What Are the Benefits of a Lemon Face Scrub?

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.