Lemon for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles - Benefits & Risks

Lemon Juice for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles - Benefits & Risks — Lemon Juice for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles – Benefits & Risks

Lemon juice has been hailed as one of the best natural skin-lightening agents for generations, but how well will it work for under-eye dark circles & wrinkles?

Will it damage the sensitive skin under the eyes? Can it be used by itself or in other DIY recipes? These are just some of the common questions we have gotten. So let’s see what we can learn about the benefits of lemon juice for under-eyes.

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Can You Use Lemon Juice Under Your Eyes

Yes. You can use lemon juice under your eyes, but cautiously.

Remember that the skin under your eyes is very thin and sensitive. Lemon juice is very acidic and can cause irritation to very sensitive skin.

Additionally, the area is very close to your eyes themselves and you would not want to get the lemon juice into your eyes.

However, this is a trial-and-error method. Many people have tried it and had to adjust their recipes and routines as they went along until they found a solution that worked for their skin. We aim to do the same while we maximize the benefits and minimize the side effects.

To explore your options to lighten dark circles check out my article on The 10 Medical & Home Remedies For Under Eye Dark Circles

How Does Lemon Juice Work For Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles

Lemon juice contains many acids which help to lighten the skin over time and it also has antioxidant and astringent properties with help to decrease the appearance of wrinkles.

Lemon juice is rich in Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Citric Acid, and trace amounts of Malic Acid. Vitamin C affects melanin production in the skin and together with the other acids, it exfoliates the skin as well. The combination of actions gradually lightens the skin.

Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant that fights free radical damage and boosts collagen production in the skin. This protects the skin from premature aging and decreases the appearance of already existing wrinkles as the skin becomes toned and tightened.

The astringent effects of lemon juice result in cleaned pores that become shrunken. This makes the skin more firm and smooth.

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Benefits Of Using Lemon Juice For Under-Eyes

Lemon juice is:

Skin Lightening – as mentioned above, the acidic content of lemon juice inhibits melanin synthesis and exfoliates the skin.

Rich in antioxidants – also as mentioned above, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals which cause premature aging and wrinkles.

Collagen-boosting – Vitamin C also boosts collagen production which tightens the skin and makes it more elastic and supple.

Astringent – lemon juice cleans the pores and tightens them. It also balances the pH of the skin and helps to control oiliness and the build-up of dead skin cells which can cause/worsen acne.

Antifungal – while this may not be as important for the under-eye area, it is a great general benefit for the rest of the skin. Researchers believe that lemon juice can kill the candida strain of fungus on the skin.

Antibacterial – Lemon juice contains bioactive compounds called flavonoids. They alter the nature of bacterial cell proteins and damage the cell membranes of bacteria. The citric acid in lemon juice also decreases the pH level within cells. These effects end up killing bacteria. This is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.

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Side Effects Of Using Lemon Juice For Under-Eyes

The acidity of lemon juice makes it possible for some people to experience a few side effects:

Irritation – because of its acidity and its ability to exfoliate the skin, using lemon juice can sometimes cause dryness, peeling, flakiness, and redness. This can happen if you use it too much or leave it directly on your skin for too long, especially if you already have sensitive skin.

Phytophotodermatitis– when citrus fruits on your skin are exposed to sunshine, a certain sort of skin response happens. Your skin may get swollen, and red, and develop blister-like spots as a result.

Weakened Skin Barrier – the pH of lemon juice is much lower than the pH of your skin, so using it daily and for a long time can cause your skin barrier to become dehydrated and weakened. You need to make sure you are moisturizing your skin well.

Leukoderma – also known as vitiligo, can lead to the development of white patches on the skin in areas that have been exposed to lemon juice for an extended time.

Easy to sunburn – lemon juice makes your skin extra sensitive, which makes it easier to become damaged by the harmful rays of the sun. Always make sure to use your SPF, especially under your eyes!

How To Use Lemon Juice For Under-Eyes

Lemon juice is best used for under-eyes in masks or scrubs. When mixed with other ingredients, you can get the benefits of the lemon juice and the other ingredients while preventing some of the side effects like irritation.

How long should you leave lemon juice on your under-eyes?

You should not leave lemon juice on the skin of your under-eyes for more than a few minutes.

This will vary based on how your skin reacts, but generally, it is left on for 3- 10 minutes and then washed off.

Can you leave lemon juice on your under eyes overnight?

I do not recommend leaving lemon juice on the skin of your under-eyes overnight.

Lemon is too harsh and will make your skin too dry when left on for so long. You only need to leave it on long enough for it to become absorbed into your skin. This usually only takes a few minutes.

How often can you apply lemon juice under your eyes?

Depending on your skin, you can potentially use lemon juice for your under-eyes daily.

However, I recommend that you start gradually. This will help your skin get used to the change in pH and the treatment. You can start by using it twice weekly, and then gradually increase the frequency to every day.

To avoid excess dryness and irritation, I recommend using it once daily (at most) and at night. This will give you some protection from the sun (although you still need to use your SPF during the day, every day!) and your skin will be more relaxed and ready to make use of the treatment.

What other skincare treatments do you need when using lemon juice?

Keep your skincare routine simple. The most important thing you will need is moisture and hydration!

Keep your skin well moisturized. Your under eyes will benefit from twice daily (or more if you can manage it) moisturization. You do not need anything fancy. A simple hyaluronic acid moisturization will work wonderfully.

Also, make sure to drink lots of water daily. Water is amazing for your health and your skin.

Avoid using harsh treatments like retinol and other exfoliating acids or products when treating your skin with lemon juice. This will be too much for your sensitive under-eye skin!