Lemon juice, as we all know, is acidic. Sometimes the whole problem in acne care is that the skin is not acidic enough for all the other treatments we do to work.
Lowering the pH of the skin makes it a lot less comfortable for bacteria. The skin needs some bacteria as part of its natural “clean up crew.” Acne bacteria in small numbers perform a useful function by consuming excess sebum. But lowering skin pH makes the pores a lot less hospitable to the bacteria, without causing them to send out the chemicals that trigger an immune reaction that result in inflammation and redness on the skin. Korean scientists studying Korean citrus fruits have confirmed that applying lemon juice to the skin causes acne bacteria to send out less of the chemical messenger that tricks the human immune system into destroying skin cells (and giving the bacteria an escape route to the surface) by releasing a compound called interleukin-8, or IL-8.
Japanese scientists have discovered that a compound called nobiletin, which is also present in oranges, stops excess production of sebum, at least in lab animals. Bitter orange, blood orange, and sweet orange juices (that is, juices from sweet oranges such as those consumed in most the world outside Asia, not orange juice with sugar in it), can also be useful on oily skin.
Benefits Of Lemon Juice On Face
Lemons have amazing astringent, antibacterial and antioxidant properties which makes them an excellent natural remedy for a number of skin conditions. Here are 6 of the most important reasons why you should start using lemon juice on your face:1. Acne Fighting
- One of the best natural acne fighting ingredients, lemons are packed full of antibacterial properties.
- Simply rub some fresh lemon juice onto affected areas and leave on overnight.
- Rinse off in the morning and repeat again at night.
2. Exfoliating
- The citric acids in lemon juice have natural exfoliating properties which gets rid of dead skin cells revealing beautiful, glowing skin.
- Cut a lemon in half an dip it in sugar.
- Gently and in slow, circular motions rub onto skin and rinse off.
3. Oil Fighting
- Because of its strong astringent properties, lemons are great are reducing the size of pores as well as getting rid of excess oil.
- Use a lemon essential oil and dab onto oily areas.
- Do this for several days and within a week your skin will produce less oil!
4. Removes Dark Spots
- Lemons are naturally bleaching so it’s no wonder they can do miracles in removing dark spots and even acne scars.
- Simply apply some lemon juice directly onto the affected areas and leave on overnight.
5. Moisturizing
- Believe it or not, lemons are also moisturizing! Mix half a tablespoon coconut oil, half a tablespoon honey, and the juice of a lemon.
- Apply to skin just like you would a moisturizer and watch as skin becomes supple, hydrated, and glowing.
6. Skin Brightening
- Lemons stimulate collagen production because they contain a ton of vitamin C.
- Apply lemon juice to skin before bed and leave on overnight.
