When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Natural Toner

Lemons have been a favourite in Middle Eastern and South Asian homes as a skin brighter and colour enhancer. Many young brides are familiar with the idea of their mothers (or mother in law's) picking a lemon from the backyard, cutting it in half and rubbing it all over their face - all in the name of beauty, of course. And they had the right idea - the acids in citrus fruits, especially lemons, make them the perfect natural skin brightner. Unfortunately, Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures have historically valued lighter skin tones and deeper skin tones. Medium-deep skin tones have not been in favour as they are deemed to connote a poorer background, or an unkempt female. Asian women have been worshiping the perfectly porcelain look forever.

Although this thought process seems to be fading away, lemons are still an excellent natural alternative to chemical-filled toners, blackhead busters and the fruit rind can be used as a natural exfoliater. I like to use a lemon treatment every now and then to reduce pore size, remove excess skin oils and impurities, but also to brighten any scarring discoloration (dark spot scars) and even out my skin tone. Lemon treatment also helps brighten the general complexion of my skin, and any dullness I might have. By simply cutting a lemon in half and gently rubbing it all over my face and neck, I can wear my skin confidently without needing layers of foundation, bronzer, contour, highlighter etc. to enhance and bring that *glow* to my skin.

What you need:
1 lemon.. literally that is all!
What to do:
Once the lemon has been cut in half, rub the lemon gently in circular motions accros your face and neck, focusing on oilier areas (for me it's my 'T Zone' - forehead and nose). Allow the juice to sit on your face for a few minutes before you wipe it off with a muslin cloth and splash your face with cold water. Lemon treatment is also great for minimizing pores and blackheads, so if you suffer with either of these, make sure you focus on these areas!
Tip: Why not create your own toner-potion? Try mixing 1 lemon's worth of juice, half a cup of purified water and a few drops of witch hazel.