Is it possible to use lemon to treat melasma, which affects many people? What are the advantages and drawbacks that you need to be aware of? Here are the details in this article.
Melasma is one of the common skin problems that occurs due to hyperpigmentation on the face and chest area in particular. We'll go into more detail about treating melasma with lemon in the lines that follow:
Melasma treatment with lemon: is it possible?
Because it contains beneficial active ingredients in this regard, like: Lemon may be helpful in removing dark spots, melasma, and freckles that develop on the skin as a result of various causes.
- Citric acid, which removes dead skin cells and exfoliates the skin.
- The skin's melanin activity is decreased by ascorbic acid.
- Vitamin E, which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve the skin's radiance.
Melasma treatment with lemon: how is it possible?
There are a number of ways to use lemon to treat melasma that can be tried, but we cannot be certain of its efficacy because some people may benefit from it while others will not see any changes.
1. Lemon to treat melasma
To treat melasma, lemon juice can be applied to the affected areas with a piece of cotton and left on for about 20 minutes before being rinsed off with warm water. If the skin is sensitive, it is preferable to dilute the lemon juice with a little water to prevent irritation.
2. Melasma treatment using lemon and aloe vera
Aloin, a component of aloe vera, has a skin-lightening effect that is amplified when combined with lemon. Apply the mixture to the skin by combining 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. After the skin absorbs it completely, rinse well.
3. Melasma treatment using lemon and turmeric
By mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of milk, applying the mixture to the skin, and rinsing it off after 10 minutes, 2-3 times per week, topical application of turmeric may help with the removal of spots and melasma.
4. Using coconut oil and lemon to treat melasma
In addition to the bleaching properties found in lemon, coconut oil helps protect the skin from UV damage, and it can be used by mixing 2-3 drops of coconut oil with 2-3 drops of lemon juice, and applying the mixture to the affected areas for 20 minutes. Use it once daily and wait 25 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
5. Melasma treatment using lemon and apple cider vinegar
It is believed that apple cider vinegar also has an effect in relieving melasma when mixed with lemon, and it is used by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of it with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of water, then it is distributed on the melasma and left for 8-10 minutes beforehand. Use it more than once during the week after rinsing.
Damage to melasma treatment with lemon
Despite the benefits that can be obtained from lemon to treat the problem of melasma, it may cause some side effects, and the following is a list of them:
- Lemon's acids can irritate the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin, who may also experience severe dryness and peeling in addition to the irritation.
- The skin reacts with citrus fruits when exposed to sunlight, resulting in photodermatitis, which causes swelling, redness, and the appearance of tiny blisters.
- Vitiligo: This condition develops when the skin's melanin, which gives skin its colour, disappears.
- Sunburn: When using lemon and going outside in the sun, the risk of sunburn increases.