Acne Magazine

I read about the benefits of lemongrass while I was recently reading about how it works as an insect repellant, because I noticed that another one of it’s listed side benefits was that it could also help with acne prone skin because of it’s antiseptic and pore-shrinking and clearing properties.  I have noticed, come to think of it, that lemongrass is listed as an ingredient in a lot of the natural soaps and face washes that I’ve looked at for skin clarity, so this didn’t really shock me.

What I was surprised at though, was that citronella, the ingredient that you always see in those mosquito repellant candles that are used outdoors to keep insects at bay, and lemongrass are one in the same thing.  It hit me though, that yes, they do smell exactly the same, but I guess I had just never thought of it. 

Citronella candles have a wonderful scent, and I’ve also had some products made with the essential oil of lemongrass, and it has a wonderful, squeaky clean smell to it the is reminiscent of freshly squeezed lemons and the feeling of thoroughly cleansed skin.  Lemongrass may be a great pore tightener too if you are interested in trying some product with the ingredient in it (if you happen to love organic and natural skin care lines like I do, or buy natural acne treatments that include ingredients you’re unsure of, lemongrass may be a beneficial one for acne prone skin).

And hey, those aren’t the only uses for this relatively cheap plant.  Lemongrass is also used extensively in both Asian and Indian cooking, and I’ve had it in a variety of exotic dishes (well, more exotic than a burger and fries, I’m not talking anything really fancy here though), and it always gives a wonderful, fresh and light taste to anything that’s seasoned with this versatile spice, skin care ingredient, and additive for natural insect repellant.  Truly, lemongrass is a multi purpose plant!