For the past few months, a new trend has been circulating on TikTok, Instagram and other social networks: apply a mixture ofolive oil and lemon juice to the skin before exposure to the sun. According to enthusiasts, this ritual can quickly produce an even, tanned complexion in just a few hours. But is it really true? Is this revisited ancestral practice safe, or does it represent 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 usingolive oil and lemon juice as tanning gas pedals.
The origin of the olive oil and lemon juice trend
A modernized folk belief
Olive oil has been used since ancient times for its skin and hair care benefits. Already among the Greeks and Romans, it was used to nourish the skin, massage the body and protect against dryness. Lemon juice, meanwhile, has long been considered a purifying and lightening agent.
The association of the two is not really new: some home beauty recipes mention the use ofolive oil and lemon for hair (shine, anti-dandruff) or nails (strengthening). But its use in solar cosmetics is much more recent. It was on social networks that this blend gained popularity, presented as a "natural" alternative to conventional self-tanning products and sun creams.
The reasoning behind the trend
Proponents of this blend put forward two main arguments:
-
Olive oil is said to have a "magnifying glass" effect, attracting UV rays and accelerating tanning.
-
Lemon juice acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead cells for a more even complexion.
In theory, this combination would seem logical. But in dermatological reality, it presents serious dangers for the skin.
The dangers of lemon juice for the skin
Lemons contain substances called furocoumarins, which make the skin photosensitized. This means that in the presence of UV rays, the skin becomes much more vulnerable to the sun's aggressions.
Risks of applying lemon before the sun
-
Aggravated sunburn: the skin burns faster and more intensely.
-
Skin dryness: lemons are highly acidic, weakening the hydrolipidic film.
-
Pigmentation spots: called phytophotodermatoses, they appear when lemons react with UV rays.
-
Premature aging: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sagging skin.
-
Increased risk of skin cancer: the cellular damage caused by photosensitization can lead to precancerous lesions in the long term.
So, far from an even, luminous tan, the use of lemon juice in the sun leads instead to burns and persistent spots.
The dangers of applyingolive oil in direct sunlight
Contrary to popular belief,olive oil is not a sunscreen. On the contrary, its oily effect accentuates the penetration of UV rays.
Why is olive oil dangerous when exposed to the sun?
-
It acts like a magnifying glass, intensifying UV penetration into the skin.
-
It prevents the skin from breathing properly and retains heat.
-
It promotes skin burns in the event of prolonged exposure.
This phenomenon can be compared to pouring oil on a fire: the reaction is immediate and amplifies the damage. Several testimonials show that people who have applied onlyolive oil, only lemon juice, or a mixture of the two, have ended up with red, painful, even burnt skin.
Olive oil and lemon juice: a cocktail to be avoided at all costs
The combination of these two ingredients is therefore doubly risky:
-
Lemon makes the skin more fragile against the sun's rays.
-
Olive oil increases the intensity of UV exposure.
The result: instead of a quick tan, you get irritated, burnt, blotchy, prematurely aged skin.
Dermatologists are unanimous: this practice is dangerous and should be avoided.
Why is this trend so appealing?
Despite the warnings, the combination of olive oil and lemon juice continues to seduce on social networks. But why?
-
The search for natural solutions: more and more people are wary of chemical products and are looking for homemade alternatives.
-
The promise of speed: the idea of achieving an express tan in just a few hours is appealing.
-
Viral word-of-mouth: seeing influencers display a golden tan after this ritual encourages Internet users to try it out, without measuring the dangers.
What are the safe alternatives for an even tan?
Instead of usingolive oil and lemon, there are effective and safe solutions to get a tanned complexion:
1. Self-tanners
Available in foam, lotion or spray form, they enable gradual, safe tanning.
2. Sun food 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 sun cream, rather than trying to tan all at once.
4. A diet rich in carotenoids
Carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and apricots naturally stimulate melanin production.
The real benefits ofolive oil and lemon... but not in the sun
It's important to remember that these two ingredients are still excellent for health and beauty, provided they are used correctly.
-
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, ideal for nourishing skin and hair after sun exposure.
-
Lemon juice helps purify the skin, regulate excess sebum and brighten nails.
When used internally, their combination (in the diet) is also beneficial:olive oil and lemon aid digestion, strengthen the liver and provide a concentrate of antioxidants.
Conclusion
The tendency to apply a mixture ofolive oil and lemon juice to the skin before exposure to the sun is dangerous. While this ritual promises a quick, even tan, it actually leads to burns, pigmentation spots, premature skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Far from being a beauty secret,olive oil and lemon should be used for their real benefits: in hair care, in skin nutrition outside sun exposure, or in food. For a safe tan, use sun protection, self-tanners and gradual exposure. Your skin will thank you.