Natural or Synthetic: Natural
Origin: A lemon is a citrus fruit that comes from a lemon tree
Location: Lemon trees are native to Asia, however they are now cultivated all over the world, from the United States and China, to Mexico and Italy.
Beauty Benefits: Lemon is often found in beauty products because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that improve our skin, hair and nails. The hero ingredient is most famous for its exfoliation properties. As with many citrus fruits, lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids that gently remove dead skin cells (stimulating surface skin cell renewal) and treat pigmentation. Lemons also have astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that deeply clean the skin and remove excess oil, without stripping the skin. For these reasons, lemons are a great ingredient for fighting acne and blackheads.
Lemons also work wonders on the hair. They stimulate hair growth, straighten hair follicles and treat a variety of hair problems (dandruff and dry scalp etc.). Lemons also lighten hair, providing a natural and safe alternative to chemical bleaching.
Warnings: Although lemons are considered safe to use topically, leaving lemon juice on your skin for long periods of time can be harmful. This is because the alpha hydroxy acids found in lemons can inflame and irritate the skin; they also exfoliate the skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage. When using lemon-based skincare products, ensure you protect your skin with an SPF. Failing that, stick to only using lemon-based products at night time!
Found In: Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Scrub (£30.00 blissworld.co.uk / $36.00 Sephora). This body scrub is the real deal; packed full of so many round scrubbing beads, that removing dirt and dead skin cells is quick and easy. This gorgeous exfoliator - formulated with lemon peel oil and lemon fruit extract - smells absolutely amazing, providing you with an refreshing uplift each time you use it. It rinses off the body effortlessly, leaving skin clean, radiant and super soft.
Beauty Benefits: Lemon is often found in beauty products because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that improve our skin, hair and nails. The hero ingredient is most famous for its exfoliation properties. As with many citrus fruits, lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids that gently remove dead skin cells (stimulating surface skin cell renewal) and treat pigmentation. Lemons also have astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that deeply clean the skin and remove excess oil, without stripping the skin. For these reasons, lemons are a great ingredient for fighting acne and blackheads.
Lemons also work wonders on the hair. They stimulate hair growth, straighten hair follicles and treat a variety of hair problems (dandruff and dry scalp etc.). Lemons also lighten hair, providing a natural and safe alternative to chemical bleaching.
Warnings: Although lemons are considered safe to use topically, leaving lemon juice on your skin for long periods of time can be harmful. This is because the alpha hydroxy acids found in lemons can inflame and irritate the skin; they also exfoliate the skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage. When using lemon-based skincare products, ensure you protect your skin with an SPF. Failing that, stick to only using lemon-based products at night time!
Found In: Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Scrub (£30.00 blissworld.co.uk / $36.00 Sephora). This body scrub is the real deal; packed full of so many round scrubbing beads, that removing dirt and dead skin cells is quick and easy. This gorgeous exfoliator - formulated with lemon peel oil and lemon fruit extract - smells absolutely amazing, providing you with an refreshing uplift each time you use it. It rinses off the body effortlessly, leaving skin clean, radiant and super soft.