7 powerful reasons to use lemon in your beauty routine

Do you still not know the huge benefits of lemon? We tell you that you just have to open the fridge or approach the fruit basket to have the best ally for your beauty routine. According to a recent article from El País, bringing a lemon into our lives is equivalent to having the best cosmetic we could ever imagine. This is because lemon juice is rich in flavonoids, essential oils, minerals, and vitamin C, among other compounds. This high concentration of vitamin C may explain some of its many benefits. 7 powerful reasons to use lemon in your beauty routine according to our friends at ActitudFem: 1. Whitens nails Lemon has whitening properties because it is a solvent for toxic substances. It improves and strengthens the color of nails that may be altered by the excessive use of poor-quality nail polishes or tobacco. 2. Eliminates skin spots According to Spanish dermatologist Cristina De Hoyos, vitamin C is an effective antioxidant in treating hyperpigmentation (sun spots and melasma), photoaging (caused by the sun), and has some capacity to stimulate collagen production. Although the effects of applying lemon juice to the skin are not well known, many cosmetics and master formulas utilize it. 3. Reduces hair grease Lemon is a natural citrus fruit and, as such, is rich in vitamins B, C, and A. These hydroxy acids nourish the hair and cleanse excess grease. As Dr. Víctor Salagaray, a specialist in hair treatments, points out, for lemon to be effective, “the hair must be naturally light, especially blonde, and have some grease. In this case, lemon produces an acid burn, similar to that of chemical exfoliants, which leaves the hair cleaner and shinier. It does not lighten the hair but does noticeably enhance the cleaning effect it has on it. Being a natural component, it has no side effects but it is also not advisable to use it indiscriminately, he adds. It is advisable to apply it once or twice a week as a shock treatment, and then it will be enough to do it once a month. However, it has no effect on gray, dyed, or dark hair. 4. Fights acne Ascorbic acid is useful in treating acne as it reduces the oxidation of sebum, making it difficult for blackheads to form. It also has some antimicrobial effect, decreasing the amount of P. acnes, the bacteria involved in the production of pimples. 5. Exfoliates your skin A highly recommended exfoliating formula is made with lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. According to the consulted dermatologist, “lemon juice helps provide an antioxidant effect and reduces the presence of blackheads. Salt, due to its granular texture, acts as a mechanical peeling, causing the exfoliation of the skin's surface layers (therefore, it is not recommended for sensitive or reactive skin). Finally, olive oil provides fats to the skin's surface (not indicated for people with acne-prone skin).” 6. Acts as a deodorant If you run out of deodorant, you can use a lemon or its juice directly on the skin. “The main reason that odor occurs when sweating is due to the oxidation of sebum secreted by the eccrine glands. The antioxidant effect of vitamin C can prevent this step and avoid bad odors,” says Dr. De Hoyos. 7. Heals lips Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, applying lemon to irritated lips can improve symptoms. But be careful, other acids present in the fruit may increase inflammation and stinging. In addition to being an excellent beauty ally, lemon helps you save on costly treatments and cosmetics. See the original note here. Other recommended topics from ActitudFem: Home remedies to whiten teeth How to remove facial spots 5 tips to lighten your skin