Besides being easy to make and the ingredients are not difficult to find, the combination of lemon and honey has a very high effectiveness for removing open blackheads (blackheads), or simply to brighten and moisturize your skin. Although a mixture of lemon and honey is good enough for the skin, you can actually add various other ingredients to maximize its benefits. Read this article for complete information!
Ingredients
For: 1 mask
- 1 to 2 tbsp. (15 to 30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon
- 1 to 2 tbsp. (15 to 30 ml) honey
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making Masks
Step 1. Squeeze half a lemon
Wash one ripe lemon thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Then, slice the lemon with a sharp knife, then squeeze the halves into a small glass bowl.
- If you want, you can also use 1 to 2 tbsp. (15-30 ml) commercially available lemon juice. However, understand that freshly squeezed lemon is an ideal option because it contains more nutrients.
- You can also use any type of lemon, as long as it's done perfectly. However, understand that organic lemon juice will provide maximum benefits for the skin.
- Lemon contains antibacterial properties so it can be used to get rid of open blackheads (blackheads) and other types of acne. In addition, lemon juice can also even out skin tone, disguise dark spots on the skin, and lighten dark skin tones due to sunbathing while reducing excess oil in it. The acid content in lemons can also function as an exfoliant, you know!
Step 2. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of honey
Mix raw honey directly into lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio.
- As with lemon juice, try using raw and organic honey to make this mask. If it's hard to find, you can also use honey that is sold in the market even though the benefits for the skin will not be as great as raw honey.
- Honey contains antiseptic properties that can help heal scars and inflammation, as well as soothe sunburned skin. In addition, honey can also absorb water or moisture around it so that it can function as a natural moisturizer.
Step 3. Stir all ingredients until well blended
Mix honey and lemon juice with a spoon until the consistency is thick and not lumpy.
Remember, the mask should be applied as soon as possible. Ideally, masks should be used up within 3 to 4 hours, especially as masks that are left on for too long will become a wetland for mold to grow
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Mask
Step 1. Clean the face
Clean and dry your face as usual, either in the sink or in the shower, using warm or hot water to open the skin pores.
It's best to clean your face with a mild soap before applying the mask, especially if you have sensitive skin. Remember, the content in lemons is prone to irritate the skin. Therefore, do not skip this step so that your skin is not stressed and damaged from interacting with too many abrasive materials
Step 2. Apply the mask all over the face
If the condition of the face is clean and dry, apply the honey and lemon mask to the entire surface using clean fingers. Be careful not to get the mask on the more sensitive area around the eyes.
- Masks that accidentally come into contact with the eyes and surrounding area can cause a stinging and/or irritation sensation. Therefore, immediately rinse the mask with cold water until it is lukewarm for a full minute, or until the stinging sensation disappears.
- Because the texture of the mask can feel sticky, it's best to tie your hair back before applying the mask.
Step 3. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes
If you rinse too quickly, the nutritional content in honey and lemon will not be absorbed optimally by the skin.
However, rinse off the mask immediately if the skin begins to feel uncomfortable, itchy, or even experiences a burning sensation. In some cases, the skin that interacts with the lemon and honey mask may show a negative reaction
Step 4. Rinse off the mask with warm water
After leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse off the mask using warm water. After the entire surface of the face is clean from the mask, rinse again with cold water so that the skin pores are closed again.
If you want, you can also wipe the mask with a warm damp towel. If you want to use a towel as an exfoliant at the same time, try wiping your face with gentle patting movements so that your skin doesn't get irritated
Step 5. Repeat the process weekly, if desired
The frequency of using a mask really depends on how sensitive or oily your skin is. However, in general, the mask can be applied once a week in the morning or evening.
If your skin is really oily or prone to breakouts, a mask can be used two or three times a week. However, stop using it immediately if your skin looks red, irritated, or your breakouts are getting worse
Part 3 of 3: Modifying
Step 1. Add baking soda
After mixing the lemon juice and honey, add about tsp. (2.5 ml) baking soda; stir all ingredients until well blended. Then, apply the mask all over the face, then let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it is effective in eradicating acne-causing bacteria on your skin.
- Apply the mask in gentle motions as baking soda can be abrasive if rubbed into the skin.
Step 2. Use egg whites
First of all, pour tbsp. (7.5 ml) of lemon juice and honey, then add 1 egg to it. Stir well until all ingredients are well blended and have a soft texture. Then, apply the mask all over the face, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Egg whites can help dry out facial skin. As a result, using egg whites as a mask can help shrink pores and tighten facial skin. However, understand that these effects are temporary and will not last long
Step 3. Add milk and yogurt
Mix 2 tbsp. (30 ml) honey with a squeeze of a whole lemon. Then, add 2 tbsp. (30 ml) fresh milk and 1 tbsp. (15 ml) plain yogurt (you can use plain or Greek yogurt). Mix all the ingredients well until the consistency resembles a lotion, then immediately apply the mask to the entire surface of the face.
- Apply the mask in several layers for best results. Leave the first layer of mask on for a few minutes until the texture dries, then apply the second layer of mask. Repeat the process until the mask runs out. Then, leave the mask on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
- Both milk and yogurt have the ability to cleanse, moisturize, and soften the skin.
Warning
- Do not apply the mask to the skin that has an open wound, especially as lemon juice can irritate the wound and make it painful.
- Immediately rinse off the mask if you experience a burning, stinging, or painful sensation on the skin.
- When wearing a mask, make sure your skin is not exposed to direct sunlight. Be careful, the interaction of lemon with sunlight can cause a chemical reaction that is at risk of burning the skin.
