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This article was co-authored by Barbie Ritzman. Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
This article has been viewed 33,345 times.
Lemon oil is a popular essential oil used in aromatherapy and cleaning products because of its fresh, delicious scent. Lemon oil is also thought to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, calming, and hydrating when used correctly. Because of this, some people like to use it for beauty purposes, though it’s important to understand some possible risks. Citrus oils are photosensitive, meaning if they’re exposed to the sun on your skin, you can experience skin lightening or sunburns.[1]Be sure to do a patch test, and dilute your lemon oil with other ingredients, to use it cosmetically.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Doing a Patch Test
Mix 6 drops of lemon oil with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) a carrier oil. Commonly used carrier oils include olive oil and coconut oil. Not all carrier oils are right for all skin types, so look into the right oil for you before you apply it.[2]- Grapeseed oil, for example, is good if you have acne-prone skin, while almond oil is good for dry skin.[3]
- Most facial recipes using lemon oil should have the lemon oil be only about 5% of the total recipe. Anything higher includes more risks of allergic reaction and phototoxicity.
Apply 2-3 drops of the oil mix onto a Bandaid. Use a dropper or cotton swab to apply the oil mix onto the gauze pad of a clean Bandaid. Be sure to cover the pad completely to get the best results.[4]
Place the Bandaid on the inside of your forearm for 48 hours. Choose a spot on the inside of your forearm just below your elbow to do your patch test, and place the Bandaid there. You’re going to leave the Bandaid on for 48 hours to monitor for reactions.[5]
Remove the Bandaid immediately if you have a reaction. If you experience any redness, itching, swelling, or burning, remove the Bandaid immediately. Rinse your arm with warm running water, apply soap, and scrub the soapy area for 20 seconds. Then rinse the area well and dry your arm. [6]- Repeat washing your arm if necessary. If a second washing does not lessen your reaction, seek medical attention promptly.
- If your reaction is mild, you could also use calamine lotion or take an anti-histamine to help treat your symptoms.
Avoid using lemon oil in the future if you experience a reaction. Symptoms to look for include redness, swelling, itching, burning, or blisters. If you have any of these reactions, you should avoid using products with lemon oil.[7]- You may not have any reaction the first time you do a patch test, but it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction later.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Using a Lemon Oil Mask for Acne or Scars
Buy a dark glass bottle with dropper. Citrus oils can break down plastic bottles. You can find essential oil bottles that are dark glass and come with a dropper at some health food stores and online.[8]
Put 30 drops of lemon oil into your empty glass bottle. For this recipe, you will mix 3 different kinds of essential oils, then put a few drops of the mixture into other ingredients to make your mask. Put the lemon oil into your empty bottle, place the dropper cap back on your lemon oil, and put it away.[9]
Add 30 drops of tea tree oil and 30 drops of lavender oil to your bottle. Tea tree oil and lavender oil are other essential oils commonly used for skin care. Add 30 drops of each to your lemon oil in your new oil bottle. Then shake the oil mixture for about 10 seconds.[10]- You can find pure tea tree oil at pharmacies, at health food stores, and online.
Mix 3 tsp (15 mL) of raw honey with 2 tsp (9.9 mL) plain yogurt in a bowl. Raw honey and plain, unsweetened yogurt will provide the base for your mask. Both have nutritious, healing properties that work well when combined with the oils of this recipe.[11]
Add 5 drops of your oil to the bowl and mix it. Take your essential oil blend and add 5 drops to the mask base. Replace the cap of your oil blend and put it the bottle away. Mix the contents of the bowl together using a spoon for about 30 seconds.[12]
Massage the blend into your face. Scoop the contents of the bowl with your hands and apply the mask to your entire face. Focus on breakouts and spots with acne scars. [13]- Avoid the areas around your eyes, as well as your lips, when applying the mask. Get the mask mostly on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
Wait 15 minutes then rinse the mask off with warm water. Allow the mask to dry on your face for 15 minutes. Then take warm water in your hands and rinse it off completely over the sink, making sure to get all the mask off.- If you start having any discomfort or reaction on your skin before the 15 minutes is up, such as redness, itching, burning, rinse the mask off before the 15 minutes is up, and wash your face with soap and water.
Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before going out in sun to prevent irritation. If you use essential oils, especially citrus oils, on your skin, you should take extra precautions by using sunscreen when you’re outdoors to prevent irritation and burns. Use a daily formula of sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above. Reapply it every 2 hours that you are in the sun.[14]- If you are swimming, you may need to reapply your sunscreen more often.
- An extra precautionary measure is to wear a large brimmed hat for protecting your face when you’re in the sun.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Making a Skin Toner for Oily Skin
Buy a 4 fluid ounces (120 mL) dark glass bottle with a spray mist cap. This toner works particularly well to even out oily skin and clean congested pores if you spray it on. Look for a bottle that’s dark glass to protect the ingredients inside from direct light. Most of these bottles come in dark blue or brown glass, and are available online and at some health food stores.[15]
Add 50 g (1.8 oz) of lemon water to 30 g (1.1 oz) of orange blossom water. Both of these waters are known for their refreshing and soothing qualities. Orange blossom water is available for purchase at health food stores and online. Use a liquid measuring glass to measure the correct amounts of each water, then pour them into your glass bottle with a funnel. [16]- You can make your own lemon water easily by slicing 1-2 lemons and allowing the slices to sit in a pitcher of water for a few hours.
Add 15 grams (0.53 oz) of pure aloe vera and 4 drops of lemon oil to the bottle. Aloe vera is a plant whose liquid soothes the skin. Measure out the aloe vera with a liquid measuring glass and pour it into your small glass bottle. Then add your lemon oil to your bottle and put the lemon oil away. [17]- You can find both aloe vera liquid and gel at many health food stores or online.
Shake the bottle for 30 seconds and spray the toner on your face. To mix the ingredients, give the bottle a good shake or roll it around in your palms for at least 30 seconds. You want to make sure all the ingredients are dissolved, especially the aloe vera if you used gel. Then close your eyes and spray the toner evenly on your face.[18]- Avoid your eye and mouth areas when spraying on the toner, and just get it on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
Allow the toner to remain on your face for 5 minutes then rinse it. If your skin feels tingly or tight, this is the cleansing effects of the toner. These feelings are fine, but if you have any burning, strong itching, redness, or swelling, rinse the toner off immediately and then wash your face with soap and water.[19]
Wear SPF 30 sunscreen before going out in sun because of phototoxicity. If you use essential oils, especially citrus oils, on your skin, you should take extra precautions to use sunscreen when you’re outdoors. Use a daily formula of sunscreen that is SPF 30 and above. Reapply it every 2 hours that you are in the sun.[20]- If you are swimming, you may need to reapply your sunscreen more often.
- An extra precautionary measure to take is to wear a large brimmed hat for protecting your face when you’re in the sun.
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionCan lemon oil lighten skin?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, lemon oil can fade scars and brighten the skin, but it will require repeated use to see these effects. Use at least once a week, adding a few drops to a mask or moisturizer. - QuestionIs applying lemon on your face good?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistLemon is a natural antiseptic that cleanses and clarifies the skin. It is great for acne, dark spots, and even wrinkles, but may be slightly dehydrating and should be avoided if you have dry skin. - QuestionIs lemon oil good for your skin?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistThere is some debate about this, but I would say yes as long as it isn't used at too high a concentration. You should do a patch test before you start to use it to make sure you don't have a reaction as it is a stimulating oil.
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Warnings
- Always do a patch test on your arm before using any types of essential oils on your face.Thanks
- Avoid using essential oils on your skin if you already have very sensitive skin that is prone to rashes and reactions from various soaps or lotions.Thanks
- Always wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher while you’re outside if you use citrus essential oils cosmetically.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skin care, check out our in-depth interview with Barbie Ritzman.
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/are-essential-oils-safe
- ↑ https://bodyunburdened.com/best-face-oils-skin-type/
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/are-essential-oils-safe
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/are-essential-oils-safe
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/ways-to-cleanse-and-energize-with-lemon-oil.html
- ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/essential-oils-safety-sensitive-skin-allergies-guidelines-tea-tree-peppermint-rose
- ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-natural-diy-face-toner/
- ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-natural-diy-face-toner/
- ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-natural-diy-face-toner/
- ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-natural-diy-face-toner/
- ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-natural-diy-face-toner/
- ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/essential-oils-safety-sensitive-skin-allergies-guidelines-tea-tree-peppermint-rose
About this article
Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
This article was co-authored by Barbie Ritzman. Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry. This article has been viewed 33,345 times.
Co-authors: 7
Updated: July 24, 2023
Views: 33,345
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,345 times.
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