Thanks to its fresh and pleasant scent, lemon essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy and to prepare cleaning products. Used correctly, it is also believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, calming and moisturizing properties. Consequently, some people like to use it for aesthetic purposes, although it is important to understand the possible risks it entails. Oils extracted from citrus fruits cause photosensitivity. This means that you may suffer from burns or skin lightening if you have to expose it to the sun after applying the product. For cosmetic use, be sure to perform a skin test and dilute it with other ingredients.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Do a Skin Test
Step 1. Mix 6 drops of lemon essential oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier or carrier oil
Olive and coconut oil are commonly used as carrier oils. Not all carrier oils are suitable for all skin types, so research the right one for your needs before applying.
- For example, grapeseed oil is recommended for acne-prone skin, while sweet almond oil is great for dry skin.
- In most lemon essential oil face products, this ingredient should only make up about 5% of the recipe. Using it in higher doses increases the risk of having an allergic reaction or phototoxicity.
Step 2. Apply 2-3 drops of the mixture to a patch
Apply the mixture you have prepared on the gauze part of a clean patch with the help of a dropper or a cotton swab. Make sure you completely cover the gauze to get a precise and reliable result.
Step 3. Apply the patch to the inside of the forearm for 48 hours
To do the test, choose a spot on the inside of the forearm (just below the elbow) and attach the patch to it. You will need to leave it for 48 hours in order to observe how the skin reacts.
Step 4. Remove the patch immediately if you have an allergic reaction
If you notice redness, itching, swelling or burning, remove the patch immediately. Wet your arm with warm water, lather it and rub the affected area for 20 seconds. Finally, rinse well and dry your arm.
- Wash your arm again if necessary. If doing a second wash does not relieve the symptoms of the adverse reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
- If the reaction is mild, you could also use calamine lotion or take an antihistamine to treat symptoms.
Step 5. Avoid using lemon essential oil in the future if you have an allergic reaction
Look for symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, or blistering. If you observe these adverse reactions, you should avoid using products containing lemon essential oil.
You may not have any allergic reactions the first time you take a skin test, but it is possible that it will show up later
Method 2 of 3: Make a Lemon Essential Oil Mask to Treat Acne or Scars
Step 1. Buy a dark glass bottle with a dropper
Oils extracted from citrus fruits can dissolve plastic bottles. You can find essential oil bottles, which feature a dark glass and come with droppers, in stores that sell natural products and on the internet.
Step 2. Pour 30 drops of lemon essential oil into the empty glass bottle
For this recipe you will need to mix 3 different types of essential oils. To make the mask you will then need to add a few drops of this mixture to other ingredients. Pour the lemon essential oil into the empty bottle, close it with the dropper cap and put it away.
Step 3. Add 30 drops of tea tree oil and 30 drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle
Tea tree oil and lavender oil are other commonly used essential oils for skin care. Pour 30 drops of each into the bottle containing lemon essential oil. Shake the mixture for about 10 seconds.
Pure tea tree oil is available in pharmacies, health food stores and online
Step 4. Mix 3 teaspoons of raw honey with 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt in a bowl
Raw honey and sugar-free plain yoghurt are used to create the base of the mask. Both are rich in nutrients and have therapeutic properties that offer good results in combination with the oils in this recipe.
Step 5. Pour 5 drops of oil into the bowl and mix
Take the essential oil blend and add 5 drops to the base of the mask. Close the bottle with the cap and put it away. Stir the contents of the bowl with a spoon for about 30 seconds.
Step 6. Massage the mask on your face
Pick up the contents of the bowl with your hands and apply it all over your face. Focus on pimples and areas that have acne scars.
When applying the mask, avoid the eye area and lips. Concentrate the application mainly on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin
Step 7. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water
Let the mask dry on your face for 15 minutes. Then, fill your hands with warm water and rinse it well in the sink, making sure to remove it completely.
If you start experiencing discomfort or adverse skin reactions before 15 minutes have passed (such as redness, itching or burning), rinse the mask off beforehand. Wash your face with soap and water
Step 8. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going out in the sun to prevent possible irritation
If you use essential oils on your skin (especially citrus-based ones), you should take extra precautions by using sunscreen every time you go out to prevent irritation and burns. Choose a formulation with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure.
- If you swim, you will need to reapply it more often.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun is another precautionary measure you could take.
Method 3 of 3: Make a Tonic for Oily Skin
Step 1. Buy a 120ml dark glass spray bottle
This spray tonic is particularly effective for mattifying oily skin and clearing clogged pores. Look for a dark glass bottle to protect its contents from direct light. Most of these vessels are made of dark blue or brown glass. You can find them online and in some health food stores.
Step 2. Mix 50ml of lemon water with 30ml of orange blossom water
Both of these waters are known to have refreshing and soothing properties. Orange blossom water is available in health food stores and online. Use a measuring jug to measure the right amount of each product, then pour both into the glass bottle using a funnel.
Lemon water can be easily prepared by cutting 1-2 lemons into slices and letting them rest in a jug full of water for a few hours
Step 3. Add 15ml of pure aloe vera gel and 4 drops of lemon essential oil
The gel from the aloe vera plant is soothing for the skin. Measure it with a measuring jug and pour it into the glass bottle. Then add the lemon essential oil and put it away.
Aloe vera liquid or gel can be found in many stores that sell natural products or on the internet
Step 4. Shake the bottle for 30 seconds and spray the toner on your face
To mix the ingredients, shake the bottle vigorously or roll it between your palms for at least 30 seconds. You have to make sure that all the ingredients are dissolved, especially the aloe vera if you used the gel version. Then, close your eyes and spray the toner evenly on your face.
When you spray the toner, avoid the eye area and mouth. Apply it to your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin only
Step 5. Let the toner sit for 5 minutes, then rinse it off
Don't worry if your skin feels itchy or tight - this means that the toner is working and cleansing it. It is normal to have this feeling. However, if you notice burning, severe itching, redness or swelling, immediately rinse off the toner and wash your face with soap and water.
Step 6. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 before going out in the sun, as the toner causes phototoxicity
If you apply essential oils to your skin, especially citrus-based ones, you should take extra precautions and use sunscreen when you go out. Choose a formulation with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours during the exposure.
- If you swim, you may need to reapply sunscreen more often.
- As a precaution, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun.
Warnings
- Always do an arm skin test before using any type of essential oil on your face.
- Avoid using essential oils on the skin if it is particularly sensitive and prone to rashes or reactions caused by various soaps or lotions.
- Before going out, always apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you need to use essential oils extracted from citrus fruits for cosmetic reasons.
