10 (ALMOST MAGICAL) LEMON BEAUTY HACKS

Everyone loves an icy glass of lemonade, a sweet scoop of lemon meringue, or even decorating with a bowl full of these delicious tarts. But did you know that there are a ton of uses for lemons outside your kitchen?

It turns out that your skin and hair love lemons, too! Lemons have a wide range of beauty benefits, so check out our top ten list!

1. Skin Lightener (Your Knees and Elbows will Thank You!) 
Lemons are rich with vitamin C, a natural brightening agent. If the skin on your elbows and knees appears to be darker than you'd like, simply rub them with half of a lemon and watch the magic happen! (You can even remove a fake tan!) Don't forget to apply your favorite SPF since lemon juice (and other citrus fruits) can make your skin extra sensitive to UV rays.

2. Refreshing Face Wipes
After a long day, your skin is need of a pick-me-up! Try mixing a couple drops of lemon and tea tree essential oil in six ounces of water. (Distilled water is recommended for the best results.) Then, dip a clean cloth or cotton pad in the mix and gently dab on your skin to feel refreshed!

3. Zesty Smile Brightener
If you've ever whitened your teeth with an over-the-counter product, chances are your teeth have felt ultra sensitive afterwards. Why not try something natural instead? Mix baking soda and lemon juice together, and apply it to your teeth with a clean Q-tip. Want a more tropical experience? Mix 1 part coconut oil to 1 part baking soda. Then, add a drop of lemon and brush away! Finally, rinse and check out your brilliant new grin!

4. Pimple-Zapping Moisturizer
Lemons have wonderful antibacterial properties, which makes them perfect for nixing breakout-causing bacteria. Mix an equal amount of coconut water and lemon juice in a small container. The coconut will hydrate your skin, and the lemon will leave your skin feeling clean and bright! If your skin is sensitive, consider testing a small area first.

5. Go Away, Blackheads!
Let's go beyond pimples to dealing with those pesky blackheads! Did you know that lemons contains citric acid, which is a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). (Who knew lemons were our superhero?)  After washing your face, rub a fresh slice of lemon over your T-zone and let the AHAs work their pore-clearing magic.

6. So Long, Shiny Skin
While we all love a good glow, sometimes our skin has other ideas! The citric acid inside lemon juice works as a natural toner. If you're prone to a more oily complexion, begin by cleansing your face first. Then, soak a cloth or cotton pad in few drops of lemon juice and gently wipe it over face. Boom! Shine is stopped in its tracks! 

7. Strong As Nails
Are you prone to weak or breaking nails? We've got the fix! Mix olive oil with lemon juice and soak your nails for 10 minutes. Not only will this strengthen dry and brittle nails, but it's also a great way to whiten any yellowed tips!

8. Kiss Winter Lips Goodbye
If colder weather has left your lips a little lackluster, mix a few drops of lemon juice with some brown sugar to create your own lip scrub! The AHA in lemon juice will work to loosen dead skin cells while the sugar will help to slough off any dead skin. Of course, if your lips are severely chapped, this isn't a good idea! Visit your dermatologist for the best options on restoring your skin.

9. Summer Highlights 
If your hair is already on the lighter side, you can add natural DIY highlights with a few drops of lemon juice. Simply pour lemon juice in a spray bottle and gently mist on your hair before hitting the beach.  Score trendy ombré locks by just focusing the lemon juice on the tips of your hair instead! 

10. Dandruff Flake Fix
​While it won't cure the problem, this awesome fruit will help you take control over dandruff flakes! To get a handle on the issue, massage lemon juice into your scalp and leave it on for ten minutes. Afterwards, shampoo and condition as usual.