We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cosmetic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Benefits of a Lemon Face Scrub?

By T. Alaine
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 64,408
References
Share

Using a lemon face scrub can be beneficial in solving skin care dilemmas such acne, age spots, skin discoloration, or dull complexion. The exfoliating properties of a facial scrub are enhanced by the acidic properties of lemon juice, which promotes the removal of dead skin cells and emergence of fresh, smooth, clear skin. A lemon scrub, which can easily be made at home, will also contain vitamin C, which has powerful antioxidant properties believed to fend off free radicals and protect against sun damage.

The purpose of any face scrub is to slough away dead skin cells by massaging a coarse-grained gel, cream, or paste over the skin and then rinsing the product away. A lemon face scrub can be particularly effective because the lemon contains ascorbic, or citric, acid, which is known for its exfoliating abilities. Those acidic qualities of lemon juice combined with exfoliating particles creates a powerful scrub that uses two different methods for removing dead skin cells and leaves the skin smooth and brightened.

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, in lemon juice also contributes to the benefits of using a lemon face scrub. Skin needs vitamins for nutrition and depends on them to remain healthy, supple, and vibrant. Vitamin C is particularly important for skin care because it helps fend off environmental damage and collagen destruction caused by both free radicals and sunlight, which can prevent signs of aging such as dryness, wrinkles, and age spots.

If skin ailments such as wrinkles and discoloration are already present, this scrub can also help minimize their appearance. Lemon juice is extolled for its lightening abilities, which can ease the prominence of patches of irregularly darkened skin often referred to as age spots. Topically applied vitamin C is also believed to help reverse damage from free radicals and sun exposure that break down collagen in the skin and cause wrinkles; such a reversal would mean hydrated, supple skin instead of dryness and lines.

Another benefit of using a lemon scrub is to reduce oiliness and acne blemishes. Proper exfoliation clears dead skin away from the pores and prevents oil from being trapped inside them and developing into pimples. Additionally, lemon juice has astringent and antiseptic properties that help reduce oil and fight bacteria that can cause breakouts. One possible qualm is that since lemon is acidic it can be drying on some skin types, and a moisturizer might be necessary after the use of a lemon face scrub.

Making a lemon face scrub at home is quite simple and inexpensive, which is certainly another benefit. An example of one of the simplest options is to mix lemon juice with a splash of milk and some table sugar to form an exfoliating paste. Other moisturizing ingredients might be honey, olive oil, or essential oils, and some possible exfoliating particles might be oatmeal or finely crushed nuts.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By anon977300 — On Nov 10, 2014

I am male and I have tried the lemon as face scrub. I found a visible difference but I am worried if it causes any skin disease in the future.

By fBoyle — On Dec 19, 2013

@burcidi-- It's okay to use commercial lemon face cleansers and scrubs, but make sure that they really have lemon in it.

It's the ascorbic acid and the vitamin C in lemon that are beneficial for skin. A skin cleanser with just a lemon scent is not going to do anything. It should have added vitamin C and ascorbic acid.

I also think that it's better to use a lemons scrub rather than a cleanser because a scrub opens up pores and helps skin absorb ingredients. So the ingredients in a cleanser might not get absorbed without exfoliation.

By burcidi — On Dec 18, 2013

@ysmina-- A lemon face scrub will lighten skin over time, but don't expect anything dramatic. Overall, it will make your skin brighter and probably a shade lighter.

I don't think it's a good idea to use a lemon face scrub every day, especially if the scrub has a physical exfoliant like coarse sugar or salt. Exfoliating too frequently will irritate your skin. I personally exfoliate 2-3 times a week, and I have oily skin. People with dry skin only need to exfoliate once or twice.

Also, if you plan on using a lemon face scrub regularly, I recommend buying one. I tried a DIY lemon face scrub once. It was nice but it was messy and took time to prepare. It's not convenient to use on a regular basis.

By ysmina — On Dec 18, 2013

Will a lemon face scrub really lighten my skin tone? Do I have to use it everyday for it to work?

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-lemon-face-scrub.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.