Lemons are highly acidic and teem with vitamin C, which can help lighten dark spots. (via Healthline).
However, lemon juice can irritate the skin. To prevent this, mix it with a hydrating agent. Try coconut oil. It has natural bleaching properties, and the oil also hydrates the skin. Apply it to your dark patches twice a day.
Age spots
Lemons have made a huge impression in the culinary world, adding lemony zest to savory dishes and desserts. But the citrus fruit has transcended the kitchen and entered the beauty sphere with its ability to clear up dark spots on skin.
Age spots, also called liver spots, are caused by years of sun exposure and result in melanin accumulation. They are harmless but can be embarrassing and can make you look older than your true age. Fortunately, there are natural home remedies to reduce their appearance such as rubbing lemon juice directly on the brown spot twice daily and using an aloe vera gel or lotion.
Applying coconut oil directly on the dark patches hydrates skin and helps lighten them. Another option is to mix apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the discolored areas. This is also effective for reversing hyperpigmentation due to acne and stretch marks.
Acne scars
Lemon juice has long been a popular folk remedy for fading the dark marks that remain after pimples heal, thanks to citric acid. This natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) has been shown to speed up cell renewal, lightening spots and scars. A plethora of DIY skincare blogs and YouTube videos still extol the benefits of this natural acne treatment.
While the astringent properties of lemon juice are awesome for shrinking pores and helping to reduce excess oil, dermatologists warn that it’s not a good idea to apply it directly to your acne. “The PH of lemon is much higher than your skin, which can cause burns and increase sensitivity to the sun,” says Nussbaum.
A similar warning goes for those who want to use lemon juice on their existing blemishes and acne scars. Using lemon on blemishes, or over extended periods of time can lead to Phyto photodermatitis, an extremely painful hyperpigmentation condition that causes your skin to become more sun-sensitive and can eventually turn into a sunburn.
Dark patches
Dark patches on your skin can be a result of hormonal imbalance, stress, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders and other health issues. These can be treated by using natural ingredients like lemon juice and turmeric. These have the property of naturally bleaching your skin and reducing dark spots in just a few weeks.
Another option is to use a serum with alpha hydroxy acids (to speed up skin turnover) or vitamin C, which is a mighty skincare ingredient that brightens and fades hyperpigmentation. These are proven ingredients that are safe and effective.
Rubbing lemon on the elbows is a quick remedy for darker knee and elbow skin that is a common problem due to being constantly rubbed by clothes. You can also mix tomato and lemon juice and apply this to the dark skin. The tomato and lemon juice contain lycopene and beta-carotene, which lighten the skin and help heal sun damage. This is a good alternative to over-the-counter products with harsh chemicals.
Sun spots
The mighty lemon has transcended the kitchen to reach the starting line of an entirely new domain: the beauty and skincare realm. It is being touted as a miracle ingredient for everything from clearing acne scars to lightening dark spots and more. But can lemons really do what they claim?
Lemons contain vitamin C and citric acid, which have some mild bleaching properties that can reduce dark/brown spots. However, these results are usually not permanent.
Healthline warns that applying lemon juice directly to the skin can cause damage. The acidity of each lemon is different, and it can vary widely depending on its pH level. It may burn or dry out the skin, causing redness and irritation.
A better alternative is to use a natural serum that contains vitamin C and other safe ingredients. Or try this homemade recipe for a facial mask: Mix together 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons honey, and 3 drops of coconut oil. Apply it to your dark patches and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse well and moisturize.