or if there are like, safer alternatives?

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Doctors' responses

Applying lemon juice to the face is often touted for its benefits like skin brightening and exfoliation, since lemons contain citric acid and vitamin C. These can indeed help in breaking down dead skin cells and promoting a more radiant appearance. However, the potential downsides should be carefully considered. It’s not uncommon to experience skin sensitivity or irritation, as you noted with the stinging and red bumps. Lemon juice is highly acidic, and direct application can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation or even burns, especially for those with sensitive skin or if applied before sun exposure.

The bumps you experienced might be a sign of irritation or even an allergic reaction, and it’s generally advisable to do a patch test before applying any new product, natural or otherwise, to your face. Mixing lemon juice with honey, which is soothing, might mitigate some irritation, but doesn’t neutralize the acidity. Establishing a safer frequency if you choose to use it would be once or twice a week, ensuring your skin isn’t reacting poorly each time.

Nevertheless, safer alternatives are often found in commercially available products designed for brightening that have pH-balanced formulations and are tested for skin safety. Products with gentle exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or vitamin C serums can provide similar benefits without the risk of irritation seen with raw lemon juice. These options are usually more controlled in terms of concentration and are developed with extensive research into safety and efficacy.

If the reaction seems severe or doesn’t subside, consulting a dermatologist to evaluate the cause and suggest suitable skin care options would be wise. Persistent irritation can lead to further complications like hyperpigmentation or scarring, especially if exposed to sunlight. Always prioritize sun protection, as lemon-treated skin can be more sensitive to UV rays.

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