Rubbing lemon directly on your face is not recommended. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause irritation, redness, and even skin burns. Applying it directly can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburns.
Here's why you should be cautious:
- High Acidity: Lemon juice is highly acidic, and its direct contact with your skin can disrupt the natural pH balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and inflammation.
- Photosensitivity: Lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of sunburns and hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
- Skin Conditions: Lemon juice can worsen existing skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.
Safer alternatives to using lemon on your face:
- Diluted Lemon Juice: You can safely use lemon juice on your face by diluting it with water. Use a ratio of 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts water.
- Face Masks: Add a few drops of lemon juice to a DIY face mask, but avoid using too much.
- Other Ingredients: Consider using ingredients like yogurt, honey, or aloe vera to help soothe and moisturize your skin while using lemon juice.
Important: Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any lemon juice-based product to your entire face. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately.
