Don't try this at home: Why Lemons Aren't a Magic Potion for Flawless Skin
The charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest TikTok "hack," hold on! As a pharmacist who has dedicated years to formulating gentle yet effective skincare, I'm here to burst the citrus bubble and explain why lemons are a bad idea for treating skin spots.
Lemon on your face is not such a good idea.
The Acidic Truth, what you don’t know can harm you
Let's start with the science. Lemons are undeniably rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant praised for its brightening properties. However, the key ingredient responsible for that "magic" is citric acid, a potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). While AHAs can indeed exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a seemingly brighter complexion, the harsh reality is that lemon juice is far too acidic for your delicate facial skin.
Imagine this: your skin's natural pH sits around a healthy 5.5, slightly acidic but leaning towards neutral. Lemon juice, on the other hand, boasts a pH of 2-3, making it incredibly acidic and comparable to vinegar! Applying this directly to your face disrupts your skin's natural barrier, potentially leading to:
Inflammation and irritation: Redness, burning, and stinging are common reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
Increased sun sensitivity: AHAs make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, potentially worsening hyperpigmentation instead of lightening it.
Uneven skin tone: Over-exfoliation, inflammation, and increased sun sensitivity can lead to patchy, uneven skin tone, the opposite of the desired effect. Yup! It can make things worse!
pH2 is 1000 times more acidic than pH5, it’s a logarithmic scale
Beyond the Burn: The Long-Term Damage
The harm doesn't stop at immediate reactions. Frequent use of lemon juice can weaken your skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage, infections, and premature aging. It's essentially trading short-term perceived brightness for long-term skin woes.
The Temptation of the Algorithm: Why We Fall for the "Hacks"
So, why do these questionable practices gain traction online? The answer lies in a complex mix of factors:
Appeal to natural remedies: The belief that "natural" equals safe and effective is very strong.
Influencer trust: We often see flawless, filtered complexions on our screens, leading us to believe the methods used are foolproof, regardless of their potential harm.
Cherry-picking results: Social media thrives on showcasing successes, rarely highlighting negative experiences or potential dangers.
The Power of Informed Choices: Seek Expertise, Not Likes
It's important to remember that quick fixes rarely deliver lasting results, and especially when it comes to your skin, caution is paramount. Be weary before trying any DIY trend, especially on your face!
Remember, your skin is your largest organ, deserving of care and respect. Don't fall victim to online trends that prioritize likes over lasting results. Choose the informed path, treat your skin with gentleness and respect, and use lemons for lemonade - the healthy way, not on your face.
Use your Lemons wisely, drink them!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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