References: https://swirlster.ndtv.com/beauty/5-ways-to-give-your-skin-the-goodness-of-vitamin-c-1817825
https://bellatory.com/skin/Lemon-Face-Mask-Recipes
https://ca.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/skincare-and-fragrances/2018022746620/vitamin-c-serums/
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
Containing a host of skin loving nutrients like Vitamin C, citric acid, potassium, and lutein, a carotenoid, it should be no secret why lemons should be one of your go-to staple for skincare. Lately, there’s been a lot of discussion about Vitamin C in particular, and its role in helping to prevent the signs of aging skin.
Current research suggests that Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, has multiple benefits for skin. Much of the beneficial effect has to do with the role that Vitamin C or ascorbic acid plays in synthesizing collagen. While the research is ongoing, so far, there are several potential benefits that have emerged so far, including:
- Improving the look of firmness and smoothness,
- Protecting skin against the damage caused by exposure to the sun,
- It may even work to repair at least some existing damage from sun exposure,
- Heals wounds – here its role is essential.
The good news is that the benefits seem to come from both dietary and topical application of Vitamin C.
Five Ways to Add Vitamin C to Your Skincare Regimen
- Apply it directly to your skin.
Sure, there are expensive serums you can buy, but why go to the trouble when you can make your own Vitamin C rich face mask right at home.
Here’s what you need:
2 tablespoons green tea
A pinch of turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Just combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl and then use a cotton ball to soak up the mask and apply it to your face in even daubs.
- Let it sit for about three minutes, until it dries.
- Use a clean cotton ball to apply another layer, letting it dry for another three minutes.
- Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the mixture.
- Now, let it set for about 10 more minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat skin dry.
- Drink It Up
This seems like a no-brainer, but what’s the best way to add a dose of lemon juice to your day? What’s the first drink you reach for in the morning? If it’s coffee, you might want to switch that very first cup to warm water with lemon juice, or tea with lemon. Tea plus lemon juice gives you a super antioxidant boost and is also easier on your stomach than coffee.
- Nourish It With A Mask
This refreshing mask adds bananas and oatmeal in a simple formula that will help soothe blemishes along with nourishing your skin with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Here’s what you need:
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon honey
10 drops lemon juice
- Cut the banana into chunks and mash it in a small bowl.
- Add the honey and lemon juice, blending the mask together thoroughly.
- Apply it to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat skin dry.
- Eat Your Vitamins
Adding more Vitamin C to your diet is easy with lemons and oranges. There are citrus salads and salad dressings you can whip up quickly. Lemon juice is a known flavor enhancer, and a squeeze of lemon juice can take the place of much of the salt in your diet. Check our recipe section for more ideas on how to add lemon juice – and Vitamin C – to your diet.
- Spray It On
An easy way to apply Vitamin C directly to your skin is to make a DIY spritz mist. Now, there is one caveat – your skin is likely to react to the combination of Vitamin C and direct sunlight. That means using it indoors only, and making sure you have adequate UV and UVB protection when you go outside.
Here’s what you need:
1 part aloe vera gel
5 parts lemon juice
5 parts distilled water
- Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well before you use.
- Store in your fridge for up to a week.
- In place of the water, you can use rosewater, or add a few drops of an essential oil like thyme.
