When Life Gives You Lemons, Put ‘Em On Your Face

Consider lemons nature's skin-care overachiever — or, better yet, its miracle. Just look at the citrus fruit's benefits: It exfoliates, brightens, and diminishes scars and age spots. Lemons are also antibacterial, which makes them key for handling acne. Which is why, as soon as I spotted Iroha Nature's Radical Day Mask, I couldn't wait to spread it all over my face.

But, lemon isn't the only powerhouse ingredient in this product. Iroha's mask also utilizes rosemary, which is regenerative and stimulating, helping the yellow guy do its thing. Mix the two together, and you've got a cleaning crew of epic proportions. As far as masks go, this one is also pretty healthy. It's free of parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, and triclosan, making it a winner in the clean-skin-care department.

What I loved most about this mask, though, was how quickly I saw results; the improvement was near instant. Once you apply the product, there's this tingly, cooling sensation that comes on instantly but fades away shortly after application. After I peeled it off (which is just so satisfying), my skin looked markedly brighter and less oily. Plus, the little pimples that had been sprouting up along my jawline looked smaller and less red. I couldn't stop staring at my face — that's how well this goopy stuff worked.

Being the mask nut that I am, I went through this pack in a matter of days, and it's gained a place in my regular roster. Lemons — not just a cocktail garnish anymore. You'll be amazed at what one yellow fruit can do.

One obligatory word of warning, though: Citrus has the possibility of making your skin more sensitive to the sun, so if you do decide to use products containing lemon or to DIY yourself a mask, make sure you are fully protecting your skin from those UV rays.

Iroha Nature Radical Day Mask, $10, available at C.O. Bigelow.