As someone who has spent a lot of time learning about skincare, finding out how to properly care for and maintain an even skin tone is top of the list. Using natural products has never seemed to fail. Essential oils are commonly used and I quickly began to question if lemon essential oil could be used on the skin, specifically to lighten your skin.
A lemon essential oil is a great way to lighten your skin naturally. Lemon essential oil is known to give a gentle exfoliation which leads to brighter-looking skin. This is ideal for those with hyperpigmentation as it can aid in lightening any dark spots you may have.
The quality of your oil plays a big factor when it comes to whether or not this hack will work. High-quality essential oil is generally marked “100% pure essential oil”. This ensures the oil isn’t diluted and you’re getting the real thing instead of some mix.
How To Use Lemon Essential Oil on Your Skin
Lemon essential oil is quite a strong oil that generally needs to be diluted if you plan on using it directly on the skin. This can be done through the use of a carrier oil. Carrier oils are a base oil used to help keep the skin safe and are generally plant-based.
In order to mix essential oils and a carrier oil, it’s important to note that the essential oil should never exceed 2% of the total mix. This ensures the oil is properly diluted and won’t be too strong.
If you plan on using lemon oil on your skin you should spot-treat specific areas. This means you can use your essential oil and carrier oil mixture to treat any specific dark areas. You can leave this mixture on for up to 5 minutes.
After spot-treating with the oil, it’s important to go on with your normal skincare routine. This means washing the area off and following up with steps such as toning and moisturizing.
Other Ways To Utilize Lemon Essential Oil
Using lemon essential oil in your everyday life is surprisingly easy as there are a lot of non-conventional ways to use the oil. Lemon oil also tends to be a household item making it convenient as you likely already have it on hand.
- Diffusing the oil – Utilizing lemon oil in aromatherapy has been proven to be an instant mood booster. You can also use a concentrate of this oil to get rid of any unpleasant smells that may be lingering in your refrigerator or trash areas.
- Use in your skincare routine – As we’ve discussed, this oil is great as it aids in gentle exfoliation and has antibacterial factors. This makes it a perfect additional step in your skincare routine if you’re dealing with acne or hyperpigmentation.
- Add to your food – Adding lemon oil to your food will intensify the overall lemon flavor you are already aiming to achieve. Whether you’re looking to add the oil to your water or next lemon cake, utilizing this oil is sure to invigorate your dish. Just ensure the specific oil you use is digestible and of high quality.
Knowing that lemon oil has multiple uses makes it a great choice for any just starting to learn about essential oils. Lemon oil can be your one-stop shop for all your needs until you get more comfortable branching out. It’s also a good idea to invest in a quality oil.
Benefits of Using a Lemon Essential Oil on Your Skin
Along with gentle exfoliation lemon oil is great for killing bacteria. This is perfect for anyone with acne-prone skin. Bacteria can easily get trapped in your skin pores so using lemon essential oil can aid in killing the bacteria and clarifying your skin.
Not only does the antibacterial oil help those struggling with acne, but it can also help with treating wounds. This natural remedy can be used as an antiseptic which ensures the wound is clean and can help it clear faster.
Another very popular use of lemon essential oil on the skin is when it comes to deterring insects. Adding lemon oil to some water and carrier oil will allow you to create a natural insect repellent. This is a great way to create your own non-toxic and natural bug repellent.
Since lemon oil is natural, this is perfect for all those who have skin allergies. Lemon oil may be a less irritating alternative to use on the skin as compared to products bought at the store.
How Long Does It Take Lemon Oil To Lighten Skin?
At minimum, it takes about 1 week before you will start to see results. On average, around the 2 week mark is when you will really be able to see the differences. Keep in mind lemon oil provides mild exfoliation and the results may not be as fast as other methods.
The specific oils you use can also have an effect on how long this process takes. Ensuring the oils are high quality can give you better results. If you use a mix instead of 100$ pure oil, the results will likely take double the time.
Another factor to consider is how dark the areas you’re trying to lighten are. If you want dramatic results, you probably won’t get it with lemon essential oil as it will take a good amount of time. Have patience and let the natural products do the best they can.
The Takeaway
Using lemon essential oil is a great way to lighten your skin naturally. This natural exfoliant is perfect for anyone struggling with dark marks. It’s important to remember to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil so that it doesn’t do any lasting damage to your skin.
Lemon oil is also extremely versatile allowing you to use it in more ways than just on your skin. Utilizing the oil in your skincare, aromatherapy, and when cooking is just one of the few ways to ensure you’re getting the full advantage of the oil.
While it may take some time for you to see any difference with lemon essential oil lightening your skin, be patient. Results differ per person and you can expect it to take at least 2 weeks before you start to see lasting results. If you can invest in some quality lemon essential oil, do it!
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