Potatoes are a fat-free root vegetable that can be a good source of potassium, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B6. Despite their fiber content, potatoes are considered a starchy food that should be consumed in moderation, especially for people who need to adopt a low-glycemic or low-carb diet.
The health benefits of potatoes are also limited to how you cook them. The best way is probably to bake it. Potatoes contain nutrients that are good for the body, including skin health.
The ritual of using potatoes for skin care dates back 5,000 years. According to archaeological archives in the journal Pharmaceutical Historian in 2009, potato slices were used by herbalists in Peru as a sedative for skin burns. In some countries, it is used as soap.
Potato skins, and even potato juice, can improve skin health. A potato face mask can help treat acne and other skin conditions like dark spots and blemishes, as well as lighten the skin. So, here are some of the benefits of potatoes for skin health.
Potatoes Fades dark circles
Applying potato under the eyes helps to get rid of dark circles under the eyes. Reported by StyleCraze, here’s how to use it:
- Peel a raw potato and cut it into large, even chunks.
- Wrap it in a clean cloth and place it over the dark circle for about 20 minutes.
- Wash eyes gently with warm water.
- This method can also help get rid of puffy eyes.
Potatoes Helps with wrinkles
Potatoes work well effectively in slowing down the signs of aging, especially wrinkles. The antioxidants in potatoes, such as vitamin C, can do the job.
For this purpose, you can peel and mash a potato and then apply the potato paste on the skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash your face with cold water.
Remove black flecks
Potatoes can also help get rid of dark spots. Here’s how to do it:
- Puree the peeled potatoes.
- Apply potato paste on your face and massage gently for about 5 minutes.
- Wash your face with clean and cold water.
- Repeat this daily for best results.
- You can also use potatoes to get rid of blemishes and pimples. Just use potato juice as a facial rinse every day. It might also help treat acne.
Acne is caused by skin inflammation, which may be influenced by cytokines. One study on rats in the journal Life Sciences in 2013 found that there may be anti-inflammatory effects from potato skin extract. However, before rushing to rub potatoes on acne, it’s important to note that there are no human studies to support the benefits of potatoes for acne.
Utilizing potatoes as a cleanser can also help remove black spots and other impurities on the skin. It also works well for oily skin. For this purpose, you will need cucumbers and potatoes.
Cut the cucumber and potato into medium chunks and mix them for about 20 seconds.
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a little water to this mixture. Use it to clean your face, then rinse it with plain water.
Coping with sunburned skin
Potatoes can work well to treat sunburn. Place the cooled potato slices on the affected skin area. Leave it for about 20 minutes and remove it. You can also apply potato juice to the skin that is experiencing sunburn. It can give a cooling sensation and even lessen suntan.
Brighten skin
Potato is a natural skin lightening agent. Do these steps:
- Grate a raw potato and apply it as a face mask.
- Rinse with water after 30 minutes.
- Using it regularly can make the face clean and bright.
You can also use potato and lemon juice to lighten skin naturally. A lemon and potato mask can act as a mild bleach.
Overcoming dry skin
If you have dry skin, you can take one potato in the kitchen and half a teaspoon of curd.
- Grate the potatoes and mix with the curd.
- Apply the paste on the face and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash with plain water.
- This mask restores skin moisture and treats dry skin.
Skin exfoliation
All you have to do is apply peeled grated potatoes to your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then rinse with clean water. Doing this method regularly can help remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin.
Improves collagen health
We have seen that potatoes are rich in vitamin C. As is well known, vitamin C builds collagen. Well, consuming potatoes regularly, with a healthy way of processing, of course, can help improve collagen health.
Is it safe to rub potatoes on the skin?
Apart from the lack of scientific research, the possibility of an allergic reaction should also be considered before you apply potatoes to your skin.
Clinical studies have suggested several possible explanations for potato allergy. One early study in children found that participants had an adverse reaction to a binding protein in potatoes called patatin, as reported by Healthline.
Another study found that raw potato sensitivity may also be associated with latex allergy in adults. It is also related to patatin. Other foods that may trigger a latex allergy include carrots, tomatoes, apples and bananas. If you have a latex allergy, do not use raw potatoes on the skin.
There is also the possibility of an allergy to cooked potatoes. Some studies have shown an increased risk of a cooked potato allergy if you also have a pollen allergy.
Watch out for signs of a possible allergic reaction including:
- Itchy, red skin.
- Hives.
- Swelling.
- Runny nose and itching.
- Wheezing and other difficulty breathing.
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
If you don’t have any known allergies and want to try rubbing raw potato or potato juice on your skin, be sure to do a patch test first. This process involves applying a small amount to the inside of the elbow and waiting at least 24 to 48 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
After reading the benefits of potatoes for skin health above, please note that more studies are needed to study the specific benefits of potatoes for the skin.
For most people, using potatoes for skin is safe. Apart from that, you can also add it to a balanced nutritional diet so that it can nourish the skin from within.
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