Eating potatoes can help you get some of the essential nutrients you need, including potassium and vitamin C. But can rubbing raw potatoes on your face offer any benefits?
Some people have made such assertions online, claiming that raw potatoes or potato juice can help treat a variety of skin conditions, from hyperpigmentation to acne. Still, such claims haven’t been proven in any clinical settings.
Can you use potato for skin lightening?
Some proponents claim that potatoes can help lighten dark spots related to skin freckles, sunspots, and melasma due to a skin-bleaching enzyme called catecholase.
In these so-called remedies, raw pieces of potato are blended with other acidic ingredients like yogurt and lemon juice to create a lightening face mask. However, there’s no clinical evidence to prove that catecholase in potatoes can lighten your skin.
Can potato on your face treat acne?
Acne is caused by skin inflammation, which may be influenced by cytokines. One 2013 study on mice found that there’s possible anti-inflammatory effects of potato skin extracts.
Before you start rubbing potatoes on your acne though, it’s important to note that no human studies have yet supported potatoes for these effects.
Can potato treat dark spots on your face?
Some skin care blogs have claimed that potatoes can also treat dark spots due to catecholase enzymes. However, there’s no evidence that potatoes possess any significant skin lightening capabilities.
Can potatoes treat acne scars?
After an acne breakout, you may be left with mild to significant scarring, which may darken over time. While some people claim potato masks can help lighten acne scars, there’s no scientific evidence backing such benefits.
Does a potato face mask have any benefits?
Aside from potential effects on skin inflammation, there isn’t much scientific evidence available to support the use of potatoes on your skin.
There are claims that a potato face mask may reduce signs of aging, increase glow, and decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Still, it’s important to remember that most of these effects are anecdotal. This means they are based on user reviews and not clinical evidence.
Can eating potatoes improve the health of your skin?
Potatoes are fat-free root vegetables that can be good sources of:
- potassium
- vitamin C
- iron
- vitamin B-6
While they also contain fiber — one medium potato contains about 2.5 grams worth— potatoes are considered starchy foods that ought to be consumed in moderation. This is especially the case if your doctor has recommended that you follow a low glycemic or a low carbohydrate diet.
The health benefits of potatoes are also limited to the way you cook them. Perhaps the leanest way to cook a potato is by baking it.
Fried potatoes should be enjoyed on an occasional basis only. While fried foods don’t directly cause skin ailments, eating these over more healthful foods can increase skin inflammation over time.
Eating potatoes won’t necessarily benefit your skin health, but including healthy plant-based foods in moderation like baked potatoes can help.
Side effects of rubbing potatoes on your skin
Aside from the lack of scientific research, the possibility of allergic reactions ought to be another consideration before you rub potatoes on your skin.
Clinical studies have shown a few possible explanations for potato allergy. One early studyin children found that participants had negative reactions to a binding protein in potatoes called patatin.
Another studyfound that raw potato sensitivities could also be linked to latex allergies in adults. This was also linked to patatin.Other possible food triggers to latex allergy include carrots, tomatoes, apples, and bananas. If you have known latex allergy, you shouldn’t use raw potatoes on your skin.
Other possible food triggers to latex allergy include carrots, tomatoes, apples, and bananas. If you have known latex allergy, you shouldn’t use raw potatoes on your skin.
It’s also possible to be allergic to cooked potatoes. Some studies have shown an increased risk of cooked potato allergy if you have pollen allergies, too.
Signs of a possible allergic reaction include:
- itchy, red skin
- hives
- swelling
- itchy, runny nose
- wheezing and other breathing difficulties
- anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition that requires emergency medical care
If you don’t have any known allergies and would like 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 onto the inside of your elbow and waiting at least 24 to 48 hours to see if any reactions occur.
Alternative home remedies for skin lightening and acne
If you’re looking for more proven home remedies for skin lightening and acne, consider the following alternatives:
- lemon juice
- tea tree oil
- lavender oil
- yogurt
- turmeric
- green tea
Takeaway
Skin care crazes come and go, and it seems that rubbing potatoes on your skin may be one of them. While healthy to eat in moderation, there’s no scientific evidence that proves rubbing raw potatoes or juice on your skin will reduce hyperpigmentation or clear up inflammatory conditions.
If you’re looking to get rid of acne, scars, or concerns related to skin aging, see your dermatologist for advice. They can help point you in the direction of remedies that are clinically proven to work.
