lemon for acne - #19966
I am dealing with this stubborn acne that just won't go away, and I've read a lot about how using lemon for acne is supposed to help. Last summer, I started breaking out like crazy and even tried some over-the-counter stuff, but nothing worked! A friend told me lemon is great because of its acidity and vitamin C. I even tried mixing lemon juice with honey and applying it directly to my face, but I got this weird burning sensation, then I thought maybe I'm using it wrong? Has anyone else tried lemon for acne? I keep worrying that I might be allergic or something, but then I hear stories of people clearing their skin using lemon, like is it some miracle cure? I mean, is it safe really? I’ve also seen people say to dilute it with water first, but then I wonder if that lessens its acne-fighting power? Ugh, I don't know. Do you get better results from using lemon for acne directly or diluted? Feeling kinda lost, any advice would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Using lemon on your skin, particularly for acne, can be a bit of a mixed bag. Lemon juice is very acidic, with a low pH that can disrupt your skin’s natural acid mantle, potentially damaging your skin barrier. That’s why you felt a burning sensation; it’s a sign that applying undiluted lemon juice directly is a bit too harsh for most skin types. While it’s true that lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can have some brightening and anti-inflammatory effects, the concentration and form in an actual lemon aren’t ideal. Vitamin C in skincare is usually stabilized in products specifically formulated to penetrate skin without harm. Diluting lemon juice with water won’t necessarily eliminate irritation, because the acidity is still too strong to comfortably use on skin. In fact, continued use might lead to increased sensitivity or post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially if you have sensitive skin or are exposed to sunlight after application. You mentioned trying over-the-counter products before; products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be more effective, as they’re specifically designed to target acne while being safe for regular topical use. Also, don’t overlook the benefit of consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional, who can perform a proper assessment and recommend more efficient treatments. Prescription options like topical retinoids or antibiotics may be necessary if over-the-counter solutions don’t work. Remember, acne can be notoriously stubborn, and finding the right treatment could take some trial and error, but expert guidance can definitely help streamline the process.
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