The dermatologist explains the damage that the practice can cause to the health of the skin and hair
Every day a new hair trend goes viral on social media. A trends this time it consists of apply the juice of a whole lemon on your hair and leave them in the sun to lighten the hair. However, the practice is dangerous and can damage the health of the hair.
“Lemon contains photosensitizing compounds that, when exposed to the sun, increase the hair’s sensitivity to UV rays, breaking down the melanin granules in the hair and lightening the strands,” explains dermatologist and TheraSkin® consultant, Dr. Paula Colpas. “Despite the lightening, lemon sensitizes the hair, making it lose its sun protection, altering its shine, causing dryness, increased risk of breakage and loss of elasticity. This is because the acidity of the fruit destroys the hair cuticle,” she warns.
Additionally, when you apply lemon to your hair and expose it to the sun, the juice can come into contact with your skin and cause unwanted burns and discoloration. In some videos, people apply lemon directly to their hair with their hands in full sun on the beach. The doctor also explains that when lemon juice comes into contact with your skin and is exposed to the sun, it can trigger an intense reaction. The affected areas can be very sensitive and discolored, and the burns can take weeks or even months to fully heal.
“Lemon and the sun absolutely do not go together, because together, they generate a chemical reaction on the skin called phytophotodermatitis, which causes spots, redness, burning and itching,” explains the specialist. “I recommend avoiding this practice, since lemon can cause significant damage to both hair and skin, and the results can be harmful in the long term.”
How to avoid risks?
To avoid these problems, the dermatologist’s recommendation is clear: Never apply lemon directly to the skinespecially before exposure to the sun. “In case of accidental contact, wash the area immediately with plenty of water and mild soap and avoid sun exposure. If an adverse reaction occurs, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible for proper guidance and treatment,” adds Paula.
Therefore, it is important to adopt a careful and informed approach when considering the use of natural or homemade products. Skin health must always be preserved, avoiding practices that can cause significant and lasting damage. “Opting for products tested and approved by experts is always the safest and most effective choice”, concludes the professional.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
