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Mustard powder and lemon juice may sound like ingredients for making a killer salad dressing or coating for a baked chicken, but they can be used for skin care too. While they aren’t good for all people and skin types, they won’t cause any irreparable harm. As an added benefit, a trip to the produce aisle and spice section of the supermarket is a whole lot cheaper than a trip to the dermatologist.
Benefits
Mustard powder and lemon juice are both used for clearing blemishes and acne because they both have antiseptic properties. They are commonly used in natural and Ayurvedic treatments. Lemon juice and mustard powder are commonly used to help give skin a more even tone by lightening the color of the skin temporarily because of their acidity.
Allergies
Having allergies is a drag, and sometimes products you don’t think will cause a reaction do. If you have allergies you may be looking for natural treatments that won’t cause skin irritation. Unfortunately, mustard juice and lemon powder might not be right for you because a lot of people have allergies to acidic ingredients. If you decide you want to use mustard powder or lemon juice, test a small amount of the mixture on an inconspicuous part of your body like the crook of your arm or behind your knee.
Sensitive Skin
Much like allergies, having sensitive skin that reacts to every single thing you put on it can make cosmetic purchases difficult, and natural alternatives may be the way to go. However, mustard powder and lemon juice can cause serious irritation because of their acidic properties. If you do choose to use mustard powder or lemon juice as a topical treatment after testing them on an inconspicuous part of your body, limit your usage to once per week.
Oily Skin
If you’ve got oily skin that isn’t sensitive, you just might be in luck! Lemon juice in particular can help to get rid of bad oils on your skin which cause breakouts and blackheads, and so can mustard powder to a lesser extent. Mustard powder is best for treating current breakouts and blemishes if you’ve got oily skin.
Using Mustard Powder and Lemon Juice
Once you’ve decided to go ahead to try mustard powder or lemon juice as a topical treatment, you need to find the right mixture for your skin. Lemon juice can be applied directly onto your skin, but it can be harsh and drying. If you’ve got sensitive skin, mix it with jojoba oil to dilute it. Mustard powder really needs to be diluted before you apply it to your face. Start a ratio of 10 parts jojoba oil to 1 part mustard powder.
