Side Effects of Lemon on Face: A few days ago, lemon as a skincare ingredient was all over my Instagram feed. From brightening face packs to tan-removal remedies, DIY packs were all I was seeing. Curious about its Vitamin C benefits, I didn’t think much about its acidic nature, especially when I have a sensitive skin type. So, I tried because this lemon DIY home remedy was easy, quick and convenient as every ingredient I needed was already available in my kitchen.
For years, lemon has been commercialised in skincare products, and it has always been a part of traditionally used skincare habits. This is because it is packed with properties like vitamin C and citric acid, which are believed to brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and remove tan. However, what most people like me don’t realise is that it is highly acidic in nature and might feel harsh on the skin or worse, especially for people with a sensitive skin type.
Lemon On Sensitive Skin (Image Credit: Canva)
I used lemon on my face in two ways. The first time, I began by cleansing my face with a mild cleanser. Then, in a clean bowl, I mixed honey, brown sugar, and lemon to make a homemade scrub. But as soon as I applied it to my face and neck, I felt my skin started burning, not a mild tingling, but discomfort. So, I washed it off my face.
Despite an unpleasant experience, I decided to give lemon a second chance. This time, I wanted to be more careful and responsible. I did a patch test, and everything seemed fine to move forward.
This Was What My Routine Looked Like:
- First, I cleansed my face with raw milk.
- Then, I did a scrub with lemon and sugar mix.
- Lastly, I applied a face pack made with lemon, besan (gram flour), and a pinch of haldi (turmeric).
At first, the results seemed amazing. Instantly, my skin felt brighter and cleaner.
The next day, I applied only a lemon face pack, and everything seemed fine. However, on the third day, my skin felt red, irritated, and patchy, and then the black marks appeared. My skin was ruined for a week. My skin barrier was damaged, and I regretted using lemon on my face.
What Did I Do To Heal My Skin?
- Rose water toner.
- Moisturiser
- No active ingredients.
- A lot of patience
I healed my skin with nothing much, just a rose water toner and a moisturiser that suits my skin type. Gradually, my skin returned to normal.
Lessons Learned:
1. Do A Patch Test The Right Way
A quick test does not always work. So, apply a small amount of the mixture to a clean, hidden area like your inner forearm or behind your ear. Leave it on for 24 hours, monitor for any redness or itching, and repeat the test for 3 to 5 consecutive days to rule out delayed reactions.
2. Don’t Trust Everything You See On The Internet
Every skin is different; what suits others might not work for you, and trying that home remedy may turn into your biggest regret.
3. Consult An Expert:
If you have skin concerns, like acne, pigmentations or other skin allergies, consult a dermatologist, who will guide you right as per your personalised skin type and concerns.
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4. Home Remedies Have Limitations.
People assume that natural ingredients are safe. However, that is not the case most times; ingredients like lemon are acidic in nature, and can irritate the skin, especially due to regular use or using it in unsaturated form.
5. Listen To Your Skin
Wash it off as soon as you feel the DIY home remedy is not feeling gentle on your skin. Any signs of discomfort, redness or irritation are red flags.
ALSO READ: Gel Moisturiser vs Cream Moisturiser: Which One Keeps Skin Fresh In Summer?
For me, this whole incident was a firm reminder that not all viral skincare trends are foolproof. Lemon might have worked for many, but it was too harsh for my sensitive skin. That temporary brightness caused me a week of irritation and redness. Therefore, the safest skincare routine is to opt for gentle products, which don’t give quick results but are good for long-term, healthy skincare habits.