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Health facts: Lemon juice can help alleviate the symptoms of acne

Acne is caused by an excess of oil production in the skin
Acne is caused by an excess of oil production in the skin Acne is caused by an excess of oil production in the skin

The kitchen cupboard ‘cures’ that really do work.

This week: Acne

ACNE is caused by an excess of oil production in the skin, which allows bacteria to flourish. This leads to a build-up of blackheads, whiteheads and spots.

"Lemon juice has an antibacterial action, so it can help to eliminate the bacteria that contribute to acne," says Dr Anthony Bewley, a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust in London.

"It is also an astringent, so it will cleanse off the excess oils and help close the pores [which, in those with acne, are prone to block with dead skin and form blackheads]."

For mild acne, add a few drops of lemon juice to a small cup of water and apply to the skin using a cotton wool ball.

Dr Bewley says it is best to do this once a day. However, severe acne will need medical treatment.

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