When we were kids, our introduction to lemons wasn’t so friendly. (it went something like this.) But now that we’re all been brought up, we actually like the tangy flavor it adds to our recipes for chicken, cookies and, most importantly, cocktails.
Nevertheless, now our relationship with lemons has moved from the kitchen to the bathroom, as we take into account the citrus fruit into our beauty regimen. Lemons are an important source of calcium, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium — minerals and antioxidants that improve the appearance and condition of our hair, skin and nails. So we present nine awesome uses for lemons you should know. Tip: Keep in mind that lemon juice should not be left in the body for extended periods of time and may have severe reactions when exposed to the sun. Always refer to your doctor if you get any concerns.
1. They heal acne and remove blackheads. Lemons’ antibacterial and antifungal properties make them a genuine alternative to deal with acne. Simply slice opens a lemon and rubs it across your face. Or you can add the following few drops of honey to a lemon half before applying it directly to the area where you have blackheads. Wait five to 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
2. They lighten dark spots and blemishes. Acne scars and marks are embarrassing and a pain to get rid of. Lemon juice’s citric acid is gradually fades spots and evens your skin tone. Be careful of open wounds or cuts on the face, as it can sting really bad.
3. They whiten teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments can cost a fortune. Save yourself a lot of money and time with a homemade teeth whitener using baking soda and lemon juice. Mix the two ingredients into a bubble solution and put onto your teeth with a Q-tip. Go on for no more than one minute (the acid is strong enough to destroy tooth enamel) and gently scrub off with a toothbrush.
4. They get rid of oily skin. We’ve tested out some pretty weird ways to bring down the shine on our faces, including laxatives. Nonetheless, swiping a cotton swab with a little lemon juice is no less effective. Try being the leader before bed and washing your face the next morning to prevent oily skin.
5. They brighten your hair color. The cheapest highlights you’ll ever pay for involve making a trip to the grocery store to buy lemons. Combine lemon juice and hair conditioner, comb through the strands, seats in the sun for a few hours and washes out. Repeat these steps at least once a week, and you will discover that your hair is significantly lighter.
6. They strengthen nails. There are tons of nail hardeners on the shelves at your local drugstore, but you can get the same results — and naturally — using olive oil and lemon juice. The solution will not be only conditional weak and brittle nails, but it will also whiten yellowing nails.
7. They are calm dry scalp and remedy dandruff. We’re huge believers in DIY hair masks. Massaging a combination of household staples like coconut oil, olive oil and raw honey with lemon juice onto your scalp is a simple solution for dry scalp and dandruff.
8. They soothe chapped lips. Another overnight beauty treatment that only requires slicing open a lemon is an exfoliant for chapped lips. Rub the fruit onto your pucker, then wash off the next morning. The lemon juice will eliminate dead skin cells so that your lipstick goes on super smooth.
9. They cleanse the face and body. If you’re unsure about what’s lurking inside your favorite face or body wash, you can continue to be specified with a homemade cleanser made out of lemon juice, yogurt and an essential oil like lavender or chamomile. Message this on to eliminate dirt and bacteria, while moisturizing your skin at the same time.
You get used lemons in your beauty regimen?