Poor ecology, aggressive external factors and simply a lack of time for proper skin care lead to the fact that the pores become dirty, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, and the dermis acquires a dull gray tint. The solution to the problem is masks with natural ingredients that not only nourish, but also whiten the skin, returning it to its original fresh appearance.
It is for this reason that cosmetics with lemon are so popular. They are not only able to lighten the outer layer of the epidermis by 1-2 tones, but also soothe inflammation and eliminate acne. One of the main advantages of such masks is their naturalness and the ability to use them at home. However, before use, it is imperative to check the composition for allergenicity, since this golden fruit itself is a strong allergen.
Useful properties of the ingredient
The complex effect on the skin is explained by the unique composition of the fruit with a high content of organic acids. Lemon is known, first of all, as a rich source of vitamin C. This element is contained mostly in the albedo - the snow-white layer between the skin and pulp. This is why experts say that lemons must be consumed with the peel.
Vitamins contained in lemon.
Fruit acids, even dissolved in water, can regulate the acid-base balance. This is especially true for the dermis, which is prone to oily shine and increased sebum production.
The oil of this fruit is rich in B vitamins, citrine, terpene and retinol, which are necessary for intercellular nutrition of the skin. The already mentioned ascorbic acid takes on peeling functions, removing dead cells that prevent the penetration of oxygen.
Phylloquinone (vitamin K) is involved in regeneration processes and also affects melanin, the pigment responsible for the presence of freckles and spots. But potassium, which is also found in abundance in lemon, does a good job of normalizing the functioning of sebaceous secretions. In addition, it dissolves sebaceous plugs and tightens pores, preventing them from collecting dust and dirt again.
With aloe for the dermis around the eyes
Caring for the skin in the eye area turns into a considerable problem for many women, because even harmless compounds can cause irritation in a sensitive area.
Lemon is a rather aggressive allergen, so if you have an increased tendency to allergic manifestations, it is better to avoid using formulations based on it.
If unpleasant manifestations rarely bother you, you can use a mask based on aloe and tropical fruit against crow’s feet, wrinkles, uneven shade, and dryness.
Preparation:
- Cut the citrus into four parts.
- Place a quarter of the fruit and 2-3 aloe leaves into a blender.
- Beat the ingredients into a homogeneous mass.
- Add natural homemade yogurt (15-18 ml).
Distribute the composition around the eyes in an even layer. Leave for just 10 minutes.
Expert opinion
CAREFULLY!
If you feel a burning sensation or unpleasant discomfort, stop manipulation immediately.
Benefits of lemon masks for facial skin
Regularly rubbing the skin, even with just one lemon drop, will discolor freckles and age spots of any nature (age-related or hormonal). Not to mention that your complexion will become 1-2 shades lighter.
Useful properties of lemon.
Fruit juice has a rejuvenating effect, as it contains antioxidants that remove free radicals from cells.
It will also help get rid of blackheads, unclogging pores and helping to remove impurities. This is not only a good disinfectant, but also one of the ways to regulate sebum production.
Fruit acids are famous for their peeling effect, allowing not only to get rid of the dried out top layer of the epidermis, but also nourishing new cells that have come to replace them.
Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, so masks with lemon are an excellent prevention of rosacea.
Ready-made cosmetics
Sometimes it is better to pay attention to ready-made cosmetics. Such products contain many components that complement each other. Thanks to this, skin lightening will proceed faster . In addition, the risk of causing harm with ready-made preparations (subject to the correct selection of the product for the skin type) is reduced to a minimum. In homemade masks, you can easily make a mistake with the dosage of the aggressive component.
The following tools have proven themselves well:
- REDERMIC C cream from La Roche Posay. Suitable for dry skin. It evens out the complexion, activates collagen synthesis and smoothes out wrinkles. A delicate, velvety cream soothes, nourishes the skin and restores its elasticity.
- Intensive anti-wrinkle concentrate with 12.5% vitamin C Kiehl's. The drug contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, lemon oil. Such components ensure evenness of skin texture and tone. In addition, the serum helps smooth out wrinkles and has a rejuvenating effect.
- Vichy Mineral Peeling Mask “Double Radiance”. The mask exfoliates dead cells and renews the epidermis. The fruit acids included in the preparation actively even out the color and texture of the skin.
The main disadvantage of such products is the presence of chemical components.
Cosmetics - photo gallery
REDERMIC C cream from La Roche Posay improves complexion
Intensive anti-wrinkle concentrate with 12.5% vitamin C evens out skin texture and tone
Vichy mineral peeling mask “Double Radiance” exfoliates dead layers and whitens the skin
Indications for use
The main indications for the use of lemon-based cosmetics are:
- pigmentation and freckles;
- red spots left after acne;
- fading sagging skin with lost tone;
- dermis prone to increased production of sebum;
- skin with foci of inflammation and acne.
With olive oil
Dryness, flaky spots, uneven shade are just some of the unwanted defects that bring a lot of trouble to owners of problematic skin. The combination of a sour tropical fruit and olive oil will improve the appearance, remove unsightly manifestations, and saturate the cells with moisture.
Step by step recipe:
- Using a blender, turn a quarter of the tropical fruit into a homogeneous mass.
- Grind the yolk until white, combine with lemon pulp.
- Pour in olive oil (15 ml), stir.
Apply the mixture along the massage lines. The gruel is quite liquid, so it is recommended to use a cosmetic spatula. Remove after 8-12 minutes.
Recipes for the best homemade masks
You can also make a lemon-based face mask at home. Most ingredients are either freely available or always at hand. All prepared products are used immediately and applied only to previously cleansed skin without traces of decorative cosmetics and various types of creams.
From blackheads
The composition not only draws out impurities and dust, penetrating deeply into the pores, but also tightens them, further increasing the tone of the dermis. As a result, the oily shine goes away, the tone is evened out, and a healthy matte appearance appears. Recommended for problem skin.
Components:
- hydrogen peroxide – 5 ml;
- shaving foam - a small amount;
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- natural sea salt –7 gr.
All ingredients are carefully mixed in a glass container and applied to problem areas. Then use your fingertips to gently rub the composition into the skin and leave for 3 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
For acne
Foci of inflammation can be removed with a combination of baking soda and lemon juice. In addition to the disinfectant effect, the product fights against large accumulations of comedones. Suitable for dermis prone to rashes.
Components:
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- baking soda – 8 g;
- orange juice – 5 ml.
All components must be mixed. The resulting mixture is applied to the skin for 10-12 minutes, after which it is rinsed with lukewarm water.
With lemon essential oil
The oil of this citrus not only has a pleasant fresh aroma, but also actively fights increased sebum production, eliminating oily shine. It also helps lighten the overall tone, age spots and freckles.
Components:
- kefir – 20 ml;
- corn or potato starch – 8 g;
- lemon oil – 5 drops;
- parsley juice – 10 ml.
The ingredients need to be combined and the resulting composition applied to the skin. After a quarter of an hour, the mixture can be removed using chamomile decoction.
With egg
Egg yolk is an excellent source of nutrients for epidermal cells, and lemon increases turgor and closes pores. Suitable for tired skin with the first signs of aging.
Components:
- raw yolk – 1;
- citrus juice – 10 ml;
- sour cream – 2 teaspoons.
Lightly whisk all ingredients, apply to face and forget for 20 minutes. Wash with a decoction of black tea.
With honey
A mask for the aging dermis will restore its freshness, elasticity, smoothness and healthy glow.
Components:
- fresh cream – 20 ml;
- honey – 10 g;
- lemon juice – 10 ml.
Combine everything and apply it to your face. After 20 minutes, rinse with a weak decoction of parsley.
With aloe juice
An excellent option for oily dermis. Substances included in the chemical composition of citrus and aloe remove the dead layer of the epidermis and restore oxygen supply.
Components:
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- aloe juice – 10 ml;
- egg white – 1.
Lightly whisk all ingredients and apply several times. Each time after the previous one has dried, apply the next layer. After drying, leave for 20-22 minutes and rinse with herbal decoction.
For dry skin
Moisturizing is an essential factor for healthy, elastic and smooth skin. This mask will help normalize the water-lithium balance.
Components:
- medium lemon slice – 1 pc.;
- fresh yolk – 1;
- cream – 10 ml;
- glycerin – 10 gr.
Grind the slice into a paste using a blender, add all the other ingredients to it. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 20-25 minutes. After this time, rinse your face with warm water or herbal decoction.
Brightening
Organic acids contained in lemon help lighten pigmentation. This fruit evens out the color, giving the face the effect of a smooth porcelain surface. The mask is suitable for skin with the first signs of aging, freckles, age spots.
Components:
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- white cosmetic clay – 10 ml;
- parsley juice – 5 ml;
- kefir of any fat content – 10 ml.
Pour fruit juice into dry clay powder, add kefir and parsley extract, mix and apply to the dermis for 15 minutes. After complete drying, rinse with herbal or flower infusion.
For wrinkles
The product is intended for mature skin. Tightens contours, evens out the structure, makes the skin more elastic.
Components:
- juice of half a ripe lemon;
- yolk – 1;
- fresh cucumber juice – 5 ml.
Lightly beat the yolk and add the juices. Mix until a soft, fluffy mass is obtained. Apply the solution to your face and rinse it after 15 minutes with warm, clean water.
With salt
Salt in combination with lemon cleanses and disinfects the dermis, eliminates the layer of dead cells, and blocks inflammation. Suitable for problem skin.
Components:
- sea salt – 1 pinch;
- egg white – 1;
- lemon juice – 15 ml.
Beat the egg whites with a mixer and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and apply to skin for 10 minutes. Rinse with a decoction of herbs or mineral water at room temperature.
With sour cream
A mask with an excellent whitening effect, suitable for combination skin types. The skin is noticeably refreshed and has a healthy glow.
Components:
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- sour cream (fat) – 10 ml.
Mix everything and apply to the skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash with chamomile decoction.
With olive oil
An effective remedy for depleted, dry and tired dermis. The mask nourishes the skin well, moisturizes it, reduces the effects of acne, and blocks inflammation.
Components:
- lemon juice – 10 ml;
- olive oil – 10 ml.
Mix the juice and oil, moisten a swab in the mixture and wipe your face well several times. Leave the solution for 20 minutes. At the end of the time, wash off the mixture with contrasting moisture.
Cleansing with soda
The combination of sodium bicarbonate and citrus will quickly remove the oily layer, blackheads, and particles of keratinized epidermis. It is not recommended for those with overly sensitive skin - the dermis may react to a lemon mask with irritation and negative reactions.
Preparation:
- Grate half a citrus fruit (if the fruit is too large, use a quarter); no need to peel it.
- Add sodium bicarbonate (15 g).
- Stir, it is advisable to wait until the soda particles dissolve.
Use your fingertips to take a small amount of the mixture and massage problem areas with light movements. After even distribution, leave for 10 minutes and rinse.
Expert opinion
TRY IT!
It is advisable to complete the procedure by using a sedative or oil.
Rules for applying masks and precautions
When using masks with lemon, you must remember that this is a rather aggressive element to which some people have an allergic reaction. To avoid this, you need to conduct a test to prove the safety of the product.
What else should you do to avoid the negative consequences of using such cosmetics:
- Vary the juice content in the mask solution. It must be remembered that for dry skin, a very small amount of this fruit is enough, but for oily skin that is prone to sebum production, you will need more juice and lemon pulp.
- When making peeling masks, you need to pay attention to the time of year. In summer, the skin is more difficult to tolerate any aggressive manipulation.
- The composition must be used immediately. It is not allowed to store the mask for a long time in the refrigerator.
- The juice should be freshly squeezed, not store-bought. It is generally better not to use the latter, since it contains large quantities of chemicals, or rather preservatives and dyes.
Smetannaya
Sour cream will help whiten, eliminate redness or pigmentation, and forget about dryness and flaking for a long time. There is everything here to simultaneously saturate the epidermal cells with useful substances and restore a healthy glow.
Preparation:
- Chop several lemon slices into a paste and squeeze out the liquid through a gauze cloth.
- Leave the homemade fermented milk product (15-20 g) at room temperature for half an hour.
- Combine the liquid squeezed from lemon pulp, sour cream, pour in 3-6 drops of ether (ylang-ylang, sandalwood).
The duration of exposure to a homemade mask is no more than 15 minutes. If unpleasant discomfort is a concern, it is recommended to remove the composition earlier.
With hydrogen peroxide
In just a few manipulations, a peroxide-based mask will effectively whiten your facial skin, even out your tone, refresh and relieve fatigue. The only condition is that if your skin color is too dark or you are allergic to aggressive external influences, it is better to refuse the procedures.
Neglect of this warning can result in unwanted manifestations - bright spots, peeling, rashes.
Preparation:
- Turn 2-4 slices of tropical fruit into fresh juice.
- Add peroxide (no more than 7-8 drops).
- The first manipulations are best done with the addition of oil (olive, tea tree), only 8-10 ml is enough.
After mixing, spread the mixture into a thin, even layer.
Expert opinion
CAREFULLY!
It is strictly not recommended to use the mixture in areas of increased sensitivity - near the mouth, eyes.
Leave for 12-16 minutes. Remove with a cotton wool sponge soaked in the herbal decoction. To prepare a herbal decoction, chop the leaves of thyme and plantain into a fine pulp, add chamomile flowers (you will need 15 grams of all components). Bring water (270 ml) to a boil and brew the herbal paste. To increase the concentration of the decoction, it is recommended to tightly close the container when infusing and wrap it in a warm scarf. Strain, cool.
Glycerin
One of the best home cosmetology products that allows you to simultaneously eliminate uneven shades and return the skin to a healthy, radiant gloss and delicate velvety quality is a glycerin mask.
Regular manipulations (at least twice a week) will quickly allow you to enjoy the results - a chic, healthy complexion.
Step by step recipe:
- Vigorously beat two egg whites into a fluffy snow-white foam.
- Squeeze the juice from a citrus quarter (you will need less than a tablespoon of liquid).
- Combine both components, add pharmaceutical glycerin (20 ml).
You won’t be able to apply the mass with your fingertips; it has a rather liquid consistency, so it is recommended to use a cosmetic brush. Wash after 9-12 minutes.
Clay
A product with clay as an active component will help to effectively even out tone, normalize water balance, and eliminate signs of age.
Preparation:
- Pour white clay (20 g) with mineral water (25 ml) into a small container.
- Leave the mixture for half an hour, mix thoroughly first.
- Squeeze the liquid from citrus slices (1-2 pieces), add to the main mixture.
The duration of exposure to the composition is 20-23 minutes.
Potato
A combination of potatoes and sour fruit will help to rejuvenate the face, eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of approaching old age in the form of wrinkles, sagging, looseness, sagging, improve tone, and even cope with hyperpigmentation and freckles.
Even those with overly sensitive epidermis are allowed to use the mixture - irritation is extremely rare.
To ensure the safety of the composition, it is recommended to carry out a simple test first - apply 3-5 drops to the area behind the ear, wait a few hours. If there are no alarm signals, begin regular manipulations.
Preparation:
- Using a grater, turn the thoroughly washed potatoes into a homogeneous mass.
- Combine fresh lemon juice (no more than a teaspoon) and homemade full-fat sour cream (25 g).
- Mix both masses, no need to infuse, use immediately.
Cover the skin with an even layer; it is advisable to carry out a short massage or targeted tapping, which will allow the active components to quickly penetrate the epidermal tissue. Remove no earlier than after a quarter of an hour.
After rinsing, it is advisable to remove any remaining moisture with a soft cloth and apply the product for your dermis type and age.
