Benefits And Side Effects Of Lemon For Beauty

Lemon Picture (Karolina Grabwoska-Pexels)

JAKARTA - Lemon is well known for its detoxifying effect because it is rich in vitamin C and citric acid. You can get this benefit if you add a few lemon slices to drinking water.

Famous in the world of health, lemon is now quite popular in the realm of beauty as a natural treatment for acne skin problems to dark spots due to aging.

Quoting information from the Healthline page, lemon is not only a source of benefits, but can also cause side effects when used on the skin.

The following VOI summarizes some of the benefits and side effects of lemon for skin beauty:

Acne treatment

Based on its acidity, lemon water contains a good quality astringent. An ingredient with a high pH level such as lemon can help reduce inflammation and the oils that cause acne.

In addition, citric acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can also help break down dead skin that causes non-inflammatory acne like blackheads.

Antimicrobial effect

Lemon has antimicrobial properties that can tame the Propionibacterium Acnes bacteria which causes inflammation of acne. There is also an anti-fungal effect that helps treat candida rash as well as scalp fungus.

Skin lightening

The acidic content of lemon has benefits to lighten acne scars and dark spots due to premature aging.

Treatment of dandruff and psoriasis

Because it is believed to remove dead skin cells, lemon is also believed to reduce skin rashes caused by psoriasis and dandruff.

Increase collagen

Another benefit of lemon for beauty is that it increases collagen on the face. As an antioxidant, vitamin C is also able to prevent free radicals that damage collagen, making your skin smoother.

Collagen itself is a protein that protects the skin from the effects of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Besides being useful, lemon also has side effects when used. This makes DIY (Do It Yourself) home skin care options even more risky. This risk is greater if you have sensitive skin. For that, also recognize the side effects of using lemon for beauty.

Skin irritation

Skin irritation is the most common side effect of lemon use. You may experience skin changes such as dry, red, and peeling skin. For those with dry skin, this effect can be even worse.

For this reason, the use of lemon as a beauty treatment is not suitable for dry skin owners.

Phytophotodermatitis

Phytophotodermatitis is an allergic skin reaction caused by citrus fruits, parsley, celery, and carrots.

When you have lemon acid residue on your skin and are exposed to UV rays afterwards, an inflammatory reaction can occur.

This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and blistering.

Leukoderma

Leukoderma or vitiligo is a skin disorder that occurs due to loss of melanin. Some people who use lemon to lighten dark spots don't realize that the threat of leukoderma is lurking.

Sunburn

Using lemon before leaving the house is not recommended because it can cause sunburn.

If you want to start using lemon as a facial treatment, you should try applying it once a day during the day. Immediately discontinue use if signs of an allergy appear on the skin.