One of the most popular home remedies in skin care is using potatoes to lighten skin. And while there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, many people swear by it.
So, does potato truly help to lighten skin? Is it worth a try? How exactly do you need to use a potato for this process? This article will provide answers to these questions and more.
Does potato lighten skin?
While there are no scientific studies specifically on potato and skin lightening, there are some clues that suggest it may work.
First of all, potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce dark spots and promote collagen production for healthier skin.
It also contains a substance called glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to lighten the skin. Furthermore, potatoes contain B vitamins, which according to clinical studies are beneficial in treating hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
How to use potato for skin lightening
There are several ways to use potatoes to lighten your skin. Here are a few:
1. Potato and lemon
Take a boiled potato, peel it and then mash it until smooth. Add 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice, then apply the mixture to your skin as a mask. Let the mixture sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it with cool water.
Why it works:
Lemon is rich in citric acid, which helps improve the appearance of dark spots by exfoliating dead skin cells. It also contains vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin while protecting it from free radicals.
Do this once or twice a week until your skin tone is lighter.
2. Potato and yogurt
To do this, cut a boiled potato in half, and place it in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then mix it with 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply this mixture to your skin and leave it for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.
Why it works:
Yogurt has skin-lightening properties due to its content of lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid often used in skin-care products for its exfoliating properties.
Do this once every day for one week, then reduce the frequency to twice a week.
SEE: Can You Change Your Skin Color From Dark To Light?
3. Potato and turmeric
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of potato juice with 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Apply the mixture on your skin as well as you can, then leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a clean towel or cloth.
Why it works:
Turmeric contains curcumin which helps reduce melanin production in the skin. This can help improve the appearance of dark spots and even out the skin tone.
Do this thrice a week for the best results.
4. Potato, cucumber, and baking soda
Place ½ cup chopped potato, ½ cup chopped cucumber, and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then apply the mixture directly to your skin. Let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse.
Why it works:
Baking soda works by exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells. It helps to brighten the skin and give it a more even tone. Cucumber, on the other hand, has moisturizing effects that help improve overall skin tone.
Do this once a week for three weeks or until you see results.
5. Potato and rice flour
Take 1 tablespoon of potato juice and 1 tablespoon of rice flour into a small bowl and mix well. The mixture should be thick, like porridge or dosa batter. Add a few drops of honey and carrier oils like jojoba oil before applying the mixture to your skin.
Why it works:
Rice flour has a high content of starch, and starch helps in lightening the skin. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that give the skin a healthy glow. Adding this flour to potato juice will help you achieve your desired results.
For light, smooth skin, do this once a week.
SEE: How to Get Even, Flawless-Looking Skin
6. Potato and egg white
Mix 1 mashed potato with 1 egg white, then apply the mixture to your skin. Let it dry for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water for the best result.
Why it works:
Egg white is rich in protein and can help tighten your pores. Combining it with potato mash and applying it to your face will give you smooth, glowing skin.
Do this once or twice a week to see visible results.
7. Potato and tomato
Mix 1 tablespoon of potato juice with one tablespoon of tomato juice and apply it on your skin. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water to get soft, glowing skin.
Why it works:
Tomato juice contains lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage and give it a healthy glow. Lycopene is also thought to have some anti-aging properties.
Do this once or twice a week for a healthy glow.
8. Potato and honey
Add 3 tablespoons of honey to 2 tablespoons of potato juice and stir well. Then, apply the mixture to your skin with a cotton ball or pad. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool or warm water, depending on your mood.
Why it works:
Honey has exfoliating properties that can help lighten skin by removing dead skin cells. It also helps heal and moisturize skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Do this once or twice a week for lighter skin.
SEE: Hyperpigmentation Causes, Types, and Treatment
9. Potato and milk
Peel a potato, cut it into small chunks, then boil the pieces with water for about 10 minutes before removing it from the heat. After cooling down, place the potato chunks into a blender, add 2 tablespoons of raw milk, and blend.
Apply the blend to your skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Why it works:
Milk contains lactic acid, which works to lighten blemishes and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It also helps to moisturize your skin, making it softer and more radiant.
Do this once or twice a week for brighter and hydrated skin.
10. Potato and oatmeal
Mash a potato, then mix it with 3 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal. Apply this paste to your skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Why it works:
Oatmeal is a gentle cleanser that can help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. It’s also antibacterial and can help to soothe and calm the skin.
Do this once a week until you notice a difference in your skin tone.
Side effects of using a potato to lighten skin
When it comes to side effects, there are a few things to consider before using a potato to lighten your skin. For one, potatoes contain a high concentration of starch. It can cause your skin to become irritated, especially if it is sensitive.
Additionally, the acidity in potatoes can cause redness and itchiness. If you have any cuts or scrapes on your skin, using a potato to lighten it can also cause stinging and burning.
Finally, some people may experience an allergic reaction when applying this vegetable to their skin. If you have an allergic reaction after applying potato to your skin, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
How long will it take for a potato to lighten your skin?
It depends on how often you use it and how dark your skin is.
Some people claim potato has helped to significantly lighten their skin tone within a few weeks of regular use. If you have very dark skin, it may take months to see results.
SEE: Easy, Practical Ways to Have Clear Skin
FAQs
Can you leave potato juice on your skin overnight?
Yes, but it’s not advisable.
Leaving potato juice on your skin overnight can cause your skin to become discolored or irritated. The potato can also clog your pores and harbor bacteria, causing acne or other skin conditions.
Is potato good for wrinkles?
Yes, it is.
Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Can you apply raw potato to your face?
Yes, you can.
However, keep in mind that raw potato on your face can cause side effects like redness, irritation, and stinging. It can also cause an allergic reaction, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re allergic to potatoes.
Conclusion
Although there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that potatoes can lighten skin, there is no doubt that this natural remedy is worth trying.
If you do decide to use potatoes to lighten your skin, ensure to follow the instructions above and see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Africana Fashion for more information on how to lighten your skin.
