Lemon Grass is a herb with a citrusy aroma. It has been used extensively in cooking for hundreds of years. Its healing properties treat many ailments, such as headaches, stomachaches, and acne.
In recent years, it has also been used in skincare products, including soaps and toners, which are believed to help reduce acne, inflammation, and even scarring from previous breakouts.
However, the scientific evidence behind these claims is limited.
In this article, we will look at the potential benefits of lemongrass for acne and other skin conditions to determine its effectiveness in treating these issues.
The Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is a popular herbal remedy for many skin conditions, including acne. Its healing properties have been studied and proven, so it is quickly gaining popularity among people looking for solutions for their skin.
It is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to improve their skin health.
Let’s explore the benefits of lemon grass further:
Antioxidant Properties
Lemongrass is incredibly rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C and polyphenols, which help to reduce oxidative stress and damage associated with aging or overexposure to the sun.
The combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals also helps to neutralize free radicals in the body before they can cause damage to cells or tissues.
This makes lemongrass an ideal supplement for anyone looking to reduce premature wrinkles, sun spots, or other signs of aging.
Vitamin C also helps the skin repair after acne and reduces scarring while preventing new blemishes from forming due to its antiseptic properties.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties
Lemon grass is an herb with medicinal properties due to its high content of essential oils and antioxidants. It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as fever, insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Recent studies have highlighted lemon grass’s anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit those with skin conditions like acne.
The anti-inflammatory action of lemon grass is likely derived from two components found within the oil: citral and nerol. These two components reduce inflammation without contributing to skin irritation or dryness.
In addition, the natural antiseptic and antibacterial substances found in lemon grass can help reduce redness and discoloration associated with acne breakouts.
Imbalanced hormones are often the root cause of chronic skin conditions like acne.
Due to its ability to reduce inflammation, many believe that drinking lemongrass tea can help regulate hormones and improve overall digestion, promoting better overall health, including clearer skin.
Lemon grass tea may also reduce stress hormones which often flare up breakouts due to emotional triggers like anxiety or depression.
The astringent effects of lemongrass can help tighten pores while reducing excessive oils on the skin’s surface, which may contribute to breakouts associated with clogged pores over time.
Additionally, lemongrass has antifungal properties that could be beneficial for getting rid of stubborn fungal-caused blemishes from appearing on the skin’s surface.
Antibacterial Properties
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), also known as southerner citrate, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine for various health benefits. It has a refreshing citrus taste similar to lemon and lime.
Lemon grass is well known for its antibacterial properties. It is an effective acne treatment, mainly when applied topically as an extract or oil from the grass.
Studies have shown that the compounds in lemon grass can kill bacteria on contact, reduce inflammation caused by acne, and increase skin elasticity.
Additionally, the antioxidants present in lemon grass are thought to help prevent further damage caused by free radicals.
Other potential benefits of lemongrass include relief from stomach upsets, headaches, and muscle pain. Its essential oils can also be used in aromatherapy to benefit digestion, manage stress levels and enhance concentration.
Further studies are still needed to explore the potential health benefits of this medicinal herb; however, early evidence suggests that it may be a powerful tool for promoting good health naturally.
How to Use Lemon Grass for Acne
Many studies have shown that lemongrass can benefit skin health. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help reduce acne breakouts.
It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
Let’s look more at how to use lemongrass for acne.
Make a Lemon Grass Tea
Making tea is one of the most effective ways to use lemongrass to treat acne. To make the tea, boil 1 cup of water in a small saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped lemon grass.
Simmer gently for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and strain the lemongrass. Allow the tea to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To apply, use a cotton ball or swab to dab freshly brewed lemon grass tea on problem areas once daily or as often as necessary. Let it dry completely, and follow up with a moisturizer if desired.
This method should be part of an acne treatment regimen with other natural treatments like face masks or herbal facial steam baths.
Regularly using retinol can help eliminate excess dirt and oil, reduce redness, prevent clogging in pores, and nourish skin for better health.
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Make a Lemon Grass Toner
Making a homemade lemongrass toner to help reduce inflammation and treat acne symptoms is easy and inexpensive. You’ll need some fresh lemon grass, distilled water, and a spray bottle for the toner.
Begin by washing the lemon grass well with warm running water. Then remove the leaves from the stalk and discard them. Cut the remaining stalk into tiny pieces to increase its surface area.
Put these pieces in a glass bowl, cover them with distilled water, and steep them at room temperature for four hours or overnight in the refrigerator. If possible, strain out any debris that may have been picked up during processing before use.
Once your lemon grass toner is ready, you can use it as a facial cleanser or spray mist on your face daily or several times daily for acne relief and to soothe irritation.
The toner also can be used on other parts of the body affected by acne; spray it directly onto your problem areas after showering or bathing.
After using your homemade lemon grass toner, rinse your skin thoroughly to avoid stinging from the citrus oil in lemongrass essential oil, and pat dry gently with a clean towel.
Apply a Lemon Grass Mask
Using lemongrass to treat acne can be a gentle and practical approach. Lemon grass has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it can help reduce inflammation associated with acne.
To apply a lemon grass mask for acne, use the following steps:
- Grind dried lemon grass using a mortar, pestle, spice grinder, or food processor.
- Mix two teaspoons of the finely ground lemon grass with enough purified water to make a paste-like consistency in a shallow bowl or container.
- Spread the mixture onto clean skin thoroughly cleansed with mild soap and warm water, avoiding the sensitive areas around your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Allow the mask to sit on your skin for fifteen minutes before gently rinsing it away with lukewarm water.
Side Effects of Lemon Grass
In general, lemongrass is a safe and healthy addition to your diet. However, consuming too much or applying it topically may cause side effects.
Some people may experience skin, eyes, throat, and stomach irritation when consuming large amounts of lemongrass tea or oil. Others are allergic to the plant, so use caution when using the herb for the first time.
Lemongrass has a drying effect on acne when applied topically to treat a breakout because it can kill bacteria and fungi on the skin’s surface.
However, overuse may damage skin cells, leading to excessive dryness that can worsen an acne outbreak in the long term. Lemongrass should not be applied directly onto a zit, which could cause inflammation and permanent scarring.
One potential benefit of using lemongrass for acne is its ability to reduce oiliness in the skin that would otherwise trap dirt and bacteria, leading to new breakouts.
Lemon essential oil is renowned for its astringent properties – meaning it helps “shrink” pores – which can aid in reducing breakouts triggered by oily blockages of your pores.
In this scenario, topical products with lemongrass, like lotions or masks, will be more helpful than drinking tea from dried lemongrass leaves.
As with all acne treatments, consult with a dermatologist before beginning any treatment using lemongrass for the best results!
Conclusion: Is Lemon Grass Good For Acne
Research has indicated that citral, a central component of lemon grass, may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could help to reduce acne.
Additionally, it has been found to reduce sebum secretions, the oils that can clog pores to form acne. However, more research is needed to explore further the potential benefits of Lemon Grass for acne treatment.
If you are using Lemon Grass for treating your acne problem, it is essential to bear in mind that other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, may also play a role in reducing or worsening your symptoms.
It may be beneficial to try other natural ingredients alongside this herb, such as turmeric or tea tree oil, for a combined effect on reducing inflammation and bacterial activity on the skin.
As with any supplement or skin care treatment method used for any purpose, always speak with a qualified health professional if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is lemon grass good for acne?
A: Yes, lemon grass has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce acne, and its natural astringent properties can help remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin.
Q: How do I use lemon grass for acne?
A: To use lemongrass for acne, make a paste by grinding fresh lemon grass and adding a small amount of water. Then, apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, rinse with lukewarm water.
Q: Are there any side effects of using lemon grass for acne?
A: Generally, lemon grass is safe to use topically and has no known side effects. However, it’s always best to do a patch test on a small skin area before applying it to your face.
