How to Use Lemon for Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. While adults learn to deal with the nuisance, teenagers might be deeply affected as it can take a toll on their appearance and leave a lasting impact on their self-esteem.

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a condition in which the hair follicles get clogged with dirt, dead skin cells and various impurities. The clogged pores become a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to whiteheads, blackheads or inflammation causing red bumps or pus-filled lumps.

The problem can be caused by overactive sebaceous glands, a hormonal imbalance or fluctuation (such as during puberty or pregnancy), stress, a poor diet, side effects from medication, and sometimes dandruff or lack of good hygiene.

While there are many ways to get rid of acne at home, there is one ingredient that seems to be leading the game. Yes, it’s lemon!

Beauty Benefits of Lemon

The components and properties found in lemons work in multiple ways to effectively get rid of this annoying and embarrassing condition.

• Lemons are a popular natural antibacterial agent that helps kill the bacteria causing the acne.
• The citric acid found in lemons helps get rid of excess oil accumulated on the skin. It further exfoliates and cleanses the skin.
• Lemons are rich in vitamin C that boosts collagen production in the skin and also aids the formation of new skin cells.
• Ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) also imparts mild astringent properties that help shrink the pores, thus reducing the frequency of acne breakouts.
• Lemons are rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent skin damage.
• The citric acid also acts as a natural bleaching agent to help reduce dark spots as well as acne scars.

While lemon juice alone is a strong acidic ingredient, combining it with some other healing ingredients can concoct a powerful anti-acne remedy. In fact, if combined with the right ingredients lemon can be used to get beautiful hair and spotless skin.

If you are considering incorporating lemon into your skin care regimen to fight acne, we have for you the 10 best remedies combining lemon with common household ingredients that can effectively get rid of acne without putting an extra burden on your pocketbook.

Natural Ways to Manage Acne with Lemon

Read on to learn how to use lemon for acne.

Also, as lemon can make your skin photosensitive, do not go out in the sun for a few hours after using the remedies. If it’s unavoidable, apply a sunscreen and keep your skin covered. Even better, use the remedies after sundown.

Method 1: Lemon Juice & Cinnamon

Both cinnamon and lemon are powerful antibacterial ingredients that can be used to spot treat acne. Cinnamon also works as a super mild abrasive to reveal a new layer of healthy skin.

According to a 2017 study published in Scientia Pharmaceutica, cinnamon extract showed positive results in inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, propionibacterium acnes and staphylococcus epidermidis, to reduce breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon powder (antibacterial and mild abrasive) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine cinnamon powder and lemon

• Put 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a mixing bowl.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on the acne spots

• Mix the two well to firm a smooth paste.
• Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry.
• Apply the paste on the acne spots.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Finish by applying a light moisturizer.

Repeat 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of acne in 2 to 3 weeks.

Method 2: Lemon & Turmeric

The compound curcumin present in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the pain and inflammation in acne breakouts.

Turmeric is also antibacterial and helps kill the P. acnes bacteria that cause breakouts. The antioxidants present in turmeric further promote faster healing of the skin.

When combined with lemon, it helps reduce occurrences of acne, clear up acne spots and also lighten skin. The only side effect of applying a turmeric face mask for acne is that it will leave your skin lightly yellow.

However, that too will fade away after washing your face several times. This represents another incredibly simple way to use lemon for acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon (antibacterial)
• Turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric and lemon juice

• Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Squeeze a lemon over it to add enough juice to make a thick paste.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on the acne spots

• Mix the two ingredients thoroughly to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the acne and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off and pat dry your skin.
• Apply a light moisturizer.

Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of acne and also lighten the spots in less than 1 month.

Method 3: Lemon & Baking Soda

A fizzy combination of baking soda and lemon can also work wondrously on your acne.

The grainy texture of baking soda helps cleanse skin and unclog pores, while also working as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Lemon helps cut through the oiliness of the skin and kills the bacteria in the clogged pores.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Baking soda (unclogs pores) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Add fresh lemon juice to baking soda

• Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to it.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on your acne

• The baking soda will begin to fizz on contact with lemon juice. Continue to mix the two well to get a smooth paste.
• Apply it on your acne.
• Let it sit for not more than 10 minutes. Massage it gently, then rinse it off with cool water.
• Pat your skin dry and apply a light moisturizer as the paste tends to dry up the skin texture.

Use this combination 1 or 2 times weekly for 2 to 3 weeks to significantly lighten acne marks and prevent further breakouts.

Method 4: Lemon, Honey & Milk

An age-old remedy for acne, this soothing and hydrating combo of honey, lemon and milk can treat acne in any skin type. While honey and lemon work as antibacterial agents, milk helps cleanse and soothe the skin.

Honey helps draw excess moisture out of the clogged pores to dehydrate the bacteria and kill it effectively by releasing hydrogen peroxide.

Honey also helps deeply hydrate the skin and reduce excess oil secretion to prevent future breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Milk (skin cleanser) – ¼ cup
• Honey (antibacterial and hydrates skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine lemon, milk and honey

• Pour 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey to it.
• Add ¼ cup of milk.

Step 2. Mix well and dab the solution on the acne

• Mix the three ingredients well.
• Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it over the acne spots.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Finish by applying a light moisturizer.

Use this remedy daily for 2 to 3 weeks to get rid of acne completely.

Method 5: Lemon & Cucumber

Lemon can also be combined with cucumber to heal acne naturally. Cucumbers are known for their high water content packed with nutrients that rehydrate and replenish the skin. They also have mild astringent and cooling qualities that soothe acne-irritated skin. Along with lemon, they also help get rid of excess oil from the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 1 lemon
• Cucumber, pureed (soothes and hydrates skin) – 1 cucumber

Single-Step Treatment: Apply a mix of cucumber and lemon on the acne

• Add the juice of 1 lemon to 1 pureed cucumber.
• Mix the two well.
• Smear a thick layer of the mix on your face.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
• Pat dry your skin and apply a light moisturizer.

Repeat daily until you get satisfactory results.

Method 6: Lemon & Yogurt

Yogurt is another powerful antibacterial that can treat acne. It is loaded with healthy bacteria that can curb bacterial growth both internally and externally. Yogurt also contains lactic acid that works as a skin cleanser along with lemon. Furthermore, it counters the harshness of lemon to give your irritated skin a hydrating boost.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – ½ lemon
• Yogurt, plain (antibacterial, cleanses and hydrates skin) – ½ cup

Single-Step Treatment: Add lemon juice to yogurt and apply it on the acne

• Squeeze the juice from half of a lemon into ½ cup of unflavored yogurt.
• Whisk it well to form a smooth blend.
• Clean and dry your face.
• Apply the blend on the acne and massage lightly in circular motions.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
• Pat dry and moisturize your skin.

Apply this mask 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of acne in 1 month.

Method 7: Lemon & Rose Water

Rose water works as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe skin irritated with acne. It also has antibacterial properties that work against acne-causing bacteria. When combined with lemon, it helps dilute the acidity of the lemon juice, making it suitable for application even for sensitive skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Rose water (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Dilute lemon juice in rose water

• Put 1 tablespoon of rose water in a small bowl.
• Add an equal amount of fresh lemon juice.
• Mix them well.

Step 2. Apply the blend on the affected skin

• Soak a sterile cotton ball in the solution.
• Dab it over the acne-affected skin.
• Let the liquid sit on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with cool water and pat dry your skin.

Repeat once daily until you get the desired results. If you want to go all-natural, you can learn how to make your own DIY rose water at home here.

Method 8: Lemon & Sugar

Lemon and sugar can form a hydrating and exfoliating scrub that effectively gets rid of acne. Sugar also helps dehydrate the bacteria via osmosis. This remedy also uses honey and olive oil that work as antibacterial agents and also help nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple. You can also use this recipe to make DIY homemade scrubs for softer hands.

Things you’ll need:

• Fine sugar (exfoliates skin) – ½ cup
• Olive oil (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – ½ lemon

Step 1. Combine sugar, lemon, olive oil and honey

• Put ½ cup of fine sugar in a mixing bowl.
• Squeeze in the juice from ½ lemon.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
• Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil as well.

Step 2. Mix well and use it to exfoliate your skin

• Blend the ingredients thoroughly to create your lemon and sugar scrub.
• Use the scrub to gently exfoliate your skin, rubbing it in circular motions for 2 minutes.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

Use this nourishing and gentle scrub twice weekly to reduce the occurrence of acne and to get healthy skin.

Method 9: Lemon & Aloe Vera

Apart from its many skin benefits, aloe vera can also be used to get rid of acne breakouts. The nutrients present in aloe vera help soothe and rehydrate the skin. It also promotes formation of new skin cells to reduce acne scars. Furthermore, it tones down the harsh effects of lemon on the skin and gives you clear, glowing and spotless skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (hydrates and regenerates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine lemon juice and aloe vera gel

• Pour 1 tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and aloe vera gel into a mixing bowl.
• If needed, read instructions on how to extract aloe vera gel.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on the acne

• Blend the two ingredients well.
• Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on the breakout spots.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
• Pat dry and apply a light moisturizer on your skin.

Repeat once daily until the breakout is cleared up and the scars fade away.

Method 10: Lemon Juice

Unless your skin is super-sensitive, the simplest way to use lemon for acne is by applying lemon juice directly on acne-affected skin. However, make sure to moisturize your skin afterwards to prevent dryness.

Single-Step Treatment: Dab lemon juice on the acne

• Soak a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice.
• Lightly press the soaked cotton ball against the acne spots.
• Remove the cotton and let the lemon juice air-dry.
• Rinse it off and pat dry your skin.
• Do not forget to use a moisturizer after washing your face.

Repeat once daily until you get rid of the acne completely.

Additional Tips

• If you suffer from frequent acne breakouts, be sure not to touch your face with dirty hands. It may be contributing to the problem.
• Do not squeeze the zits or pick at your skin, as this can lead to acne scars.
• After using any of the above remedies, you can use olive oil to moisturize your skin. The antioxidants and vitamin E present in the oil will support healing and healthy skin.
• Always use a mild soap to wash your face before using any remedy. A very strong-smelling or harsh face wash will only contribute to the dryness and make the acne worse.
• If you suffer from severe acne breakouts on a regular basis, you can also try out these tea tree oil remedies for acne.