Lemons are amazing. They’re beautiful in a fruit bowl, delicious in everything and have a scene that just won’t quit. The human desire to flavor everything from pie to chicken with lemon is a good instinct. Lemons are great for you, and not just to eat. Lemons are great for your skin, too. Applying even a little bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice to your skin, with or without other ingredients, can start showing results immediately including healing acne (without popping), fading scars, and softening.
There are dozens of ways to use lemon in ways that help clear, lighten, and energize your skin. You want to cut a fresh lemon to get the most natural combination of antioxidants, citric acid, and vitamin C. The rich natural combination of citrus can work wonders without a single additive, just dab a little on your hands and face, then watch the difference as your skin clears and tightens.
Here are a few luxurious and natural ways to use lemon for amazingly healthy skin:
Lemon and Tea Tree Oil Cleanser
Lemon makes a fantastic facial cleanser because of the citric acid and antibacterial properties. These come together to clear out your pores and kill any bacteria that might be causing blemishes and damaging your complexion. The citric acid tightens the skin encourages your pores to stay closed and cleansed when you’re done. Apply the cleanser with a cloth or cotton ball in the morning and evening, then rinse with warm water. Do not store longer than 1 week per batch. To make, combine:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- A few drops of tea tree oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon witch hazel
Lemon, Honey, and Yogurt Face Mask
Facial masks are a great way to infuse your face with delicious natural ingredients, locking in moisturizer and softening wrinkles. With a lemon mask, your skin will tighten and energize as you let the solution rest on your face and take a few moments to close your eyes or read an e-book. Thoroughly blend the ingredients and apply a thick layer to your face. If you have the time and space, the treatment is equally beneficial for your neck, shoulders, and chest as well, all areas that are prone to blemishes that could use a little extra love. Let the mask sit for 15 – 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 pinch of turmeric
Lemon and Olive Nail Strengthener
Nail health is an important part of your complete regime. If your nails have been showing signs of dryness, cracking, or yellowing, lemon is a solution to that, too! These symptoms can be caused by aging, overexposure to hot water or cleaning chemicals, and sometimes from too many manicures. Whatever the reason, a long soak in a lemony oil mixture is sure to do the trick. To give your nails the best chance, remove all polish and treatments, then mix a tablespoon of lemon with two tablespoons of olive oil. Soaking for about 10 minutes a day should start to reveal results. It can help to clean your nails gently with a nail brush beforehand.
Lemon, Almond and Shea Butter Lotion
The best way to use lemon is to leave it on your skin for a long time. This enhances its lightening and energizing qualities, but can be a little sticky if done with pure lemon juice. By mixing a delicious lemon lotion, you can have all the benefits of daily lemon and moisturizer use. To make the lotion, melt shea butter and coconut oil in a saucepan, then mix in a few drops of almond oil and tablespoons of lemon then set to cool. When the oil begins to solidify, whip until it becomes creamy then pour into a clean glass jar. Put it on in the morning after cleansing, at night before bed, and carry some in a small jar as a wonderful smelling face and hand cream.
These are only a few basic recipes, but lemon is just as healthy when used as simple freshly squeezed juice. Don’t be shy about creating your own lemon treatment recipes, you have a special understanding of your skin’s health and different ingredients and ratios may be more or less enjoyable or effective. If you do come up with an awesome new concoction, share it so others with skin like yours can learn from your experience.