Lemon Essential Oil Benefits for Skin

When it comes to natural skincare, there are few oils around that are more versatile than lemon.

Using lemon oil for skin treatments enables you to rejuvenate, brighten and protect the epidermis, adding tone and texture that can also visibly reduce the signs of ageing.

To give you a better understanding of how to use lemon essential oil for skin care, we examine the benefits, offer some application suggestions and answer all the relevant questions you need to know. 

Is lemon peel oil good for skin?

Whilst many people use the essential oil that has been extracted from the body of the fruit, you can also purchase lemon oil that has been extracted from the rind.

However, because it is largely composed of limonene (which is also used as a cleaning solvent ingredient) and a compound called furanocoumarin, it can be phototoxic. When it is exposed to air, it could start to irritate your skin or increase your sensitivity.

Pure or cold pressed lemon oil extracts are the best type to look out for, as these retain most of the vitamins and nutrients and should also not feel as raw on your skin.

How to use lemon oil for skin

There are lots of different ways you can use lemon oil for skin. Here are some of the most common, along with step-by-step instructions on how to get the most from each method:

1. Reducing acne and acne scars

1. Mix 1 drop of lemon essential oil with a small amount of non-comedogenic oil.
2. Add to a cotton ball before applying to your skin.
3. Leave it on your skin for 2-5 minutes.
4. Use your normal cleanser to remove it from your face.

This approach can be added to your nightly routine, although you may want to try it a few times a week at first to ensure that the oil is not too strong for your skin.

2. Lemon oil as a facial cleanser

1. Add 1 drop of lemon oil to the palm of your hand.
2. Mix with a small amount of soap or whatever facial cleanser you use.

Lemon oil can be quite strong and it may dry out the skin, so start out by trying this once a day to see how it works for you.

3. Bath relaxation therapy

1. Add 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil to cup of carrier oil.
2. Mix together and then blend in with your bath water.

The carrier oil should be enough to ensure you do not experience any skin irritation, although if you do notice any kind of irritation, stop using the oil to see if it makes a difference.

What other benefits can lemon essential oil offer?

Lemon essential oil isn’t just great for your skin – it also has a lot to offer the rest of your body. Some of the other benefits lemon oil can offer include:

1. Easing morning sickness symptoms

Pregnant people often experience nausea and vomiting in the first few months and lemon essential oil could help to reduce some of these symptoms. 100 pregnant women took part in a 2014 aromatherapy study and researchers found that inhalation helped to reduce nausea and vomiting levels.

2. Reducing depression and anxiety symptoms

Inhaling or smelling lemon can have a quick impact on your emotional and mental state. A 2006 mice study found that during various stress testing experiments, the oil proved to be calming and mood-improving. Another small study in 2016 found that anxiety levels amongst people who had undergone orthopaedic surgery was reduced after interacting with lemon essential oil.

3. Helping you soothe a sore throat

The calming properties of lemon essential oil can not only help you relax mentally but the citrusy scent can also open the muscles in your throat. Lemon juice contains vitamin C and antioxidant properties that are known to be helpful in improving your breathing.

What are the risks of using lemon essential oil for skin?

Most people find that lemon essential oil is perfectly fine to use on their skin and do not experience any negative reactions. However, there are some risks to be aware of that could affect how you use it.

Like all essential oils, lemon oil is highly concentrated, so even when it has been diluted it can still cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The best way to pre-empt this is to complete a patch test before applying the oil to large areas of skin.

To do this, mix a small amount of lemon oil with a carrier oil and rub it into the inside of your elbow. Cover with a plaster and leave for 24 hours. If you experience any kind of skin irritation, it shows that you are sensitive to the oil and will need to find an alternative.

Keep lemon oil away from your eyes, as like other citrus fruits, it can cause irritation and evening burning in some instances.

Citrus oils are also known to increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. This can reveal itself in a few ways, be it through a rash, redness or even blistering. If you have been out in the sun for a while, allow your skin to adjust to its new environment before applying lemon oil, as this could act as a trigger. 

Lemon essential oil remains a hugely popular choice for anyone who wants to use an oil that smells and feels natural and invigorating. You can use it as an antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial agent, whilst it helps to combat free radicals and is a great stress reliever. One benefit we didn’t mention is that when combined with white vinegar it also makes for a fantastic homemade cleaner, so not only can it benefit your mind and body, but it can also leave your home looking and smelling as fresh as a daisy.