7 Little-Known Beauty Facts About Lemons

Apr 08, 2016

1. Clearing up your complexion.

"Because lemons are very vitamin- and nutrient-rich, they are known for their cleansing properties and offer an added bonus during exfoliation," says M.D. and dermatologic surgeon in New York City, Ariel Ostad. Lemon juice can help with many things, especially with cleansing and hydrating to remove blackheads and getting rid of blemishes. To make a quick exfoliator you don’t even need the juice: Just cut the lemon in half and massage your face with it for about five minutes. Afterwards cleanse your face with cold water.

2. Smooth skin tone.

Nothing destroys healthy skin quicker than an unattractive acne scar or dark spot. Fortunately, studies have shown that the acid in citrus juices can help reduce the presence of scars on the skin. Lemon juice does not only help remove scars, but the oil in lemons also makes it easier for fundamental vitamins to pierce the skin, which speeds up the healing process of the skin. Simply squeeze some lemon juice on a cotton ball or pad and wipe your face with it before cleansing it with cold water.

There are also many beauty products which can replace fresh lemon juice. April Franzino, Good Housekeeping's beauty director, prefers Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel ($39,juicebeauty.com), which is filled with plenty of lemon juice to improve both tone and texture of the skin.

3. Brighten up nails.

Mix three tablespoons of olive oil with one tablespoon of lemon juice to make a mixture that will tend to the nails and make them appear brighter. The acid from the lemons leaves the nails whiter because it helps to clear up any buildup on the nails. Additionally, the olive oil hydrates.

4. Make hair lighter.

Did you ever squeeze lemon juice on your hair as a teenager hoping that it would give you natural highlights? As it turns out, that actually works. Turns out, it actually works.  D.O. ACOFP, a hair restoration surgeon and Medical Director of True & Dorin Medical Group, Robert J. Dorin says that when exposed to sunlight, the acid in lemon juice can actually make your hair lighter. Want to give it a try? Simply mix fresh lemon juice with lukewarm water in a spray bottle and massage the mixture into your hair. Afterwards, sit out in the sun for about an hour to get the best results.

5. Soften dry elbows.

The same way lemons can be used as a gentle exfoliator for the face, they can also be used to soften dry, rough elbows. Just mix lemon juice with baking soda until you have a grainy paste. Rub it into your elbows too.

6. Keep dandruff to a minimum.

A combination of water, ginger root, lemon juice, and olive oil can help stall the cell turnover and reduce the amount of skin shedding from your scalp. Pour the treatment all over your hair and let it dry before you wash it out with shampoo.

If you're cautious about creating your own treatment, or if you're missing some of the ingredients, Franzino recommends Lush's Rub Rub Rub sea salt and lemon scrub ($22, lushusa.com). It works on body, face, and scalp.

7. Making an at-home tan.

Sunless tanners are a support system for the colder months when activities outside are limited. Yet you shouldn’t have to live with a smudgy orange-colored tan. Rub half a lemon over the area of your body that needs to be improved. Keep rubbing until the tan evens out.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us.