Lemon is one of the most talked-about citrus fruits in skincare, especially when it comes to treating acne. It's packed with vitamin C, citric acid, and natural antibacterial properties, which is why some people reach for fresh lemon juice when breakouts hit. But applying lemon juice directly to your skin isn’t always a good idea. Its high acidity and strong ascorbic acid levels can cause irritation, redness, dryness, and even sunburn. For acne prone skin, those risks can lead to more problems like dark spots, peeling, or in some cases, the kind of reaction that makes you think you need to perform emergency surgery (you won’t, but it’ll feel that way). Plus, using lemon for acne without the right method can throw off your skin’s pH balance and increase oil production or bacterial growth—making acne worse instead of better. So while the benefits of lemon juice for acne seem promising, especially in reducing excess oil and fading acne scarring, it's not as simple as squeezing a lemon and dabbing it on a pimple. Keep reading to learn which lemon DIY recipes are safe, which ones to avoid, and how to make them work in your skincare routine without risking damage.