What Happens to Your Skin When You Drink Lemon Water?
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a popular citrus fruit. Lemons are one of the most widely produced and consumed fruits in the world.1 People use them in cooking, cleaning, and even as an addition to water.
Many people consider drinking lemon water a healthy way to start their day. Adding lemon to water is an easy way to boost the flavor of plain water and increase potassium and vitamin C in the morning.2
Some people believe it may benefit their skin, though research on its benefits is limited and based mainly on animal studies.
Skin Benefits of Lemon Water
Although the research on its effectiveness is limited, studies show promise that hydrating in the morning with lemon-infused water may hold some benefits. Here are some of the potential advantages to your skin.
Keeps Your Skin Hydrated
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and can easily become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water.3 Dry skin and parched lips are some of the first signs of dehydration.4
Many people find that adding lemon to their water makes it taste better, helping encourage them to drink enough water each day to stay hydrated. This is important, especially considering that you may need to drink as much as 11-15 cups of water a day, depending on your age, sex, and activity level.5
May Prevent Premature Aging
There is some evidence that keeping your skin hydrated may prevent premature aging. Drinking lemon water may reduce the likelihood that fine lines and wrinkles will form and deter dry and rough patches from forming.6
Some animal studies also show that drinking lemon water may help prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to premature skin aging. More research is needed, especially in humans, before people can claim that lemon water reduces signs of aging.7
May Protect Skin and Cells From Free Radicals
Starting your day with a glass or two of lemon water can help you boost your vitamin C intake.8 Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight disease and supports wound healing.9 It may even reduce skin edema (swelling).10
When you do not get enough vitamin C or become deficient, you risk developing scurvy. Though uncommon in the United States, this skin disease can cause poor wound healing and skin hemorrhages.11
May Promote Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein in your body that gradually breaks down with age, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging.12
Some proponents of drinking lemon water indicate that it may help boost collagen production since vitamin C can increase the amount of collagen the body produces. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it could also help prevent the free radicals that break down collagen—ideally helping to ensure smoother skin.9
How To Make Lemon Water
When making lemon water, most people squeeze some lemon into a glass of water. You also can make a pitcher of lemon water if you plan to drink lemon water more consistently. Here is a simple recipe for making cold lemon water:13
A Couple Cooks. Lemon water recipe.
1 lemon
8 cups (64 ounces) cold water
Wash and thinly slice the lemon. There is no need to peel it. Add the lemon slices to the bottom of a pitcher. Lightly mash the lemon slices into the bottom of a glass pitcher to release the juices. Add the cold water and refrigerate for one hour or more. The longer you let the water sit, the stronger the lemon flavor. It will reach its peak taste within one day.
To make a hot lemon water, you can try the following recipe:14
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup hot water
1 lemon wheel
Heat the water in a microwave or on the stove. Add the lemon juice and honey to a cup or mug. Carefully add the hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved. Garnish the cup with a lemon wheel or place it into the hot mixture.
Tips for Drinking Lemon Water for Skin Health
There is little scientific evidence on how much and how often you should drink lemon water for skin health. That said, many people recommend drinking one glass each morning to give your body—and your skin—a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Here is a breakdown of the nutrients your body receives when you add one lemon wedge to your water:2
Phosphorus: 0.47 milligrams (mg)
Potassium: 6.08 mg
Vitamin C: 2.28 mg
Folate: 1.18 micrograms (mcg)
Calcium: 0.35 mg
Magnesium: 0.35 mg
Lutein: 0.88 mcg
The National Kidney Foundation recommends mixing 4 ounces of lemon juice with water a day to help prevent kidney stones.15 However, this is a significant amount of lemon juice to consume at a time and could aggravate conditions like acid reflux.16
Talk to a healthcare provider to see if regularly drinking lemon juice is right for you. You may also want to consult a dental professional, especially if your teeth are sensitive.17
Risks
Drinking lemon water is generally safe, though there are some side effects to be aware of. For instance, there is some evidence that regularly drinking acidic beverages, even natural ones like lemon water, can lead to dental erosion.17
Dental erosion is a chemical process where the protective outer layer of your teeth, or the enamel, wears down due to exposure to acids. When this happens, the surface of the teeth erodes, causing sensitivity and sometimes even visible damage.17
Drinking lemon water can also cause gastrointestinal issues, including exacerbating conditions like acid reflux. Research has shown that citrus fruits may increase gastric acid production, leading to heartburn and symptoms like nausea and bloating. Some health experts even recommend that people who experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) limit or remove citrus from their diets.16
A Quick Review
Drinking lemon water in the morning has become a common ritual for many, especially because it boosts vitamin C and potassium consumption. Limited evidence suggests it may also benefit your skin, though this evidence is largely based on animal studies.
If you are considering drinking lemon water daily, talk to a healthcare provider first. Drinking too much lemon water can negatively affect your teeth and even lead to dental erosion. Too much citric acid from lemons could also increase acid reflux or cause nausea.
