When Life Hands You Lemons...Beautify Yourself!

So we've talked about the different uses of Vodka and the benefits of honey but today is all about LEMONS!

Lemons are rich in vitamin C but also contains other important nutrients for our health, for example magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. The high proportion of vitamin C is the main reason why lemons can be considered as one of the necessary substances in our daily diet.

Not only are lemons great for your diet and body but they can also be a part of your beauty routine. Lemon juice is a natural antioxidant which helps stimulate collagen production in your skin as well as many other fabulous things.

Here are some examples of how lemons can be used to help everything from your nails to your hair.

Lemons....What are they good for?!

Healthy Nails - Soak your fingernails (or toenails) in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Then brush your nails them with a tooth brush or nail brush using a mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 warm water, then rinse with warm water. This treatment helps your fingernails stay strong and bright! You may be surprised at how shiny and amazing your fingernails look!

Remove Blackheads - Rub lemon juice over the areas that contain blackheads right before you go to bed. Rinse your face with cool water when you wake up. Repeat this every night until blackheads are dissolved and gone. The citric acid helps naturally dissolve the oils that form blackheads in your skin! If the lemon juice is too strong and stings wash face after 10 minutes. Note: If the lemon juice is too strong and stings wash face after 10 minutes with cold water.

Brighten Skin - Use fresh lemon juice on any area of your body, including your face, to brighten up and soften your skin. Simply rub a fresh lemon on this area before you go to bed. Rinse in the morning. You can also add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes for an all over treatment. Note: If the lemon juice is too strong and stings wash face after 10 minutes with cold water.

Condition Hair - Dull, damaged hair will benefit from lemon juice! Combine 3/4 cup Olive oil, 1/2 cup raw honey, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Set aside. After shampooing your hair, towel dry your hair and work the lemon juice mixture in your hair by combing it evenly throughout your hair. Then cover hair with a plastic cap for a 1/2 hour. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.

Bleach Hair - The all natural alternative to bleach is to use the juice from 1/2 - 1 lemon into your hair. Squeeze it directly into your hair. (Don't worry if you get some seeds in your hair. You'll rinse those out later!) Sit in the sun for 25 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual. If your hair is light colored, you will see more blonde highlights. If you have darker hair, you will notice some nice red tones.

Dry Skin – You can use lemons to help with your dry skin! Simply make a mask by mixing equal amounts of honey, lemon and vegetable/canola/olive oil. Apply to dry areas and allow it to dry thoroughly. (about 10 minutes) Rinse with warm water. This mixture is a good moisturizer for dry skin or dry skin patches.

Oily Skin Toner - Combine 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vodka, 1 tablespoon distilled water, and 1 teaspoon witch hazel. Apply with cotton balls to your skin, then rinse. This mixture will keep in the refrigerator for a week and can really help your oily skin woes!

Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells - Rub a cut lemon dipped into a half-teaspoon of sugar over your face for a few minutes. Do this every night to help remove accumulated dead skin cells and refresh your skin. Note: Avoid if you have any sores or scabs.

Dandruff Treatment - Mix a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with 1/2 cup of olive oil. Rub it gently onto your scalp. Allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse, shampoo, and condition as usual.

Breath Freshener - Use lemon juice to freshen your breath. Lemon has been used for years (mostly mixed with water to make lemon water), as a natural breath mint. The acidity in lemons, helps destroy bacteria in your mouth that gives you bad breath. Drink lemon water during the day, to freshen up your breath anytime!

Body Purifier - Lemon water is also a great detoxifier for your body. Be sure to wash lemon thoroughly to clear of any bacteria on skin.

Lighten & Soften Elbows: You can also rub cut lemons directly on elbows to lighten lighten and soften them.

Natural Astringent: Lemons mixed with cucumber juice makes a natural astringent. Inside and Out!

For Soft Silky Hair: Apply warm/hot oil and lemon juice to your scalp and wrap for 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.

Help Blemishes: Combine and blend a few drops of lemon juice with enough plain yogurt to cover face. Allow to blend 30 minutes before applying to clean skin.

Wrinkles: Mix olive oil with lemon juice, apply to your face in the evening.

Make a Toner: Steep a peppermint tea bag in a cup of boiled water for 15 minutes. After the tea is cooled, discard tea bag. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and quarter cup of witch hazel. Store in glass container in the refrigerator. Apply daily after cleansing face.

Other benefits of lemons

• Its clean aroma helps to uplift our spirit and calm the nerves. For this reason they should not be used prior to sleeping since lemons make us energetic and uplifted.
• Its soft, refreshing fragrance can be used in candles and oil burners or you may use fresh lemon peel in a bowl of hot water.
• It is believed that lemons help to reduce high blood pressure.
• It helps digestion because it activates the intestines' secretions.
• Lemons help to stimulate circulation. This is the reason why many aromatherapy soaps have lemon essential oil.
• Because of its high vitamin C content, it helps boost the immune system.
  

Lemons provides many health benefits. When mixing or creating a homemade formula be sure to use caution as allergies, sensitivities, or other reactions may occur. A test patch is a good idea especially when using these ingredients on your face.

Using these lemon juice beauty tips can really save you money on products you may have purchased. Lemons are highly beneficial and are a natural way to enhance your inner beauty! Enjoy ;)