10 Best Homemade Lemon Face Packs For Clear Skin
Easy face mask recipes you can try with this citrus fruit to keep your skin bright and clear.
By , Certified Skin Care Coach
When life gives you lemons, make DIY lemon face packs! They are loaded with vitamin C (1) , an antioxidant that may help reduce hyperpigmentation and aging signs. It is not advised to apply lemon juice directly to your face as it may irritate the skin. However, if you want to give it a try, follow (sparingly, though) the DIY lemon face pack recipes suggested below. Scroll down.
10 Lemon Face Packs You Can Try At Home
1. Honey And Lemon Face Pack
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Honey has a moisturizing effect on your skin (2). When mixed with lemon juice, it keeps your skin soft and bright.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
Method
- Dilute the lemon juice with water in a bowl.
- Mix honey in it and spread the mixture on a cleansed face.
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
2. Turmeric And Lemon Face Pack
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help prevent photoaging, acne, and several other skin conditions (3). This face pack will have a therapeutic effect on your skin.
You Will Need
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon water or rose water
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon organic honey
Method
- Dilute the lemon juice with water or rose water in a bowl.
- Mix honey and turmeric into it.
- Apply the pack it all over your face and neck.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
3. Gram Flour (Besan) And Lemon Face Pack
Gram flour or besan has an exfoliating effect on your skin. It also helps to reduce tanning (4). This face pack is best to even out your skin tone.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water or rose water (adjust the quantity as per the need)
- 1 tablespoon besan or gram flour
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Once you get the desired consistency, spread it evenly on your face.
- Let it dry completely.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 1-2 times a week.
4. Lemon And Aloe Vera Face Pack
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Aloe vera helps to improve skin hydration levels and also promotes collagen and elastin production. This prevents wrinkles and keeps your skin youthful (5). This face pack is best for you if you are looking for antiaging benefits.
You Will Need
- Juice of half a lemon (diluted)
- 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera pulp
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method
- Blend the aloe vera pulp in a blender.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly on your face.
- Let it dry.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
5. Lemon And Potato Face Pack
Applying potato on your skin can help reduce freckles and spots. It also calms your skin and reduces itching and inflammation (6). This face pack can give you toned and clear skin.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon diluted lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon raw potato juice
Method
- Mix both the ingredients.
- Apply the mixture on your face with a brush.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Wash off with cold water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
6. Lemon And Papaya Peel Face Mask
Papaya peel is widely used in cosmetics due to its skin lightening properties. It contains Vitamin A that helps restore damaged skin (7).
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon dried papaya (ripe) peel powder
- 1 tablespoon ripe papaya pulp
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon diluted lemon juice
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
- Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
- Keep it on for 20-25 minutes or until it dries.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2 times a week.
7. Lemon Juice And Banana
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Banana is not only good for your health, but it also feels good on the skin. A mashed ripe banana has a soothing effect on the skin. Usually, the skin feels soft once you wipe it off.
You Will Need
- ½ ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon diluted lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method
- Use a fork to mash the ripe banana in a bowl.
- Add honey and lemon. Mix well.
- Apply it all over your face.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes or until it dries.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
8. Lemon And Fuller’s Earth Face Pack
Fuller’s earth is widely used for its cosmetic and skin care benefits. It is also known as Multani mitti. It is known to absorb oil and impurities from the skin and is considered an excellent cleanser for oily skinned people.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon Fuller’s earth
- 1 tablespoon diluted lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
- Apply the paste on your face.
- Let it dry. Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2 times a week.
9. Lemon And Yogurt Face Mask
Probiotics are good for your gut health. Applying yogurt topically can calm the skin. People often use yogurt on the skin to soothe sunburn and for its rejuvenating effects.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (diluted)
- A pinch of turmeric (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply all over your face and neck with a makeup brush.
- Leave it to dry for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Wash with warm water.
- Repeat 3 times a week.
10. Tomato And Lemon Face Mask
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People often rub tomato on their skin for its astringent-like effect. Anecdotal evidence says that the topical application of tomato also helps to shrink pores.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water
Method
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Use a makeup brush to apply the mixture all over the face and neck.
- Let it dry. Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
The ingredients mentioned in these recipes are easily available, and these masks can be easily prepared at home. Using lemon juice on the face has several benefits. Take a look.
Benefits Of Applying Lemon On Your Skin
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1. It Is Beneficial For Acne
Applying lemon juice on acne can help reduce inflammation. A study found that a high concentration of lemon juice (20% to 100%) could inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus (8).
2. It Brightens Your Skin
Lemon extract is used in skin brightening creams, such as Meladerm. Skin Bright, and Lucederm. This is because lemon has skin bleaching properties and can inhibit pigment production (9). If you have dark spots and marks on your skin, lemon juice can help reduce their appearance and even out your skin tone.
3. It Has Antiaging Benefits
Lemon juice contains high levels of citric acid (1.44 g/oz) compared to lime juice (1.38 g/oz) (10). Citric acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that is commonly used in topical creams and solutions for its antiaging properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that keeps your skin healthy (11).
Moreover, vitamin C is widely used in toners and serums for its antioxidant and astringent benefits. It is perfect for oily skin types, especially those who have large skin pores. The astringent property of vitamin C helps to shrink the skin pores and reduce sebum and excess oil.
However, before using lemon juice on your face, you should also be aware of its side effects.
Precautions To Take When Using Lemon On The Face
- Using lemon juice on the face is risky if you have sensitive skin. Lemon juice is acidic and easily irritates the skin and may cause itching, burning, and rashes.
- Due to its acidic nature, lemon has a drying effect on your skin. Avoid using lemon juice in excessive amounts
- Always dilute lemon juice with water or rose water before using it on the face. Otherwise, it may cause dryness, redness, and irritation.
- Never go out in the sun after applying lemon juice on your face. Citrus fruit extracts often cause photodermatitis and sunburn. If you are going out in the sun, apply sunscreen, and take measures to protect your skin from direct sun rays.
- Always do a patch test on a small part of your facial skin before applying lemon juice to the entire face. This will help avoid any negative side effects in case your skin is intolerant to citrus extracts.
Lemon face packs benefit the skin in multiple ways. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its wonderful skin benefits. Lemons help fight acne, brighten the skin, fight the signs of aging, and promote skin health. To make these face packs, you can mix lemon with honey, turmeric, gram flour, aloe vera, papaya, potato, banana, Fuller’s earth, yogurt, and tomatoes. However, usage of lemons in excess may trigger skin irritation and itching. Also, do a patch test before applying these face packs as lemon may cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sugar and lemon good for your face?
Yes, the presence of vitamin C in lemon and the exfoliating properties of sugar make them an effective solution for your skin care issues. However, do not use it on sensitive skin.
How long should I leave lemon on my face?
You may leave lemon on the face for 5-10 minutes. However, do a patch test and never apply undiluted lemon juice to your skin.
Does lemon lighten skin permanently?
Lemon may help brighten the skin, but the result may not be permanent.
Sources
- Vitamin C in dermatology, Indian Dermatology Online Journal, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/ - Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429 - Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27213821 - In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack, The Open Dermatology Journal.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1ca2/5c17343fd28d0dfa868e2abd0919f8e986dd.pdf - Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies, Ayu, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611630/ - Health Benefits and Cons of Solanum tuberosum, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
http://www.plantsjournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_jan_2013/3.pdf - Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Carica papaya, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
http://www.plantsjournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_jan_2013/2.pdf - ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Citrus limon ON Acnevulgaris (PIMPLES), International Journal of Science Inventions Today.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/74f3/74e7aa23dd53e4660323a31d858c97fafa39.pdf - The Hunt for Natural Skin Whitening Agents, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/ - Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products, Journal of Endourology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637791/ - Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047947/
