Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) Extract: A Natural Solution for Lightening Dark Knees

Abrez, Jesfer Pastorete

Aparente, Joash Gabriel

Dinawat, Dwaven Pyle Pacaña

Jamlan, Miguel Conejo

Rivera, Jaspher John Limansag

 I. Introduction

Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) is a citrus fruit commonly found in the Philippines and

other Southeast Asian countries. It is known for its high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants,

which make it a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and cosmetics. One of its reported

benefits is its ability to lighten dark knees.

Dark knees are a common cosmetic concern, especially for individuals with darker

skin tones. These areas can become discolored due to several reasons, including sun

exposure, friction, and the accumulation of dead skin cells. While several commercial

products claim to lighten dark areas, many people prefer natural remedies such as calamansi

due to their perceived safety and affordability.

Calamansi is a rich source of Vitamin C, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that

have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Tumaneng et al.,

2020; Almora et al., 2021). These compounds are believed to help reduce skin pigmentation

by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color (Kadam et al.,

2020).

Several studies have reported the skin-lightening effects of calamansi. In a

randomized controlled trial, volunteers who applied calamansi extract on their dark

underarms for six weeks showed significant improvements in skin lightness and texture

compared to those who used a placebo (Garcia et al., 2019). Another study found that a

combination of calamansi juice and honey applied on the knees and elbows twice a day for

four weeks resulted in significant lightening of these areas (Moussa et al., 2021).

The bioactive compounds present in calamansi may also help exfoliate dead skin

cells, which can contribute to skin darkening. Calamansi contains alpha-hydroxy acids

(AHAs), which are natural exfoliants that can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell

turnover (Amonkar et al., 2017). Additionally, calamansi has been shown to have
antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that can also

contribute to darkening (Ogundipe et al., 2021).

While calamansi has been shown to have promising skin-lightening effects, its use

may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or

allergic reactions when using calamansi products (Mounessa et al., 2017). Furthermore, the

efficacy of calamansi in lightening dark areas may vary depending on the severity of the

discoloration and other factors such as skin type, age, and sun exposure (Sinha et al., 2020).

In conclusion, calamansi is a promising natural remedy for lightening dark knees. Its

high levels of Vitamin C and other bioactive compounds may help reduce skin pigmentation

and promote skin health. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal

dosage and frequency of application, as well as its long-term safety and effectiveness. With

proper use and precautions, calamansi may offer a safe and affordable alternative to

commercial skin-lightening products. Moreover, the purpose of the study is to help those who

do have dark knees by lightening these areas with a natural remedy like calamansi, which

may offer an accessible solution for those who wish to improve their appearance.

Statement of the Problem

This study generally aims to examine the use of calamansi in lightening dark knees.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effect of Calamansi extract in lightening dark knees?

2. How does the frequency of using Calamansi extract affects the lightening of dark

knees in terms of it’s usage in:

a. once a week;

b. twice a week; and

c. thrice a week?
Significance of the Study

Dark knees are a common cosmetic issue that can be a source of insecurity or self-

consciousness for some people. Lightening these areas with a natural and inexpensive remedy

like Calamansi could provide an accessible solution for those who wish to improve their

appearance.

Scope and Delimitation

The scope of the study on the Effectiveness of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) extract

in lightening dark knees would cover 3 months to observe the changes in knees and color.

In addition, the researchers added baking soda as materials of this study. The

delimitation of the study would include factors that could affect the outcome of the

experiment, such as the frequency of use of the calamansi and baking soda and the skin type

of the participants. With a population size of 46, the researchers will consider a sample of 15

respondents using convenient sampling. The study would also be limited to the effects of

calamansi extract as a skin lightener and not explore its use in other cosmetic applications.

Additionally, the study would consider the availability of resources, such as the amount of

calamansi extract and the number of participants in the experiment. Finally, the study would

not provide medical advice or diagnose any medical condition.

 II. Methods

Research Design

This study is an experimental research design as it aims to investigate whether

calamansi extract can help lighten the skin tone of the knees, which are often darker than the

rest of the body due to various factors such as excessive sun exposure, dryness, friction, and

accumulation of dead skin cells.

Research Locale

This study was conducted at Malaybalay City National Science High School in

Aglayan, Malaybalay City. The participants of this study was the grade 9 Libra of the

aforementioned school.

Figure 1: Google map of Malaybalay City National Science High School

Sampling Procedure

With a population size of 46, the researchers will consider a sample of 15 respondents

using convenient sampling. These samples shall be sampling among the Junior High School

students.
In this study, the following materials were utilized;

 Calamansi, also known as Philippine lime or Calamondin, is a small citrus fruit that

is native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its tangy and acidic flavour and is

commonly used in Filipino cuisine and traditional medicine. Calamansi is rich in

vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.

 Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder that is

commonly used in baking as a leavening agent. It is also used for a variety of

household cleaning purposes as well as in personal hygiene products. Baking soda is

alkaline in nature and can help neutralize acids, making it useful for a variety of

applications.

Procedure

The following procedure were done by the researchers to successfully investigate

the efficacy of Calamansi extract as a natural solution in lightening the darken areas of

human’s body such as knees:

Making, measuring, and distributing the ingredients:

Step 1: All the ingredients and materials such as calamansi, baking soda, 2 cups, syringe,

cutter, gloves and cellophane were gathered.

Step 2: All the calamansi where cut in half.

Step 3: Then, the extract of the calamansi was poured into the first cup and the second cup

were filled with baking soda.

Step 4: After that, two tablespoons of baking soda were places in a small cellophane and then

it was tied.
Step 5: A syringe was used to get two millimetres of calamansi extract and it was injected

into the tied cellophane. This process was repeated until 15 cellophanes of calamansi extract

and baking soda were prepared.

Step 6: The prepared cellophane bags with calamansi extract and baking soda were

distributed to the respondents.

Step 7: The respondents were instructed by the researchers in using the product. They were

taught to mix the calamansi extract and baking soda and then rub the mixture into their knees.

Making, Measuring and

Distributing

All the ingredients All the After that, two

and materials such calamansi where tablespoons of
as calamansi, cut in half. baking soda
baking soda, 2 were places in a
cups, syringe, small
cutter, gloves and cellophane and
cellophane were then it was tied.
gathered.
The prepared A syringe was used to
cellophane bags get two millimetres of Then, the extract of
with calamansi calamansi extract and it the calamansi was
extract and baking was injected into the poured into the first
soda were tied cellophane. This cup and the second
distributed to the process was repeated cup were filled with
respondents. until 15 cellophanes of baking soda.
calamansi extract and
baking soda were
prepared

The respondents were instructed by the researchers in using the product. They
were taught to mix the calamansi extract and baking soda and then rub the mixture
into their knees.

Figure 2: Flowchart of making, measuring and distributing calamansi extract and baking soda
 III. Results and Discussion

This chapter presents the results and discussion of a research study conducted to

investigate the effect of calamansi and baking on knee skin. The aimed of the study was to

determine if the application of calamansi and baking had any noticeable impact on the

condition of the respondents' knees. However, due to delays in providing the ingredients, the

study was unable to observe the true effect. This chapter will discuss the findings obtained

from the respondents and provide an analysis of the limitations encountered during the

research process. The table below will provide the minimal change in respondents’ knee skin.

Once a week Twice a week Thrice a week

Before

After

Table 1. Application of Calamansi and Baking on Knee Skin

Based on Table 1, it shows that calamansi extract helps lighten dark knees. However, it

is important to note that the observed changes were not statistically significant, and they

could have occurred due to factors other than the application of calamansi and baking. When

it comes to frequency of use, once a week, there was a little change of color in the knees.
While the twice-a-week also had changes in color. However, the three times a week had a

bigger change than the once and twice a week, based on Table 1.

The delays in providing the ingredients to the respondents played a crucial role in limiting the

study's ability to observe the true effect of the intervention. It is possible that the delay in

administering the treatment hindered the potential benefits that calamansi and baking could

have provided. Therefore, future research should take into account the importance of timely

administration and ensure that there are no such delays to obtain more accurate results.

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion

Based on the statement of the study, the following statements could be drawn:
1. The analysis of the results revealed that there was a minimal change in the

respondents' knee skin over the course of the study. However, it is important to note

that the observed changes were not statistically significant, and they could have

occurred due to factors other than the application of calamansi and baking. Due to the

delays in providing the ingredients, the study was unable to observe the true effect.

2. There's a minimal change in the knee skin of the respondent in each week. Once a

week, there was a little change of color in the knees. While the twice-a-week also had

changes in color. However, the three times a week had a bigger change than the once

and twice a week, based on Table 1.

Recommendations

Based on the drawn conclusions the following statements are hereby recommended:

1. The delays in providing the ingredients to the respondents played a crucial role in

limiting the study's ability to observe the true effect of the intervention. It is possible
 that the delay in administering the treatment hindered the potential benefits that

calamansi and baking could have provided.

2. The absence of a control group is another significant limitation of this study. Without

a control group, it is challenging to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between

the application of calamansi and baking and the observed changes in knee skin. A

control group would have provided a comparison point to differentiate between the

effects of the intervention and natural variations in knee skin conditions.

3. Future research should take into account the importance of timely administration and

ensure that there are no such delays to obtain more accurate results.