What Happens to Your Skin When You Drink Lemon Water?
Lemon, scientifically known as Citrus limon, is one of the most popular citrus fruits worldwide. It is widely used not only in cooking but also in cleaning and beverages.
People often add lemon slices or juice to water to enhance flavor and health benefits.
Many individuals start their day with lemon water, believing it to be a healthy habit.
Adding lemon to water is an easy way to increase the intake of vitamin C and potassium while improving plain water’s taste, encouraging hydration.
Some people claim lemon water benefits the skin, but scientific research on this is limited and mostly based on animal studies or indirect evidence.
More human research is needed to confirm these skin benefits.
Skin Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
Even though research is not extensive, drinking lemon-infused water may offer several potential skin advantages. Here are some benefits often attributed to lemon water:
Keeps Your Skin Hydrated
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and relies heavily on adequate hydration to function properly. When dehydrated, your skin may appear dry, flaky, or dull, and your lips might become chapped or cracked.
Many people find plain water boring, but adding lemon improves flavor, making it easier to drink more throughout the day. Proper hydration helps maintain skin moisture and elasticity.
Depending on your age, sex, and physical activity, you may need between 11 to 15 cups of water daily to stay well hydrated. Lemon water can help you meet this goal comfortably.
May Help Prevent Premature Skin Aging
Keeping your skin hydrated may help slow the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to dryness, roughness, and the early signs of aging.
Some animal studies suggest lemon water might reduce oxidative stress, a process that contributes to premature aging of skin cells.
Oxidative stress damages skin proteins and lipids, accelerating wrinkle formation.
More clinical research in humans is necessary before definitive claims can be made about lemon water’s ability to prevent premature aging.
May Protect Skin and Cells From Free Radicals
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found abundantly in lemons. Drinking lemon water can boost your daily vitamin C intake, supporting your body’s defense against harmful free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Antioxidants like vitamin C neutralize free radicals, reducing their harmful impact on skin and overall health.
Vitamin C also supports wound healing and may reduce skin swelling or edema. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a condition marked by poor wound healing and bleeding under the skin.
May Promote Collagen Production
Collagen is a key protein that provides structure and elasticity to your skin. Collagen production declines naturally with age, contributing to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen synthesis, so consuming lemon water might help your body produce more collagen, helping maintain firmer, smoother skin.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties also protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals, potentially preserving skin’s youthful appearance longer.
How to Make Lemon Water
Making lemon water is simple and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are two common methods:
Cold Lemon Water Recipe
1 lemon
8 cups (64 ounces) cold water
Wash and thinly slice the lemon—no need to peel. Place slices in the bottom of a pitcher and gently mash them to release juices. Add cold water and refrigerate for at least an hour.
The lemon flavor strengthens the longer it sits.
Hot Lemon Water Recipe
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup hot water
1 lemon wheel for garnish
Heat water until hot but not boiling. In a mug, combine lemon juice and honey, then pour in hot water and stir until honey dissolves. Add a lemon wheel for extra aroma and presentation.
Tips for Drinking Lemon Water for Skin Health
While there is no strict guideline on how much lemon water to drink for skin benefits, many experts recommend starting your day with one glass.
Adding one lemon wedge to your water provides small but useful amounts of key nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
Here’s a rough nutrient breakdown from one lemon wedge:
Phosphorus: 0.47 mg
Potassium: 6.08 mg
Vitamin C: 2.28 mg
Folate: 1.18 mcg
Calcium: 0.35 mg
Magnesium: 0.35 mg
Lutein: 0.88 mcg
The National Kidney Foundation suggests mixing 4 ounces of lemon juice daily with water to reduce kidney stone risk.
However, this large amount of lemon juice may worsen acid reflux or irritate sensitive stomachs.
Always check with a healthcare provider before starting a lemon water routine, especially if you have digestive issues or sensitive teeth.
Risks and Side Effects of Drinking Lemon Water
Lemon water is generally safe for most people, but there are some potential downsides to consider.
Dental Erosion
The acidity of lemon juice can wear down tooth enamel over time. This chemical erosion can cause tooth sensitivity and visible damage, increasing the risk of cavities.
To protect your teeth, drink lemon water through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water to prevent further enamel damage.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Lemon water’s acidity may worsen acid reflux symptoms or cause heartburn in sensitive individuals.
It can increase stomach acid production, leading to nausea or bloating.
People with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or certain digestive conditions should limit citrus consumption and consult their doctor.
A Quick Recap
Drinking lemon water in the morning is a common habit because it helps increase vitamin C and potassium intake.
While evidence supporting skin benefits is limited and mainly based on animal studies, staying hydrated is undeniably beneficial for skin health.
If you plan to drink lemon water regularly, consult with a healthcare professional first. Excessive lemon water intake can harm your teeth and digestive system due to its acidity.
