Skip the Lemon Juice for Pimples Here’s Why

Using lemon juice as a pimple spot treatment sounds logical because it contains acids like citric acid that can exfoliate. The logic fails on safety. Fresh lemon juice is highly acidic, phototoxic, and unpredictable in strength. It can burn, irritate, and worsen hyperpigmentation, especially with sun exposure. If you still try it, dilute heavily, test a tiny area first, avoid daytime use, and wear sunscreen. Better choice: proven spot treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or azelaic acid.

Lemon Juice

Type: Exfoliant (rich in citric acid, an AHA)

Key benefits: Helps shed dead skin cells, clears sebum and debris from pores, may offer mild antibacterial action.

Who should use it: Not recommended for blemish treatment. If attempted, limit to mild acne and never apply on broken skin.

How often: Very sparingly. At most once daily on alternate days.

Pairs well with: No specific pairing recommended for spot use.

Avoid combining with: Other acids or retinoids due to high irritation risk.

What Is Lemon Juice

It is the liquid from lemons. Its components can look useful for acne. Many skincare formulas include controlled amounts of lemon-derived acids. Applying fresh juice is not equivalent. Shelf products are formulated for safe concentrations.

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Benefits for Acne

• Citric acid (an AHA): Exfoliates and helps keep pores clear.

• Antimicrobial effect: High acidity can reduce acne-related bacteria.

• Astringency: Temporarily reduces surface oil and the look of pores.

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): An antioxidant that can support brightening, but there are better delivery systems than raw juice.

  
  

Side Effects

High irritation risk due to low pH. Can sting, peel, and redden skin. In sun, citrus juice can trigger phytophotodermatitis, causing dark rashes. In general it can increase photosensitivity.

How to Use

Best practice is not to use fresh lemon juice on skin. Choose proven spot treatments such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or azelaic acid. If you still test it: only on non-sensitive, mild acne; patch test off-face; dilute; apply as a brief spot treatment then rinse; use daily sunscreen; stop at any sign of irritation or discoloration.

FAQ

Does lemon juice get rid of acne?

Not recommended. If you insist, use only on mild acne, never on broken skin.

What makes lemon juice seem useful in skincare?

It is rich in citric acid, an exfoliant that can help keep pores clear.

How often can it be used?

Very sparingly. At most once daily on alternating days.

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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II