Lemon for Lips: Is it Safe, How to use & Benefits
Lemons have been used for decades in herbal treatments, not only internally but also externally (on the skin).
This Vitamin C-rich fruit is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, regenerative, hydrating, and even lightening properties when applied to the skin of the body.
But can it also be safely used on the thin and sensitive skin of the lips? Let’s find out.
Can you use lemon on your lips safely
Yes, you can use lemon on your lips safely. Just be sure not to leave it on too long and to keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun.
Benefits of Lemon For Lips
Even though the skin of the lips is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body, it is a bit similar. So, the general topical benefits of lemon can still apply.
When applied to the lips correctly, lemon can:
- Hydrate the lips
- Heal lip cracks and sores
- Prevent infections of cracked, dry lips
- Slow down the lip skin from aging (an antioxidant benefit of Vitamin C and magnesium)
- Exfoliate the lips thanks to its citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Promote collagen production (regenerates healthy lip skin cells)
- Smoothen and plump the lips
- Lighten darkness (natural darkness or darkness caused by lifestyle or conditions)
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Can lemon lighten dark lips
Yes. over time, the exfoliative and regenerative benefits of lemon can help to make dark lips lighter.
This will be a gradual process and will depend on the cause of the darkness as well.
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How To Safely Use Lemon On Lips
Lemon can be applied directly to your lips or mixed with other ingredients to make lip scrubs, lip masks or lip balms.
Remember to always patch-test an area of your lips first to make sure that you are not too sensitive to lemon or lemon juice, or that you will not have any adverse reactions.
Pure lemon juice can be a bit strong due to its acidic nature, so it is not advised to leave this on your lips too long, especially if you have super sensitive lips.
If you are using lemon alone, you should only leave it on for a few minutes, enough for it to absorb into the skin. Otherwise, it is best to mix it with other ingredients to balance out the acidity.
However, some people may be able to tolerate it longer than others.
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Can you leave Lemon on your lips overnight?
We do not recommend leaving lemon on your lips overnight unless it is mixed with other hydrating ingredients like in a lip balm.
The acidity of lemon can cause your lips to become too dry and irritated if left on alone and for too long.
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How long should I leave lemon on my lips?
Pure lemon or lemon juice should only be left on your lips for a few minutes (3-5 minutes). However, when mixed with other ingredients, it can be left on longer.
Lip balms can be left on all day or all night. Masks can be left on for minutes to hours depending on what you are using them for and what other ingredients are included.
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Side Effects Of Using Lemon On Lips
Due to its acidity, potential side effects of lemon when used on the lips for too long or incorrectly may include:
- Dryness
- Itchiness
- Flaking and/or peeling
- Redness
- Irritation
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Can lemon darken lips
If used correctly, lemon will not cause your lips to darken.
However, if overused or used incorrectly, it could injure your lips which will result in darkness and scarring.
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Best Lemon Recipes For Lips
Honey + Lemon + Sugar Lip Scrub
Ingredients/Materials:
- Lemon
- Honey
- Granulated Sugar
- Mixing Bowl and/or Storage Jar
- Teaspoon
Directions:
- Wash and cut your lemon. Then squeeze out a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Combine that in your bowl or jar with 1 teaspoon of honey (or more) and enough sugar to make a thick paste-like scrub.
- Mix together to combine well.
- After cleansing your lips, apply the scrub and rub gently in circular motions all over your lips for 3-5 minutes.
- Let it sit for another 5 minutes and then gently rinse.
- Pat dry your lips and apply your lip balm.
- Repeat as often as needed.
Video: DIY Lemon, Honey, and Sugar Lip Scrub
Honey Lemon Lip Balm
Ingredients/Materials:
- 2 tsp. coconut oil
- 2 tsp. shea butter
- 2 tsp.beeswax granules
- 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. raw honey
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
- Double boiler or a glass bowl in a pot of boiling water
- Spoon
- Storage container
Directions:
- In your double boiler or your glass bowl in the pot of boiling water, combine the beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter. Let them melt and stir to combine well.
- When melted and fully combines, turn off the heat and add in the lemon juice, honey and lemon essential oil. Stir to combine well.
- Transfer the mixture to your storage container and let it sit in the open air to cool.
- When cool and solid, apply to your lips as you would your regular lip balm, as often as necessary.
- Store in a cool, dry space (even the refrigerator can work)
Related Article – Using Retinol on Lips – Risks & Safer Alternatives
Glycerin + Lemon Lip Mask
Ingredients/Materials:
- 1 Tsp Glycerin
- 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Storage Jar
Directions:
- Mix your glycerin (or honey) and lemon juice together well.
- Transfer to your storage jar.
- Spread a generous amount of the mixture on your lips after cleansing and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this 2-3 times per week.
- Store your mask in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Note: For this mask, a number of ingredients can be used instead of glycerin in the same amount, depending on what you are hoping to achieve.
For lightening and brightening, you can use turmeric, milk, or yogurt. For hydration and healing, you can use aloe vera or honey
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Sources:
Lemon on Face: Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
10 Uses For Lemons For Your Hair, Skin, Nails, And More
Benefits Of Using Lemon On Your Face & Ways To Use It – SkinKraft
