If you've ever read my blog then you know I'm not going to send you to a department store to buy some lemon infused beauty product jam packed with chemicals. All you need to do is pick up a lemon while you're at the grocery store. Lemons aren't just good to squeeze in your tea; they're an amazing beauty all rounder.
Lemons have been used for hundreds of years on both skin and hair. The citrus acid in lemons act as an effective astringent by penetrating through pores to remove excess oils, dirt, dead skin cells and even blemishes, leaving you with a brighter complexion and healthier looking skin.
As a natural source of vitamin C, lemons are also used to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance age spots. As they are highly acidic, lemons work as an antiseptic that rids the skin of bacteria.
When it comes to hair, the acids in lemons are brilliant for cleansing both your scalp and hair to remove shampoo and oil build-up, and even reduce dandruff.
I often get comments on my skin and hair, and people often ask what I use. When I respond with "I make my own natural beauty products", people are surprised and want my secret recipes, so here are 5 of my favourite lemon infused skin and hair recipes. Enjoy!
Lemons for Skin
Cleanse & Exfoliate with Lemon
Combine the juice of ½ a lemon with 1 tablespoon of good quality olive oil in to an airtight container and whisk with a fork to mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix until it becomes a medium consistency, then mix in ½ cup of raw sugar.
You can add more or less honey and olive oil to make the scrub thicker or thinner, and even add more sugar if you feel it needs more scrub.
Lemon Face Lift
Combine 2 tablespoons good quality natural yoghurt and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
Apply the mask to your face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on to dry for 20 to 30 minutes; you will feel it tightening on your face and neck, which creates the lifting and firming affect. If desired, you can leave it on for up to an hour to increase the affects. Rinse off with warm water, and then again with cold water and gently pat your face dry before applying moisturiser.
Lemons for hair
Hydrate and Cleanse with Lemon, Olive & Honey Combine
¾ of a cup of olive oil, ½ a cup of raw honey and three tablespoons of lemon juice. After shampooing massage the mixture from your scalp to your ends. Wrap your hair in a heat cap or plastic wrap and leave in for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Rinse with Lemon
If you have oily hair or build up from products, mix ¼ a cup of lemon juice with ½ a cup of water and rinse it through your hair after shampooing and conditioning. It will leave your hair looking brighter and healthier.
Rid dandruff with Lemon
Mix the juice of ½ lemon with ¼ of a cup coconut oil and rub into your scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes then wash your hair as per normal.
It's important to test any homemade beauty recipes on sensitive skin, like the on the inside of your wrist, to make sure you don't have a bad reaction to any ingredients. So always remember to do a quick patch test before applying anything yourself.
About the Author
Marina Daniell is the founder of staple life, an inspiring blog for women about simple living (doing less, so you can live more). A dedicated Bikram Yogi, lover of fashion, beauty and food. When she isn't in the hot yoga room she can be found rolling fresh gnocchi or pasta for her family, or whipping up beauty products with items from her fridge.
You can follow Marina on Facebook or check out her blog staple life.
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