Lemons do more than hang out as a garnish in that glass of water at lunch; they also contain many hidden beauty bonuses. The citric acid, vitamin C and natural antibiotic properties of lemons help lighten blemishes, smooth away dead skin cells and keep oily skin at bay. Make a batch of personalized, natural facial toner without the mystery ingredients.
Since lemons work as a natural astringent and exfoliator, matching that power with a soothing ingredient makes skin glow. Mix together the juice of a half lemon with a couple tablespoons of coconut water.
Apply the mixture to your face with a clean cotton pad and allow the mixture to dry. The coconut water acts as a lasting moisturizer while the lemon works at keeping oil and bacteria at bay.
Tips
Apply this only once a day. Since lemons remove natural oil buildup, overloading your skin with lemon juice can cause dryness.
The citric acid in lemons lightens blemishes and sweeps away dead skin cells, which means powerful action against blackheads and impurities. This toner softens skin, exfoliates and brightens at the end of the day.
Mix together a few drops of lemon juice, a couple drops of tea tree essential oil or witch hazel and about 6 ounces of distilled water. Place the mixture into a resealable bottle for multiple uses. Apply the toner to your freshly washed skin using a clean cotton round and allow it to dry. Follow up this routine with your normal moisturizer.
If you don't have tea tree oil or witch hazel handy, you can also make a simpler toner with only the lemon and distilled water.
Tips
If you tend toward dry skin, opt to use this type of toner a few times a week rather than every day.
Lemons have antibacterial properties that help keep skin free of pimples or blemishes. Honey also works as a moisturizing antibacterial exfoliator. Slice a lemon in half and pour a half teaspoon of honey over the open half of the lemon.
Sweep the honeyed lemon over your freshly washed and dry face in gentle circular motions. The massage removes dead skin cells and kills bacteria. Allow the mixture to sit on your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse your skin thoroughly and moisturize with your preferred before-bed moisturizer.