Who doesn’t like the crisp, clean scent of lemon? Whether it is a fresh, juicy lemon wedge in our ice-cold water or added to our cleaning supplies or bath and body products, the scent and taste of lemon is both appealing and uplifting to the senses. But did you know there are many health-related benefits of using this beautiful golden-yellow fruit?

The Scent of a Lemon

Aromatherapists have long used lemon essential to help people reduce feelings of inadequacy and impurity, to build confidence, increase concentration and to decrease the effects depression. Lemon essential oil has been used to stimulate the mind while calming emotions. In one study, it was found that inhaling the scent of lemon increased the ability to memorize facts and even reduce mistakes. In fact, it was found to be the most effective essential oil tested in reducing computer errors. During the study those working in a lemon-scented room made less than half the mistakes of those working in unscented rooms. Increased concentration, calm emotions and fewer mistakes? Look out lemon essential oil…here we come!

Lemon Does a Body Good

According to Medicine Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is needed in our diets for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of our body. It is used to heal wounds, repair and maintain bones, teeth and cartilage and is used to form a protein that is used to make skin, tendons and blood vessels.

Vitamin C is one of many powerful antioxidants that block some of the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced when our body is exposed to toxins such as tobacco smoke, pollution or toxic chemicals as well as when we break down food. As free radicals build up in our body the result is cellular damage and aging. Free radicals even play a role in cancer, heart disease, and other medical conditions such as arthritis. Yet, vitamin C, found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, takes on free-radicals like little ninjas. Vitamin C captures free radicals and neutralizes them. Hiya…take that free-radicals!

Lemon, the Ninja Antioxidant

As we mentioned earlier, vitamin C is a well known powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. But do you know that topical vitamin C, found in lemon essential oil,  has three amazing skin benefits when applied topically? In fact, applying vitamin C to the skin can be 20 times more effective than taking it orally.

Brighten

Hyperpigmentation (aka age spots), is a proliferation of melanin, a substance that gives skin color. It can be caused by various things including UV exposure, skin injury or hormone fluctuations. When it comes to treating these pesky little brown spots, you don’t always need a chemical peel or laser treatment to turn those brown spots upside down. In fact, vitamin C can have almost the same results with less cost! Vitamin C works best after gentle exfoliation and results can be see anywhere from 2-8 weeks.

Firm       

One of the most powerful functions of vitamin C is stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its elasticity. As we age, collagen breaks down and wrinkles begin to form. By using topical vitamin C, wrinkle formation slows due to increased collagen production. The result: firm, bright skin!

Treat

Lemon also acts as an astringent and works wonders on oily and blemished skin. It helps to clear acne and has even been shown to be an effective antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent.

Are you looking for a lemony treat for the skin? If so, visit our website for more information on our new summer line, Organic Spiked Lemonade Sugar Scrub and Spiked Lemonade Body Butter.

Caution: Use caution when using citrus essential oils such as lemon. Photosensitivity may occur. Use of a broad spectrum SPF is recommended.