Can lemon lighten my skin tone?

Lemons can be used as a safe and effective skin lightening agent, states the Huffington Post. The citric acid contained in lemon juice makes this fruit effective at lightening and evening skin tone.

Lemon juice can be applied directly to the skin to even skin tone. Skin lightening products containing citric acid also are effective in eliminating dark spots, freckles and other skin discolorations. Although lemon juice is a natural skin lightening agent, it can be irritating to sensitive skin and can cause stinging when coming in contact with an open cut. Pure lemon juice works best, as artificial ingredients may dilute the effectiveness.