How Is Lemon Juice Effective In Removing Dark Spots?
Our skin produces melanin, a pigment responsible for its characteristic color. Certain factors cause this pigment to be produced in excess, leading to pigmentation and dark spots. One major cause of pigmentation is excess exposure to sunlight (2). Other factors like hormonal imbalance, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, and stress can also lead to dark spots. Lemon juice is a natural ingredient that can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients to help lighten dark spots. The juice has similar bleaching properties as other OTC products. Its natural acidity makes it work as an organic bleaching agent, which can reduce dark/brown spots gradually. The vitamin C in lemon juice works by inhibiting melanin production (also called melanogenesis). The nutrient is often used to treat skin hyperpigmentation and age spots (3). Lemon also acts as an astringent, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent (4), (5). In the following section, we have discussed certain natural home remedies that use lemon to help treat dark spots. Note: As per anecdotal evidence, using lemon in excess could dry your skin out. Hence, do a patch test on your elbow before using it on your face. If you experience itching or skin irritation after a few hours, do not proceed with these remedies. Also, lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive. Hence, apply sunscreen before you step out.
9 Natural Ways To Use Lemon Juice For Treating Dark Spots
1. Turmeric And Lemon Juice
Turmeric can enhance the complexion. A study showed that the topical application of a moisturizing cream containing Tumeric extract reduced the appearance of facial spots, fine lines, and wrinkles on human facial skin (6). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of milk
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Use this pack 2-3 times a week.
2. Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice
The antioxidants present in coconut oil reduce the skin damage caused by sunlight and pollution. Coconut oil also protects the skin from UV radiation and improves skin barrier function (7). The oil also moisturizes the skin and hydrates it. You Will Need
2-3 drops of coconut oil 2-3 drops of lemon juice
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this once every day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon Juice
Apple cider vinegar is believed to have toning and exfoliating properties. They may help slough off the cells on the skin surface, lightening the dark spots. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of water Cotton ball
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this a few times every week until the dark spots fade away.
4. Parsley And Lemon Juice
Parsley, like lemon juice, is rich in vitamin C. It may play a role in lightening dark spots on the face (8), (1). In another study, parsley was found to be equally effective in reducing dark spots as hydroquinone cream (9). You Will Need
1 cup of chopped parsley 2 cups of water 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Cotton ball
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Apply it daily to your face to lighten the brown or dark spots.
5. Cucumber And Lemon Juice
Cucumber contains antioxidants and silica that help in the gradual lightening of the dark spots (10). The fruit may also rejuvenate your skin. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of cucumber juice 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon of honey
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day.
6. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
If the dark spots are caused due to prolonged exposure to UV rays, olive oil can help. In a study, the SPF (sun protection factor) of olive oil was found to be the highest among the oils tested (11). You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 2 times a day.
7. Yogurt And Lemon Juice
Studies show that facial masks containing yogurt may improve skin brightness and moisture (12). This may help lighten dark spots over time, though more research is warranted. You Will Need
A few drops of lemon juice 3-4 tablespoons of plain yogurt
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this once daily.
8. Tomato Juice And Lemon Juice
Tomato contains lycopene and beta-carotene, antioxidants that are known to protect the skin from sun damage (13). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of tomato juice 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this once daily.
9. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda can act as a good exfoliator. The grainy texture of baking soda can help exfoliate the top layer of the skin that has the spots. In the process, it could reveal the lighter part of the skin present below it. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of baking soda A few drops of lemon juice
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this every day. Note: It is difficult to say how long these remedies will take to remove dark spots on your face because it depends on several factors like your skin type and skin condition, as well as how that particular ingredient works on your skin. Does lemon juice permanently lighten the skin? No. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties. However, it cannot be used to cause radical changes in your skin tone. Although your complexion may lighten a few shades, this effect is not permanent. What happens if you leave lemon juice on your skin overnight? Lemon is strongly acidic, so it is best not to leave it on your skin overnight, especially if you have sensitive skin. It can cause redness and irritation.
If you experience any adverse reactions or find no change in the symptoms, please visit your doctor.
