WWB’s Beauty Food of the Week: Lemon
Ideal Find in a Bottle: L’Occitane Angelica Lemon Ultra Foaming Cleanser
WWB’s Beauty Food of the Week is a citrus powerhouse. Lemons are a great source of calcium, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, minerals and antioxidants that improve the appearance and condition of our hair, skin and nails. You can literally squeeze the beautiful benefits right out of the lemon!
When we think of lemons, we often think of the Mediterranean warmth and sun, but the lemon has Asian origins and comes from the Far East (India and China) were it was found growing wild. They were prized for their many medicinal virtues but used as a beauty staple by women in South Asia and the Middle East.
The Lemon is fantastic for our skin. The natural fruit acids gently remove dead skin cells and lighten age spots, unwanted freckles and facial discolorations. The acidity zaps oiliness and cleans our pores without stripping the skin of its natural oil balance. For thousands of women around the world it was as easy as picking a lemon from the tree in their backyard, cutting it in half, and rubbing it over their face. They then would take the rind of the lemon and use it as an exfoliator. When life gives you lemons, use them!
- DIY Astringent: All you need is fresh squeezed lemon juice. Dab onto a cotton ball and apply to face (or simply run a slice of lemon over your face) each morning. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse. For especially dark age spots, place a slice of lemon directly onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes. Repeat daily for one week.
- DIY Exfoliant: Slice a lemon in half and dip into granulated sugar. Rub vigorously on rough patches of skin, especially the feet, elbows, and kneecaps.
