Do Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Shots Really Benefit Your Skin and Digestion?

Social media is filled with wellness trends promising everything from improved digestion to glowing skin, and one of the latest involves taking a daily shot of olive oil and lemon juice on an empty stomach. While influencers and celebrities often promote the practice as a simple health hack, medical experts say the reality is far less dramatic. Understanding what actually happens inside the body can help consumers separate evidence-based health advice from viral wellness claims.

In an interview with The Educated Patient, dermatologist Dara Spearman, M.D., founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, explains the science behind olive oil and lemon juice shots, including their potential effects on digestion, skin health and the gut microbiome. She also discusses why healthy habits and balanced nutrition are far more important than quick-fix trends when it comes to achieving long-term wellness goals.

Olive oil and lemon juice shots are being hailed on social media as a miracle cure-all for digestion and skin health. From a clinical perspective, what actually happens to the body when you consume a concentrated dose of oil and citrus on an empty stomach first thing in the morning?

Dara Spearman, M.D.: When olive oil is taken on an empty stomach, the body simply recognizes it as fat and starts the normal digestion process. The gallbladder releases bile, which is what helps break fat down. Because it’s a concentrated amount all at once, it can feel heavy in the stomach and sometimes cause nausea or discomfort. Lemon juice adds acidity, which can irritate the stomach if there’s already reflux or sensitivity. There’s no detox effect here, since the liver and kidneys are already doing that work continuously in the background.

Is there any real scientific evidence that drinking olive oil creates a visible “glow” from within, or are patients simply seeing the baseline effects of general hydration and healthy dietary fats?

DS: When skin looks better, it usually comes down to overall habits working together. Things like better hydration, more balanced eating and consistency over time tend to show up in the skin. Olive oil is a healthy fat and does support skin health, but that comes from being part of a normal diet, not something taken as a shot.

While healthy fats are essential to a balanced diet, consuming a concentrated shot of pure oil can be incredibly heavy. What are the potential gastrointestinal downsides or digestive risks for patients who try this trend?

DS: A shot of oil can simply be too much at once for the stomach to handle well. It may lead to bloating, nausea or loose stools. With inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a sensitive gut, it can trigger cramping or urgency. With gallbladder issues, it can cause pain because fat naturally makes the gallbladder contract. Lemon juice can add to that and sometimes make reflux worse.

If a patient is looking to improve their skin barrier and gut microbiome, is taking a daily shot of olive oil an efficient way to achieve results, or would they see a more meaningful change by simply incorporating these ingredients normally into well-balanced meals?

DS: Olive oil is healthy, but it works best when it’s used in food. That’s when it fits into a balanced diet and actually supports things like nutrient absorption. For skin health, it’s really the steady intake of healthy fats over time that matters. For gut health, fiber and overall diet variety play a much bigger role than focusing on one ingredient like this.

Viral trends often present a one-size-fits-all solution to complex health goals. What warning advice do you have for viewers who look to celebrities and influencers for daily medical and wellness habits rather than consulting with a physician or dermatologist?

DS: The main thing to understand is that these trends often make health seem simpler than it is. Skin, digestion and gut health are all built on long-term habits, not quick fixes. Olive oil is a healthy food, but taking it as a shot doesn’t really add anything meaningful compared to just using it normally in meals. And not everyone responds the same way. Some may tolerate it fine, while others with reflux, IBS or gallbladder issues may feel worse. In general, the simplest habits are usually the most effective and the most sustainable.