Natural lemon oil is recommended to have at home by both cosmetologists and ordinary women who have already experienced the benefits of aromatherapy for themselves. The product is relatively inexpensive and suitable for almost everyone. Oil masks and compresses help maintain skin tone, slow down the aging process, and treat visible defects and dermatological diseases.
Composition and properties of lemon oil
The value of lemon oil for skin health is explained by the combination of organic compounds in its composition. It cannot be said that the composition is unique - any citrus oil except orange has a similar one. But each component is useful on its own, and in a natural complex composition, such as any essential oil, the beneficial properties of one are also successfully complemented by the properties of the other.
- 90% of the oil is limonene, a hydrocarbon compound of the terpene group. It has a pronounced aroma and is found in all citrus oils and in smaller doses in the oils of other plants (fennel, parsley, mint, pine, etc.). A natural antiseptic, due to the fact that it predominates in the composition, lemon oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, cleanses the skin;
- Citral is an organic compound of the class of aldehydes, alcohols without hydrogen, a potent substance that in large quantities can cause skin irritation - therefore, for people with sensitive skin, it is necessary to conduct an allergy test. Acts as an antiseptic and promotes tissue healing;
- Coumarin is an ester, a chemical compound that contains acid radicals. Stimulates blood flow, so regular treatment of the skin with lemon oil improves complexion;
- citronellal is an organic compound of the terpenoid class, an aldehyde. It has an anti-infective effect, so the oil helps in the treatment of skin diseases;
- geraniol is an alcohol of the terpenoid class, has a bactericidal effect;
- phellandrene is a hydrocarbon of the monoterpene class, has antiviral and antifungal effects;
- camphene is a monoterpene, hydrocarbon, natural antiseptic;
- vitamins of group B, PP, E.
Benefits of facial oil - table
| skin type/problem | Properties of lemon oil |
| Normal skin | It is useful to add oil to cosmetics to maintain skin tone and prevent age-related changes. It also improves the effect of cosmetics and other oils. |
| Dry skin, peeling, itching, pale skin | Removes the stratum corneum of dead cells, increases blood flow, improves complexion, eliminates flaking and itching. |
| Oily skin, acne, blackheads, enlarged pores | Stimulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, normalizes sebum production, opens pores, and helps cleanse the deep layers of the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, dries and treats acne. |
| Infectious diseases, rash, herpes | It has an antiseptic effect, disinfects, dries out purulent formations, and treats skin damage - wounds, ulcers. |
| Age spots, freckles | Whitens the skin, lightens age spots. |
| Couperose | Helps make the visible network of capillaries less noticeable. |
| Aged skin | Stimulates the renewal of epidermal cells, blocks the production of the enzyme elastase, which breaks down collagen and elastin tissue. |
Indications and contraindications for use
Before using essential oil, check your skin for an allergic reaction - anoint your wrist or elbow with it, and after 20 minutes, assess the condition of the skin. If there is no redness, irritation, or itching, you can apply the oil to your face. True, only foci of inflammation, neoplasms such as warts, and skin rashes should be treated in their pure form. For skin care, it is recommended to dilute 2-3 drops of oil in 1 tbsp. l base, any odorless vegetable oil - olive, peach, grape seed oil, avocado or jojoba. Aldehydes in the essential oil can easily cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes; for people with sensitive skin, the use of pure oil should be limited.
The active biological components of essential oil are easier to absorb if you clean and steam the skin. It is recommended to repeat oil therapy sessions 2 times a week for a month, then take a break. To prepare a composition based on etherol, it is recommended to take glass, ceramic or porcelain dishes; in metal, oil can change the composition, which can lead to a partial loss of its value.
Etherol is phototoxic; you do not need to apply it to your face before going outside or visiting a solarium - you will save your skin from the appearance of age spots and early aging. Lemon oil is contraindicated for use by people undergoing or who have undergone chemotherapy. Pregnant and nursing mothers can use the oil with the consent of a doctor and in limited doses.
The use of lemon oil in cosmetology
Lemon oil, combined with vegetable oils, herbs and natural products, solves skin problems - and is so effective that it replaces cosmetics.
For normal skin care
For skin care, it is recommended to apply oil masks once a week - they nourish the skin, stimulate the growth of new cells and metabolic processes in tissues. What masks are suitable if you don’t have any visible problems that need to be addressed by a dermatologist:
- heat 1 tbsp in a water bath. l rosehip oil, add 2 drops of lemon oil. Apply to face, leave for 15 minutes, remove any oil that is not absorbed with a dry cloth or cotton pad. This mask is not suitable for oily and problem skin, for the treatment of acne and boils, but it has a rejuvenating effect;
- mix 1 tbsp. l sea buckthorn oil with 2 drops of lemon, apply to the face for 15 minutes - this mask whitens the skin;
- beat the yolk of 1 egg, add to it 2 tsp of any odorless vegetable oil, 0,5 tsp each of honey and freshly squeezed apple juice, 2 drops each of lemon and lavender oil. Mix the mixture well. Prepare the chamomile infusion in advance, cool it and wash your face before applying the mask. The mixture is kept for 10 minutes, then washed off with a cotton pad soaked in the herbal infusion. Then the mask is applied a second time, left again for 10 minutes and washed with warm water;
- 2 drops of lemon oil can be added to a single dose of any facial care cosmetics. It is not recommended to store enriched products; they will not be beneficial.
To nourish and moisturize dry skin
Dry skin needs gentle peeling, intense hydration and nutrition - cosmetics made from natural ingredients cope with these tasks - tested experimentally. How to use lemon oil in skin care:
- A mask made from almond flour (2 tbsp), olive oil (1–2 tsp, look at the consistency to make a paste), lemon, lavender, rose oils (3 drops each). It is more convenient to apply the mixture using sponge or cosmetic spatula for 10 minutes, then washed off with warm water;
- Homemade peeling can be prepared from rice flour (2 tbsp), avocado oil (1 tbsp), lemon oil (2 drops). The mask is applied with massage movements and left for 10 minutes, then washed off. To gently cleanse the skin, you can add 2 drops of lemon oil to 1 tbsp. l ready-made scrub or peeling and use immediately;
- massage with ice cubes from chamomile decoction (0,5 cups) and lemon oil (7 drops) is good for skin tone;
- nourishes and softens dry skin with a mask of warm milk (2 tbsp), dry yeast (1 tsp), olive oil (1 tsp), 3 drops of lemon oil. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes, then rinse with water;
- A milk mask (1 tbsp) with the addition of olive oil (1 tsp) and 3 drops of lmion oil will also soften the skin;
- A mask made from essential oils is suitable for moisturizing the skin - 1 drop each of lemon, ylang-ylang, neroli, mint and St. John's wort. Apply for 15 minutes, then wash your face with still mineral water. You can slightly change the combination of oils and limit yourself to lemon oil (2 drops). St. John's wort (2 drops) and mint (2 drops).
To solve oily skin problems
Problems typical for people with oily skin can also be solved by oil therapy - such skin needs hydration and nutrition no less than dry and problematic skin. Healthy recipes with the addition of lemon oil:
- a mask of grape seed oil (1 tbsp) and lemon oil (3 drops) tightens pores. You can apply it 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes, blot off excess oil with a napkin;
- cleanses the skin and removes oily shine with a white clay mask with the addition of 2 drops of lemon oil. Clay can be diluted not with water, but with sage infusion;
- For deep cleansing, a mask made from egg white (1 egg), alum (0,5 tsp), lemon oil (3 drops) is suitable. It should be used in courses of 4 months, done 2-3 times a week;
- A mask made from milk thistle oil (1 tbsp), grape seed oil (0,5 tsp) and 2 drops of lemon oil helps against acne and blackheads. You can take sesame oil as a base, add 2 drops of lavender and lemon and also use the mixture to dry and cure acne;
- moisturizes and nourishes the skin with a mask of liquid honey (1 tbsp), warmed milk (0,5 tbsp), lemon oil (3 drops). Apply it for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and lubricate your face with cream. This mixture is contraindicated for rosacea;
- peeling can be prepared from rice flour (2 tbsp), avocado oil (1 tbsp), lemon oil (4 drops). Heat the base oil in a water bath, then mix with the rest of the ingredients, apply to the face, gently massaging, and leave for 5 minutes, then wash with cool water and lubricate the skin with moisturizer. The procedure can be repeated no more than once a week if there is no damage to the skin.
For the treatment of problem skin
Lemon juice and lemon oil have long been known as the best skin whitening products. You can diversify your home treatments by mixing these ingredients with others - this way your skin will receive additional care:
- for 1 tbsp. l sea buckthorn oil, add 2 drops of lemon, apply to face with massaging movements;
- a mixture similar in composition also lightens age spots: to sea buckthorn oil (1 tbsp) add 0,5 tsp of wheat germ oil, 3 drops of lemon, 3 drops of chamomile, a pinch of salt, apply the mixture to the face for 15 minutes, then blot napkin;
- A mask made from mashed potatoes (1 tbsp), jojoba oil (1 tsp) and lemon oil (10 drops) will help reduce age spots on the skin of the face. The mixture is applied for 10 minutes, then washed off with warm water;
- a white clay mask (1 tbsp) with the addition of 1 tsp soda, 0,5 tsp talc, 0,5 tsp hydrogen peroxide and 3 drops of lemon oil will help dry the skin and relieve rashes, ringworm, and inflammation;
- herpes and warts are treated spot-on with pure lemon oil or a mixture of oils: 0,5 tbsp. l of almond oil add 4 drops of lemon and tea tree oil, 2 drops of geranium. For the treatment of herpes, a mixture based on calendula oil with the addition of lemon, geranium and eucalyptus oils (4 drops per 1 tbsp of base) is useful.
- the vascular network in rosacea will be less noticeable if you regularly use a tonic with lemon oil - 15 drops of oil per glass of clean water, the composition can be stored, but in the refrigerator;
- A mask of oatmeal (1 tbsp), dried chamomile (1 tbsp), olive or other vegetable oil (1 tsp) and lemon oil (2 drops) helps to hide the vessels. It is recommended to do it once a week: apply to the face for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
To maintain the tone of aging skin
Lemon oil does not smooth out wrinkles - just as no oil mixture does. But it is true that it stimulates blood flow, metabolic processes in skin tissues and cell renewal. It is not recommended to use lemon oil in its pure form for aging skin. For care, nutrition, and hydration, masks are prepared with the addition of other components:
- a mixture of base oil (1 tbsp) and 3 drops of lemon oil is useful for relieving dry aging skin. Peach, castor, olive, coconut or rosehip oil, avocado oil are suitable as a base;
- a healthy complexion is supported by a mask with aloe: add raw yolk and 1 drops of lemon oil to aloe juice (2 tbsp), mix and apply to the skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off;
- tones the skin with a mask based on sour cream (1 tbsp) with the addition of honey (1 tsp), lemon juice and 3 drops of lemon essential oil. Sour cream can be replaced with cream;
- It is believed that a tightening effect is provided by a mask made from rye flour (1 tbsp) with the addition of raw yolk and strong tea (1 tsp), as well as lemon oil (2 drops are enough);
- a delicious mask for aging skin can be prepared from a baked apple - grind the apple itself, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey and 3 drops of lemon oil;
- Lemon tonic is useful for daily care: you need lemon juice (5 tbsp), glycerin (1 tbsp), rose water (1 tbsp), lemon oil (3 drops). They do not wash their faces with it, but spray their face with a spray bottle. It is better to carry out the procedure in the morning - the aromatic mixture will also help to invigorate;
- In the evening it is better to apply a nourishing mask. For cooking you will need: 1 tbsp. l almond oil, 1 tsp vitamin E, 2 drops lemon oil. You don’t have to wash it off, leave it overnight, and wash it in the morning.
It is recommended to do all masks regularly so that the skin regularly receives the necessary nutrition and care. Repeat procedures 2, maybe 3 times a week for a month, then take a break. At age 30, oil therapy will help slow down the natural aging process; at age 4, it will delay the appearance of visible wrinkles, help maintain a healthy complexion, and remove dead skin cells. After 50 procedures, they maintain skin tone, but they do not provide any tangible results, such as smoothing out wrinkles.
Reviews on the use of lemon oil
A very effective remedy for eliminating freckles and age spots on the skin. The result is amazing. I got freckles in the spring, now I can only save myself with them. It effectively whitens the face. I recommend it to all my girlfriends
Why not combine industrial products with homemade products. Some skin care recipes can be easily prepared from improvised ingredients that any housewife has. For example, a self-prepared scrub based on olive oil, sea salt and oatmeal renews the skin. The enzymes contained in oatmeal dissolve dead skin cells, and salt particles exfoliate it mechanically. Olive oil softens the skin, making it smoother and more elastic. Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to this scrub and you will get an additional effect. Just dilute it in a carrier oil first. In our case - olive. For example, lemon essential oil whitens the skin.
Essential oils are a very good remedy. I use them often. I definitely add it to the bath. Here, I found information on some oils: Tea tree oil - helps in caring for oily and problematic facial skin. Helps with acne. Fir oil is also used for problematic oily skin, for acne, rashes, and also as a tonic and rejuvenating agent. Camphor oil helps with facial sweating, whitens skin, normalizes fat production, cares for eyelashes and lightens freckles. Lemon oil rejuvenates, whitens the skin, cleanses and tightens pores, and regulates oil production.
I buy lemon essential oil as one of the ingredients in the “foam” for washing. My “foam” is prepared very simply: take flour (preferably pea flour, but I also use wheat), a little boiled water, a little turmeric (very little, otherwise it will color your face), add avocado oil (a little) and a drop of lemon essential oil - mix everything and give this mixture a gentle facial massage. First you need to wash your face several times with fairly hot water to steam your face a little. After massaging with this mixture, I keep this mixture on my face for two or three minutes and then wash it off with fairly hot water. At the end, be sure to rinse your face with cold water. The face is super, all impurities and makeup are removed perfectly. You need to get used to this method of washing very gradually, but the skin will say words of gratitude every day. A huge advantage of this method is that everything is natural.
After teenage acne, I had very ugly facial skin, with spots and scars. They said that only special cosmetic procedures would help. But there was no money for them, and I’m not sure that they were made in our city back then. My grandmother recommended me masks with lemon. There are several, but most often I used the recipe with egg white and lemon juice. I did it twice a week for 2 months in a row. The skin began to look much nicer. The spots have decreased and the scars are less noticeable. Now, of course, I had my skin straightened by a cosmetologist, but at that time, for me, the result from lemon was a miracle.
There is only one piece of advice: keep lemon oil in your medicine cabinet at home, just in case, even if there were no skin problems. There will always be a use for it.
