Potatoes are a food that provides essential nutrients, especially potassium and vitamin C. Many people believe that raw potatoes or potato juice can also help treat a variety of skin conditions, from hyperpigmentation to acne. However, this notion has not been proven on any clinical basis. So, do potato masks really benefit the skin?
1. Can we use potatoes to lighten skin?
Many people believe that potatoes can help lighten dark spots related to freckles and melasma thanks to a skin-bleaching enzyme called catecholase in potatoes.
In this method, raw potato pieces are mixed with other acidic ingredients such as yogurt (potato yogurt mask or potato milk mask) and/or lemon juice to create a skin-lightening potato mask. However, there is no research on catecholase in potatoes that can brighten the skin; this view is only drawn from women's word-of-mouth experience.
2. Can we use potato masks to treat acne?
Acne is caused by skin inflammation, which is often affected by cytokines. A 2013 study on mice showed that potato peel extract has anti-inflammatory effects, but no one rubs potatoes on acne to get this effect.
3. Can we use potatoes to treat dark spots and scars on the face?
Potatoes contain the enzyme catecholase, which can be used to treat dark spots on the face. After acne clears, facial skin often leaves mild to significant scars and darker dark spots over time. Many claim that potato masks can effectively help fade acne and dark scars.
In addition, potato masks can reduce signs of aging, increase skin brightness, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. However, it is important to note that most of the above effects are based on user reviews and not on any clinical evidence.
4. Eating potatoes helps improve skin health
Potatoes are a fat-free vegetable and are a source of:
- Potassium;
- Vitamin C;
- Vitamin B6;
- Fiber: a medium potato contains about 2.5 grams of fiber;
- Starch: Potatoes are considered a starchy food, so people who doctors recommend to follow a low-sugar or low-carbohydrate diet should just consume potatoes in moderation.
The health benefits of potatoes are also limited to how they are cooked. The best way to cook a potato is to "bake." French fries should be limited in meals. Although fried foods do not directly cause skin diseases, excessive use of these foods can increase skin inflammation over time.
5. Side effects of potato masks
Allergic reactions should be considered before applying potato masks. In fact, a study conducted on children noted adverse reactions to a protein found in potatoes called patatin.
Another study showed that some people sensitive to potatoes are associated with an allergy to latex, which is also related to patatin. This allergic reaction is also found in other vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, apples, and bananas. Therefore, if you have ever had a latex allergy, you should not apply a raw potato mask to your skin.
In addition to raw potatoes, allergic reactions can also occur when using cooked potatoes. Some reliable studies show that the risk of cooked potato allergy is directly proportional to the possibility of pollen allergy.
Signs of an allergic reaction that may occur include:
- Itching or redness of the skin;
- Rash;
- Swelling;
- Itchy, runny nose;
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing;
- Anaphylactic shock: This is a life-threatening emergency if not treated promptly.
If you have never had any allergic reactions related to potatoes and want to try applying a raw potato mask or potato juice to your skin, apply a small amount to the skin of your elbow and wait at least 24 to 48 hours to see if an adverse reaction occurs.
6. Other home remedies for skin lightening and acne treatment
Instead of using potatoes, users can look for other home remedies that have been proven safe for skin lightening and acne treatment. Some ingredients to consider using include:
- Lemon juice;
- Tea tree oil;
- Lavender oil;
- Yogurt;
- Turmeric;
- Green tea powder.
In conclusion, the health benefits of eating potatoes have been proven; however, there is still no solid scientific evidence that applying a raw potato mask or juice to the skin will improve hyperpigmentation or treat skin inflammation.
If you want to get rid of acne, scars, or signs of skin aging, users should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will guide you to the best treatments that have been clinically proven to be effective.
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