Five Minutes to Natural Skin Lightening
Ah, August. Back to work. Back to school. And looking back in the mirror is the evidence of how much fun I had in the sun this summer: Freckles, wrinkles and dark spots, especially on the sides of my face where my hat didn’t cover.
Once upon a time, I might have reached for a prescription or over-the-counter skin lightening cream to combat this kind of sun damage. But I know now that hydroquinone, their most common ingredient, has been linked to cancer and, ironically, ochronosis, also known as skin darkening. Yikes!
That’s why this DIY is such a relief: With two kitchen cabinet ingredients and five minutes, you can start the skin lightening process to naturally reduce dark spots for good. This is one of the easiest natural beauty DIYs I’ve ever tried, and trust me, it really works!
I know what you did this summer, and you should have worn a bigger hat. How? The dark patches are in fact hyperpigmentation, a sign of sun damage caused by an increase in melanin production, which happens when the skin is trying to protect itself from overexposure to UV rays. And the only way to truly reduce dark patches is to exfoliate regularly: Removing surface layers of damaged skin will lighten dark spots over time, as new skin replaces damaged skin.
Lemon, a natural exfoliator, comes into play in this skin lightening treatment. After cleansing, slice open a lemon, hold one half by the rind and rub the juicy side all over your face, being careful to avoid your eyes. The alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the lemon encourage exfoliation by sloughing away the outer layer of dead skin cells, improving circulation and stimulating new cell growth. The fruit acids dissolve the old skin cells and making room for the new. Leave the juice on for five minutes or less—much less, if the stinging is too much—then rinse off. This treatment is even more effective in a steamy bathroom or sauna.
But you don’t just want to reduce brown spots, you want less end-of-summer dry skin wrinkles too, right? After your lemon exfoliation, take a minute to slather some raw, organic honey on your face. A natural humectant—that’s something that draws moisture to the skin—honey has antiseptic qualities as well, which means it helps to clear up breakouts. Bonus! After a few minutes in this natural beauty mask, you’ll notice the difference—just don’t give into the temptation to lick it all off. Leave the honey on for as much as 20 minutes, then rinse off to feel soft, hydrated, glowing skin.
With regular use, this two-step treatment can improve skin texture, as well as reduce brown spots and wrinkles—but only if you continue to protect your skin from the sun. Wear a physical (not chemical) SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy. Right now, I’m loving Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer, which has a very sheer, natural tint.
Oh, and keep a hat handy for sunny days. With a bigger brim than mine!
Editor’s note: We’ve had many inquiries about skin lightening products that can be purchased, rather than DIY’ed. In response, I wanted to share two great natural skin lighters that I discovered. First is the vegan Fruit Acid Gel Peel from [re]fresh Skin Therapy, with lactic and kojic acids. A little less expensive is Retseliney’s Dark Spot Corrector Cream
, which calls on kojic acid to lighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. Both products eschew hydroquinone, parabens and phthalates, artificial colors and fragrance, and artificial preservatives. Take a look and if you find a natural skin lightener that works for you, please leave me a comment. Thanks!


161 Comments
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Lisa Hill
I have used lemon and honey mixture and it is a great combination that leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean, and moisturized. Thanks for sharing.
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Ayu
Thanks for sharing the information, I’m looking for an article about body care and I think it’s answered on this website. Nice website. 🙂
Peace
Please can I use lime in replacement of lemon?
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Sona
Honey and Lemon is best agent for Skin lightening properties. I am using it since 1 week, really its amazing, i am very happy now.
thanks for your book article.
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skynewsak.blogspot.com
Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you
present. It’s awesome to come across a blog every
once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Great read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds
to my Google account.
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cynthia
Just wat 2 kn if honey n lemon juice tones
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Dora
I have tried lemon for my dark spots and it has worked in the past but I had a really bad breakout a few months back and it hasn’t been working as well. Do you think something like the Tonique 10x lightening natural cream will work for me?
Catheline
I am 16 years old …and i am having dry skin. I have a complexion that is not so dark. Most of the home remedies i have used leaves my skin tooo dry that a sort of white powder appears on my face.
Does it moisturize too….?
I really wanted to get a better complexion
Colton Hartzell
Use a little bit of sweet almond oil, and gently pat into your skin until it’s absorbed. That will keep your skin hydrated all day, and Almond Oil also brightens skin 🙂
Honey....
My body complextion is.. dark I want to whiten.my.. whole body with face.. What I will do please tell me…
Betty
I use lemon on my face dircacly and my dark spot came more darker so try to use lemon juice on cotton ball it help
armaan
you should apply mixture of lemon and curd to lighten face and neck or wherever body part you want to lighten apply this for 20 minutes and then wash it off after applying use a good moisturizer like garnier or u can apply honey dont go in sunlight when lemon is on your face u can also use flour and curd to lighten skin and remove tan now you please tell me about moles on my face
Kamei
I am guy.23 years..will this lemon and honey
works for a guy too ?? ? becaus i hav lots of dark
spot and dark complexion..
Thaina
Please help I have dark spots on my face.how can I remove it naturally
Maya
Of course both men and women are the same so go ahead and try the results
Selinay Boykan
Every one use to tease me a lot in my school by seeing my face with dark spots .I bought DermalMD Lightening Serum and applied twice a day for a week .My face looks very bright without any dark spots and I was really happy .This product contains no chemicals and made with all natural ingredients. Add colour to your life..don’t miss it.
chinenye
where can I get it pls am in Nigeria
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Miki Horiuchi
DermalMD Lightening Serum is great! Not only is it an excellent moisturizer, but it has significantly faded my acne scars in just two months. I use it twice a day and have been very pleased with the results and how perfect this cream is for my sensitive skin
Iza
Hey ! my arms , legs and especially my face is tanned but my body is white . Can you help me with this ? Reply me as soon as possible !
armaan
this problem is with me also tell solution
Ije
I tried honey, it worked, for a while though. After some hours, my face became filled with rashes!!
Rachel Sarnoff
Really, wow! I’ve never heard of that happening. Sorry Ije!
Marjie
Did you use raw honey or processed honey?
Rachel Sarnoff
Raw honey is much more beneficial!
Temi
hi, I have a very dark face but my body is light, intact people cal me two color girl. wat do I do to make my face ryhm wit my body.
Tanx
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Jackiey
I got DermalMD Lightening Serum for my sister who spent too much time in a tanning bed and her face has lines early and unevenskin tone. It is doing a nice job of helping with the lines as well as lighting up the dark patches. She is really pleased with DermalMD Lightening Serum
BEULLAH
Hi, can i pls apply olive oil on my face after applying n washing off lemon in treating acne?
Rachel Sarnoff
I know people who use oils to treat acne, but I haven’t heard anything about using olive oil. Let me know how it goes if you try…!
divya
Really honey and lemon become whitening
Melvin
i have heard so..lemon s a natural lightening ingridient ..didnt know if honey helps in lightening … 🙂
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Joseph
I got a tan but on my back and chest and stomach areas. It’s unusual and unlikely cause those areas are not really exposed to sunlight. Do you think lemon and honey can help cause it’s really embarrassing. I can’t pull of my clothes anywhere outside my house. I’m really desperate, but I don’t wanna use hydroquinone products because of the side effects. If there’s anything more that I can add to quicken the process please let me know. Thanks in advance.
Rachel Sarnoff
I would recommend staying away from hydroquinone, using the exfoliation and being patient 🙂 Good luck!
Jason
I used a TCA chemical peel on my skin to clear up old acne scars, it did visibly clear my skin but left a dark patch on my left cheek, will using lemon and honey combat this dark patch too?
Rachel Sarnoff
You should try it! Let me know how it goes. Thanks for commenting!
Melvin
Im 19 years old.my face s darker than body due to explosure to sun since childhood.i tried Skinlite 2 years ago.it gave my face a really lighter skintone.but it became more darker again when i go out in sunny days.
i tried lemon,honey,facepacks,sunblock morethan spf40 ++a …but i cant get my original colour..i was fairer at the age of 5 to 8(i hav checked my older pics)…
can anyone help ….. Rachel, . . … anyone ……… ? ? :/ plz
Rachel Sarnoff
Our skin changes as we age, that’s something we all have to accept. Just try to avoid products with hydroquinone, which can make your skin extra-sensitive to the sun, keep using sunscreen and gentle, natural exfoliating products. Good luck, Melvin!
Caroline Antunes
Just start using DermalMD Skin lightning serum for about two weeks. The skin did look lighter and the dark spot is lighter too. Skin is more moist but I was using some masks at the same time. I think that helps with the moist of the skin. Will see what happened if continue using it.
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks Caroline! That product seems to get great reviews from customers, and I like that it doesn’t contain hydroquinone. Thank you for sharing!
ay
hi, is it advisable to use honey ,orange n rosewater to exfoliate everyday cos dats wat i do
if no can u plz enlighten me. wil apreciate dat. tnx
Rachel Sarnoff
Hm… Not sure if that would count as an exfoliator, but it sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Christabel
Pls does honey cause more acne break.
Rachel Sarnoff
No honey is an antibacterial with no oil, it will not cause more breakouts. Good luck Christabel!
Christabel
Pls does honey cause more breakout? I tried applying honey and had more breakout. Got discouraged. What do you suggest
Gabby
Hi Rachel, is manuka honey too strong to use?
Rachel Sarnoff
No it’s perfect! So many other benefits, too. Let me know how it goes!!
emma
how do I get hyperpigmatation off my skin caused by mis use of retin a
Rachel Sarnoff
I don’t know about Retin A, I would recommend talking to the dermatologist who prescribed it? Good luck!
hira khan
You could try a natural brightening mask, which is extremely easy and very effective. Mash up 3 – 5 strawberries and apply to your face, leaving on for 10 -15 minutes, Rinse or wipe off with natural floral water. Strawberries are high in Vitamin C and have slightly acidic properties so will leave your skin cleansed and glowing
Rachel Sarnoff
OH I love this idea! Will have to try. Thanks for sharing your tips, Hira!
Viktoria Wimberger
DermalMD Lightening Serum is the product I have found to lighten my melasma. It’s been almost 6 months but I specifically used it on one area and not another….glad I did so I could see the difference but wish I had trusted it. I’ve spent lots of money trying different things and nothing worked except this.
Rachel Sarnoff
Hm… I wonder what the active ingredients is in that. My concern is that most contain hydroquinone, which is not only super toxic but when you go into the sun again it makes your skin even MORE sensitive! I’d love to know what the active is on your product. In any case, thanks for sharing!
Chelsea
Hi Rachel,
Is it okay to not rinse off the lemon juice and just leave it overnight on my face (if I don’t experience any irritation)? Your thoughts will be appreciated!
Chelsea
Rachel Sarnoff
No you should definitely rinse it off!
Siv
That’s an interesting post! Can this method be used for lightening also arms and chest? I’m naturally pale but I’ve been under some sun exposure this summer without sunscreen and I can notice a line on my chest and I really want to keep being pale.
Rachel Sarnoff
I haven’t used it on my arms and chest, but it’s worth a try! And sunscreen 🙂
Hanife Yılmaz
Dermalmd is Awesome moisturizer and serum for my face. If you need something that feels light but does the job, this product is it! My face looks natural and glows and I give all the thanks to this product! This is a must buy.
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for sharing! Is it paraben and petrochemical free?
Indu
My daughter is 5 years old I can see dark skin on her back neck and arms.Please tell me some natural remedies to maintain her skin tone
Rachel Sarnoff
I think sunscreen and love is best for a five year old 🙂
Emmanuel
I am fair skined naturally, my skin tone is even through out my whole body except for my fore head and neck will this procedure give me an even skin tone naturally. That’s my question.
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for reading, Emmanuel! This treatment is designed to gently exfoliate the skin. I find that if I regularly exfoliate and wear sunscreen I see a gradual lightening of the skin where I have darker patches. Good luck!
Emmanuel
Rachel it seems like you don’t reply everyone. I’ve posted a question twice and you’ve not answered any of them, but you’ve already answered other people’s post. I don’t know why. Am I invisible.
Rachel Sarnoff
So sorry Emmanuel, this is the first question I’ve seen from you. How can I help?
Julia Löffelmann
Try to use DermalMD Serum for Make Skin Lighter it’s very effective. It is on the strong side, so be cautious on lighter more tender skin. However, I think it is very good and use it every other day. The darker sun spots on my cheek are lightening very quickly and I am very happy with this product.
Rachel Sarnoff
I don’t know that brand, what’s the active ingredient do you know? Thanks for commenting, Julia!
Emmanuel
I am fair skined naturally, my skin tone is even through out my whole body except for my fore head and neck will this procedure give me an even skin tone naturally
Giaan
I went to the store and bought honey but I bought pure honey. Is that ok to use on the skin? Someone please help.
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes, pure honey is great 😉
Shubham
Hey guys, this is Shubham here. I am just 15 but really tired of my dark tanned face and especially, my forehead. You all wouldn’t believe I was quite fair when I was around 10-11 years. Over the period, due to much outdoor sports like football and cricket in summers gradually made my face, tan a lot. I didn’t care at that time but now, facing the consequences. It’s a very bad and severe tan on my face which is not going whatever therapies I tried. Can you help me out. I want my childhood complexion again. Even lemon and honey didn’t work out in this case. My mom refuses for artificial bleaching. What do I do ?
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi Shubham, the best way to reduce sun exposure is to wear a mineral-based sunscreen daily and a hat when you’re outside. Please stay away from chemical bleaching products, they will only make your skin more sensitive to the sun during exposure, and they’re linked to some pretty nasty illnesses.
Azba
Hello,
Lemon alone is too itchy for me.Thats y i m adding lemon drops and honey in milk and apply it all over
Face and hands.what u think about this.And I am doing this everyday. Thanks plz let me know.
Rachel Sarnoff
I think that sounds like a great idea!
Emmanuel
I am fair skined naturally, my skin tone is even through out my whole body except for my fore head and neck will this procedure give me an even skin tone naturally
Elina
How long do you have to do this before your skin actually lightens?
marina
thanks for article.
Melvin
hey rachel..
i’m 18 yrs old and about avrage in colour not too dark …my face and neck is darker than whole body …
i think its bcos over explosure to sun when i ws young …my body color is white….i used skin-lite oilment and bcme fairer bt due to sun explosure bcme darker……
i want to get my body colour on face and neack….What should i do…plz HELP me…..
(my frnd got amazingly white colour within 2 months.he was darker than me,he said he used skinlite bt his color is not fading yet)….
pls help me
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi Melvin, I’m not sure what Skin-Lite is but look at the label: If it includes hydroquinone then it may make you MORE sensitive to the sun. Good luck!
Michelle
I am interested in the lemon exfoliating skin treatment/along with the raw honey moisturizer for the skin. How often are you to do that?
Rachel Sarnoff
I try to do a facial once a week, but not necessarily always this one. Let me know how it works for you!
Jada
Hello 🙂
I was wondering if a therapudic grade of lemon essential oil would work for the dark spots ? Sorry in advance if this question has been asked already !
Thanks
Rachel Sarnoff
I don’t know about that, actually. Thanks for reading!
Erick
I’ve noticed that after I shave the skin underneath the hair is darker then the rest of my face can these home remedies be used to lighten and even my skin tone as far as the skin where the hair grows?
Rachel Sarnoff
Hm, I don’t know if you would want to use the lemon there, because the skin would be sensitive from shaving…
Nicole
I don’t know if I’ll get a reply after so long, but I was wondering.. can the lemon help to fade a suntan? I went out with no makeup and had JUST exfoliated my face. My outfit covered every other inch of skin from the sun. Now my face is much darker than everything else and it’s been a month and it hasn’t faded AT ALL =( Help please?!
Rachel Sarnoff
I think exfoliating and staying out of the sun are both great techniques, and the lemon can definitely help with the first part!
resep
nice for sharing,,,
mary
I have having my face itching skin i read about honey which i used and i realized an improvement in the skin. but a friend of main recommended adding of a lemon juicy which i did yesterday. how best can i use this because i fast applied lemon juicy after few minutes i added raw honey.
pliz advice i do love your article.
Mary
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for reading Mary! For itching, I think raw honey would be a great thing to try. I wouldn’t add lemon for that purpose. But yes to honey! Let me know if it helps?
july
Essential post
Lourika
Hi
I have browish/black spots on the back of my legs would lemon juice be able to lighten it up ??
🙂 iv have it since ages im now 22 n i cant even wear shorts or dresses please help 🙁
Rachel Sarnoff
The lemon is very gentle and can be used anywhere, give it a try! But the results are gradual, not immediate.
EM
So after you stop using the lemon treatment is it possible to stop using sunscreen daily, or should you keep using it the rest of your life? Besides the fact that sunscreen is good in general.
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes I think daily sunscreen is a great idea!
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Hunter Osborne
Hi Rachel, I just came across your post and am super excited about it as my face has been gradually sporting dark spots more and more with each pregnancy I’ve had… I try not to care but if any sun hits them they are blaring and I really don’t like them. I saw one comment ask about lemon juice instead of lemon… would this be the same or do you think the juice has oxidized and may not be as good? I ask because I have a large bottle of organic lemon juice already…it would save me time/moola. Also, I saw a post about using Vit C powder… I also currently have that. If using a lemon and slicing is best I’ll do that, but if you think the juice or Vit C powder may work as well (since I already have both) I’d like to know your thoughts. Thanks much dear!
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks Hunter! I appreciate your comments. I think it would be best to use the cut lemon, because 1. it’s fresh and 2. it’s easier to maneuver over your face 🙂 I am going to experiment with the powder, though. Stay tuned!! Let me know how this treatment works for you? Thanks!
liver cleanse
That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read post!
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rosacea skin care
I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic.
I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more.
Thank you for fantastic info I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
hiza
Awesome!
joan antony
Hi… I just wanted a quick help
I have my brother’s wedding in a weeks time… And I have brownish skin… Which I have darkened it more aft my vacation…. If I use honey and lemon everyday for another 5 days.. Will show any difference.. Or
I am being very greedy ! 😉 ..
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi Joan! I don’t know if you will see a difference that fast in the lightening, but your skin will definitely be soft! 🙂 Rachel
RoSalyn
Hi. I just discovered your website and think its great. I’d like to know if the lemon/honey routine will work on African-American skin. I was out and about in the sun wearing a short sleeved shirt and got an tan on my arms. Will this help lighten my arms? I cant wear sleeveless clothes because I look like I’m wearing dark brown, arm length gloves. Lol. Any suggestions? Thanks
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi RoSalyn! I think it should, and the honey is definitely softening and smoothing for all skin types. Let me know how it goes!
Bev
Can someone please tell me the amount of lemon & honey to use either on the face or the arms which I am aiming for because they are awful looking. Can u use lemon juice or must u use a whole lemon, do u squeeze some on the arm then top it off with honey? I need specific instructions. Thanks much
Rachel Sarnoff
So the way I do it is to cut a lemon in half and then rub it gently on the area. After rinsing, I use my fingers to smooth honey onto the skin. Hope this helps! 🙂 Rachel
Robert
Dear Rachel, Thank you very much for posting alternative treatment for sun-damaged skin. I went
to an integrative pharmacy today in search of something natural, but the product I was encouraged to purchase irritated my skin. As an ethical vegan for 39 years, I don’t use any animal ingredients or byproducts, so honey is not an option for me. Is there any alternative to honey that you might recommend?
Thank you again!
Robert
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi Robert! Yes, I see the conundrum. I think you should look for an aloe based product. Aloe is soothing but not animal based. I also like argan oil, which is also vegan–the one I use is here: https://mommygreenest.com/mommy-greenest-approved-josie-maran-pure-argan-milk/–for more hydration. And the fruit acid exfoliation is the skin lightening part, so that you can still get from lemons. Let me know if this helps? Thanks for reading!
Siyasanga
Hey there.
I have been suffering from skin TB and it left my legs with dark black spots what can I use to remove or lighten them up? Something natural since my skin is very sensitive. Its too bad that I don’t even wear skirts or anything that shows my legs. I would really appreciate it if you would advice. Is it wise for me to buy honey from a shop? I have been using bio oil but there is just no improvement!
Rachel Sarnoff
I’ve used lemon and honey for dark patches from sun exposure, but I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about anything related to a medical condition. Thanks for reading MG!
Abigail
I have been using raw honey since i was 12, and I’m 19 now and still sticking to it. Really loves it so much since it made my skin even sm0other. I usually mix it with refined sugar and use it as facial scrub. U should really try it. 🙂
Rachel Sarnoff
Absolutely that’s one of my favorite recipes! I also like this one, which adds egg and oatmeal to the mix. https://mommygreenest.com/4-ingredient-diy-organic-face-mask-recipe/ Let me know if you try it!
Minita
My face and hands have darkened due to sun exposure for years, i never used sunscreen before. I use sugarcane juice as it contains Glycolic acid, Lactic acid from milk or yogurt or Lemon for ascorbic acid. And i am using it every day either of the one mentioned above for fast result. Is Honey better than all these? Will i get fast result if i use it everyday?
Rachel Sarnoff
Those are all great, natural ingredients. Honey I use for it’s soothing and smoothing qualities, not as a skin lightener. I have not tried doing this every day, let me know if you would see quicker results if you do! Thanks for writing, Minita 🙂
Supreya
Oh no i am newly 13 and i am bown in complexion so i want to get fair and don’t have to use sunscreen and i also have some scaly things on my foot can you help me out with some homemade remedies or permanent one
Rachel Sarnoff
Hi Supreya! I think you should have your foot looked at by a doctor. And as for complexion, this facial is about lightening the brown spots that are caused by too much sun. So hopefully you will use sunscreen in the sun to prevent those when you’re older. Good luck!
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skintagsremoval
Hello, I read your blog on a regular basis.
Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up!
minie
i can i use honey every alternate day ?? is there any sideeffect ?? as i have so many scars on my face and i want it to be fixed ASAP. Also keeping honey overnight is more beneficial ????
as i use to keep it for half an hour max :/
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for writing! I don’t see any downside to using honey every day, but overnight might get sticky 🙂 I try to do it once a week.
nancy
i have been trying honey daily since a week but i dont find any good result with my acne and acne scars 🙁
please suggest if i should stick to it ?
Rachel Sarnoff
Oh, I’m so sorry! I don’t know if honey will completely fix acne and acne scars, but have you seen improvement in skin texture and color? I hope so! Also, maybe try once a week as a facial, rather than every day. Please check back and let me know how it goes!
Joy
All you need is patience, I have too oily face,acne,and dark spot, I have used all the costly cosmetics but to no avail. Until one day I decided to go all natural. I stopped every cream, make up,and soap. I started using honey+cinnamon+baking soda+lemon for mask once a day and raw honey for washing my face morning and night, finally apply a few drops of essence argan oil. Now my face is cleared of acne, only ocassional appearance of one at a time and the dark spot is gradually fading, this is one month now
Rachel Sarnoff
What a great testimony to the power of natural ingredients, Joy. Thank you SO much for sharing!
pallavi
i have a super oily skin and pimples too , not sure if honey is good as it may darken the skin texture ????
Rachel Sarnoff
I don’t believe that there are any skin darkening properties to honey, but doing the mask weekly should improve skin texture. Let me know how it goes? Thanks for reading and sharing!
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Barbara DesChamps
Even cheaper and easier is this: At the natural foods store, buy a very small quantity of unbuffered ascorbic acid powder (vitamin C.) It is very inexpensive. Gently cleanse skin with a mild soap such as Dial Basics Hypoallergenic. Mix a small amount of the powder, about 1/4 teaspoon, in 15 ml, about 1/2 ounce, cool or lukewarm water until dissolved. Wipe over skin with a cotton ball. You should feel a slight tingle. If not, try a slightly stronger mix, perhaps 1/2 teaspoon powder. Leave long enough to evaporate. Then wash with the soap again, scrubbing gently with a buf-puf-type scrubber. The ascorbic acid works as well as the citric acid in the lemon but is much cheaper. Other cheap beauty solutions in my Custom Wardrobe book.
Rachel Sarnoff
I like this, but I think the lemon is easier–and cheaper, especially from a tree!
Areli
Do you need to rinse the lemon off before applying the honey? Or, do you apply the honey on top of the lemon?
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes, I rinse the lemon before applying the honey but I suppose you could try it either way. Let me know if you do! Thanks for commenting Areli 🙂
Olivia
Thank you for the info. How many times a week do you suggest using the treatment to see progress?
Rachel Sarnoff
I think it depends on your skin and what you’re looking for, but I think weekly is a good place to start!
Rachel Sarnoff
I like raw organic honey, I think when you pasteurize honey you zap a lot of the good stuff out. I think it depends on your individual skin, and how dark the spots are. But please let me know what worked for you, I’d love to hear! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Cher
I’m a huge (raw) honey fan too! I put it on my face in the shower or when I have breakouts I dab some honey on my face before bed. I recently healed a 2nd degree burn with honey at our family cottage. I wrote about it on my blog! Honey and lemon are great for skin!
Rachel Sarnoff
Awesome!
Anna@Green Talk
Years ago, I bumped into a hot light. Now I have a dark pigmentation on my back. I was given a cream to lighten it. I wonder if repeated lemon treatments would help.
Love the honey idea. I use raw local honey. It would be good for your face and your fall allergies.
Rachel Sarnoff
I use raw honey too, and was just reading about the connection between local honey and fighting allergies. Love it!
Mary
I’ve been applying mixture of equal amounts of lemon n honey left it overnight and rinsing in the morning does it works or should I change plz help me
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for writing, Mary! I would wash it off before you sleep, could be sticky!
Shane@EnviroBooty
Perfect timing! I went out on th boat for 6 hours without my sunscreen and have awful malasma. 🙂 Off to get a lemon.
Rachel Sarnoff
Oh no! Definitely use the honey, too. That can really help with dryness. Let me know how it goes!