For several months now, a new trend has been circulating on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms: applying a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to the skin before sun exposure. According to its followers, this ritual is supposed to quickly give you an even, tanned complexion in just a few hours. But what's the truth behind it? Is this revisited ancient practice safe, or does it pose a risk to skin health?
In this article, we look back at the origin of this trend, the beliefs surrounding it, and the reasons why dermatologists strongly advise against using olive oil and lemon juice as tanning accelerators.
The origin of the olive oil and lemon juice trend
A modernized popular belief
Olive oil has been used since ancient times for its benefits for skin and hair. Even among the Greeks and Romans, it was used to nourish the skin, massage the body, and protect against dryness. Lemon juice, on the other hand, has long been considered a purifying and brightening agent.
The combination of the two isn't entirely new: some homemade beauty recipes mention using olive oil and lemon for hair (for shine, anti-dandruff) or for nails (for strengthening). However, its use in sun care cosmetics is much more recent. This mixture gained popularity on social media, presented as a "natural" alternative to self-tanning products and traditional sunscreens.
The reasoning behind the trend
Proponents of this mixture put forward two main arguments:
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Olive oil is said to have a "magnifying glass" effect that attracts UV rays, thereby accelerating tanning.
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Lemon juice is believed to act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for a more even complexion.
In theory, this combination might seem logical. However, from a dermatological perspective, it poses serious dangers for the skin.
The dangers of lemon juice on the skin
Lemon contains substances called furocoumarins, which make the skin photosensitive. This means that when exposed to UV rays, the skin becomes much more vulnerable to sun damage.
Risks associated with applying lemon before sun exposure
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Aggravated sunburn: the skin burns faster and more intensely.
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Skin dryness: lemon, being very acidic, weakens the skin's hydrolipidic film.
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Pigment spots: also known as phytophotodermatoses, these appear when lemon reacts with UV rays.
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Premature aging: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sagging skin.
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Increased risk of skin cancer: the cellular damage caused by this photosensitization can, in the long term, promote precancerous lesions.
Therefore, far from achieving an even and radiant tan, using lemon juice in the sun actually leads to burns and persistent spots.
The dangers of applying olive oil in direct sunlight
Contrary to what some believe, olive oil is not a sunscreen. On the contrary, its oily effect increases the penetration of UV rays.
Why is olive oil dangerous during sun exposure?
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It acts like a magnifying glass, intensifying UV penetration into the skin.
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It prevents the skin from breathing properly and traps heat.
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It promotes skin burns in cases of prolonged exposure.
This phenomenon can be compared to pouring oil on a fire: the reaction is immediate and amplifies the damage. Several accounts show that people who applied only olive oil, only lemon juice, or a mixture of both, ended up with red, painful, or even burned skin.
Olive oil and lemon juice: a cocktail to absolutely avoid
The combination of these two ingredients is therefore doubly risky:
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Lemon makes the skin more fragile when exposed to the sun's rays.
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Olive oil increases the intensity of UV exposure.
The result: instead of a quick tan, you get irritated, burned, stained, and prematurely aged skin.
Dermatologists are unanimous: this practice is dangerous and should be avoided.
Why is this trend so appealing?
Despite warnings, the mixture of olive oil and lemon juice continues to be popular on social media. Why?
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The search for natural solutions: more and more people are wary of chemical products and are looking for homemade alternatives.
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The promised speed: the idea of getting an express tan in just a few hours is appealing.
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Viral word-of-mouth: seeing influencers show off a golden tan after this ritual encourages internet users to try it, without considering the dangers.
What are safe alternatives for an even tan?
Instead of using olive oil and lemon, there are effective and safe solutions to achieve a tanned complexion:
1. Self-tanners
Available as a mousse, lotion, or spray, they allow for a gradual and safe tan.
2. Sun supplements
Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, they prepare the skin for the sun and promote a more even tan.
3. Gradual exposure
It's better to expose yourself a little each day, using SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen, rather than trying to get a tan all at once.
4. A diet rich in carotenoids
Carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and apricots naturally stimulate melanin production.
The real benefits of olive oil and lemon... but not in the sun
It's important to remember that these two ingredients remain excellent for health and beauty, provided they are used correctly.
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Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, making it ideal for nourishing skin and hair when not exposed to the sun.
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Lemon juice is a great ally for purifying the skin, regulating excess oil, and brightening nails.
When consumed internally (as part of your diet), their combination is also beneficial: olive oil and lemon aid digestion, strengthen the liver, and provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants.
Conclusion
The trend of applying a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to the skin before sun exposure is dangerous. While this ritual promises a quick and even tan, it actually leads to burns, dark spots, premature skin aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Far from being a beauty secret, olive oil and lemon should be used for their true benefits: in hair care, for skin nourishment when not exposed to the sun, or in your diet. For safe tanning, opt instead for sun protection, self-tanners, and gradual exposure. Your skin will thank you.