Is Lemon Juice Good For Acne Treatment

Many people believe that lemon juice is the miracle cure from nature that can treat acne breakouts. This is because citrus fruit extracts are thought to help fight skin problems due to their great antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The high vitamin C content in lemon can combat free radicals in the skin and help improve collagen levels.

The fresh lemon juice is touted to be one of the many home remedies that can be effective in treating skin conditions,particularly acne. So, if you’re experiencing acne, you might also be asking the common question, “Is lemon juice good for acne treatment?”

In order to provide an unbiased answer to this question, let’s consider both sides of using lemon juice as a natural acne treatment method.

How Lemon Juice Can Help Fight Acne

While there’s no scientific data to determine how effective lemon juice is in fighting acne, it does have some qualities to help clear your skin. Apart from being a cheap treatment, here are the main benefits of using lemon juice for acne.

• Reduction of oil or sebum production

It’s the high citric acid content of lemon juice that gives its mild astringent properties which constrict the tissues in the skin and push the oil out. This reduced oil production in the skin helps prevent acne formation.

• Kills acne causing bacteria

The same acidic quality of lemon juice serves as the antiseptic that can kill the bacteria which causes acne, such as P. acnes. This is because it will find a hard time to thrive in acidic environments.

• Reduced redness and inflammation

Many users of astringent find this property of lemon juice great at reducing redness and inflammation of the skin that’s caused by acne.

• Scar reduction

Some purportedly claim that lemon juice is also effective in reducing scars left by acne.However, there has been no clinical research to prove it.

How To Use Lemon Juice To Treat Acne

While you can find lemon juice products in stores, these versions contain added sugars or preservatives already. So, it is best to opt for fresh lemon fruits and simply squeeze them in a container. You can then store it in the refrigerator and use for a couple of days.

When it comes to application methods,freshly-squeezed lemon juice can be used best as a spot treatment or as an astringent. Whatever method you use, always make sure that you wash your face first with lukewarm water and mild soap. Then let it dry before applying the juice.

Lemon juice as a spot treatment

If you’re using this application method to get rid of acne breakout, simply get a cotton ball and dip it on the juice extract then carefully apply it to the affected area on your face. A little itching or stinging sensation is just normal. Leave it on to dry for about 20 to 30 minutes for your skin to absorb the acid. Then rinse your face with lukewarm water. Do this repeatedly in a day on a short-term basis for a few times as necessary until the blemishes fade.

Lemon juice as astringent

If you want to use lemon juice as an astringent, just combine it with water in equal amount. You can then apply it on your pimples 2 to 3 times a day before applying any moisturizer. While you can also use this treatment to eliminate acne scars, it may be hard to see any significant result.

Side Effects of Using Lemon Juice For Acne Treatment

Again, while the use of lemon juice promises potential benefits with its antiseptic and antioxidant qualities, there are no scientific studies to clearly support its anti-acne capabilities. You also have to be aware of the side effects it can bring if you want to try using it.

• Make your skin drier

Due to the high acid content of lemon juice, it may cause excessive dryness of your skin.

• Can be painful

The same acid may also cause a stinging sensation or can even cause your pimples to bleed.

• Not suitable for dark skin tone

If you have a dark skin tone, using lemon juice to treat your acne is not advisable since it will result in dark spots in areas where you applied it.

• Lighten up the skin

Being a strong astringent, applying lemon juice can lighten your skin.

So, is lemon juice good for acne treatment? It might be considering the fact that it can deliver some minor benefits but for those with moderate to severe acne breakout, it won’t work as a primary treatment. As always, it’s still best to see an acne specialist for treatment options that can effectively cure your acne and its scars.