Q&A for How to Use a Lemon to Lighten Your Skin

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can you keep lemon juice on your face overnight?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

While this is something you can do (as it's generally not going to cause harm other than potentially drying the skin), it has no benefits, so it's really not a worthwhile activity. It can leave your skin feeling sticky, and the juice will end up on your pillowcase and sheets. Since it doesn't have a benefit, and can increase skin dryness, this seems like a lot of effort (putting it on and cleaning the bed linen) for no real returns. If you do leave it on, be sure it is thoroughly washed off before you head outside, to lessen any risk of reaction with sunlight on your skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 68
Question

I'm black. If I do this process, can I become little white?

Community Answer

The lightening effect of natural substances like lemon is very mild. It will lighten your skin a little bit, but you will still be black. Drastically altering your skin tone requires harsh chemicals. And it is generally not worth it. It's best to try to accept yourself as you are and embrace your own natural beauty.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 99 Helpful 542
Question

Can I leave the lemon on over night?

Community Answer

Yes, but be sure to wash it off in the morning. Also, consider applying some moisturizer, such as cocoa butter, so that your skin won't dry up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 89 Helpful 415
Question

Are there any side effects I should be aware of when rubbing lemon directly on my skin?

Community Answer

Yes. Many citrus fruit, including lemon, make skin sensitive to sunlight. Going out into the sun after rubbing lemon onto your skin may result in a very bad sunburn. Also, if you have any cuts or sores on your skin, the acidic nature of the lemon juice may cause some stinging.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 64 Helpful 266
Question

Will drinking lemon juice have the same benefits?

Community Answer

No. You have to apply the lightening agent (whether you're using lemon or something else) directly to your skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 19
Question

Can I mix honey in lemon juice as a face mask/pack?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will not make your skin lighter. Honey has other benefits, however, and is great for your skin. It is naturally moisturizing and antibacterial.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 65 Helpful 213
Question

Is drinking lemon water daily as effective as applying it?

Community Answer

No, drinking lemon water will not have an effect on the color of your skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Is it advisable to mix lemon juice with my body cream?

Community Answer

No, it is not advisable because it may have a chemical reaction with the ingredients in the body cream.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

Can I use lemon juice in my armpits?

Community Answer

Yes, it will help to whiten your armpit and keep the skin moisturized. It will also help eliminate odor.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

My skin is black. Using some cosmetic cream, but no changes. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try using the above tips; you may also find the tips in wikiHow articles Naturally Whiten Skin at Home and Make Your Skin Lighter helpful.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can I apply the mixture of lemon and sugar to my face?

Community Answer

Yes, there is nothing wrong with that. A mixture of lemon juice and sugar is actually better (in terms of after-effects, price, and your health) than most skin-lightening products.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I mix papaya, lemon, tomatoes and carrot in my soap base for skin lighting?

Community Answer

Yes, papaya is a great fruit for your face. All yellow and orange colored fruits are very good for skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use orange slices instead of lemon?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't recommend using oranges. They wouldn't be as effective.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question

Is lemon juice harmful for your face?

Community Answer

Yes, lemon juice can cause serious blisters and rashes if you put it on your face and go out in the sun. Lemon juice is also very drying, and it can make any skin problems that you have even worse.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I apply lemon juice (on its own, no added ingredients) to my face?

Community Answer

No, undiluted and unfiltered lemon juice is dangerous to put onto your skin. Not only will it dry it out, but it can cause burns and blisters if you go out into the sun.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can lemon be used to remove sunburn on the face?

Community Answer

No. Lemon might induce more sunburn. It makes skin more delicate. Do not go out in the sun for 24 hours after using the lemon juice on your face.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I've just purchased a lemon oil with coconut oil carrier. Do I need to be worried about going out under the sun after applying it?

Hannah Madden

Community Answer

Lemon oils are usually filtered, meaning they take the dangerous chemicals out. You should be fine to go out into the sun after applying the product. If you notice any redness or irritation, head back inside right away and wash the product off.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3