Potato is an everyday kitchen essential and is more than just a humble vegetable. If you go to any household in any part of the world, you will find potatoes in that household, it's a staple. Whether it's fried, boiled or roasted, everyone has a thing for potatoes, however, in this article, I would like to take you through the benefits of using potato juice as a skincare ingredient.
As a child, I was always intrigued by the bustling energy of the kitchen. My fascination led me to follow my mother closely, observing every culinary feat she performed. One memory etched in my mind is when she had an accidental encounter with hot oil while frying fish. In an unexpected move, she immediately turned to potato. I watched as she peeled it, grated it, and extracted the juice, which she applied to her burned skin. My bewilderment was undeniable - why a potato? Her answer opened a realm of possibilities that continued to astonish the 8-year-old me. Followed by what I witnessed was further shocking, after 2 weeks of consistent application of potato juice I slowly saw the scar marks from my mother's skin fade away and by the 2nd month there were no signs of scarring at all.
You might be wondering, how can potato juice have such a profound effect on the skin. Well, potatoes are nothing less than remarkable. Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that work wonders on the skin. The magic lies in an enzyme called catecholase, which is known for its skin-lightening properties. This enzyme, when applied regularly, helps fade scars, even out skin tone, and combat hyper-pigmentation. Dark spots, blemishes and uneven skin tone can often cast shadows on confidence. But fret not my readers, because potato juice is your natural ally in this journey towards achieving flawless skin. This journey - isn't new, I say it's a legacy passed down through generations. Our ancestors embraced the potent power of potatoes, not just as a dietary delight, but also as a cherished skincare secret.
Potato juices' marvel doesn't stop at fading scars and dark spots. It's a rich source of vitamin C, which promotes collagen production - a key player in maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity. Moreover, the starch in the potatoes offers a soothing effect, making it a gentle and effective remedy for various skin issues.
How you can incorporate potato juice into your skincare routine?
Incorporating potato juice into your skincare routine is simple. Begin by washing and peeling a potato, then grate it to extract its juice ( you can do this by lightly squeezing the grated potato). Apply the liquid gold ( extracted potato juice) on your skin, focusing on areas marred by scars, blemishes, or uneven skin tone. Allow it to work its magic for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. With consistent use, you'll start noticing the gradual transformation - dark spots lightening, blemishes fading and your skin radiating an enviable glow.
4 ways you can use potatoes as a skincare ingredient -
- For Hyper-pigmentation, Dark spots and Tan - Mix potato juice with a teaspoon of honey, Honey is known for its hydration properties so it works as a double treat for your skin. Apply onto affected areas, leave for 20 mins and then rinse.
- For Acne and pimples - Heres is what you will need for this recipe - potato pulp and tomato pulp, along with a pinch of honey, one tablespoon of oatmeal and a few drops of tea tree oil. Mix everything - Once that is ready spread the mixture onto your face. Gently massage it in small circles for about 15-20 mins and then wash it off. Tomatoes and Potatoes are like super-hero protectors for the skin and because of their strong antioxidant properties, they can fight off germs and bacteria. And as for oatmeal is concerned it's not just your breakfast buddy it got a tough texture that helps scrub dead skin cells away, leaving skin feeling fresh.
- For Wrinkles and Fine Lines - Mix potato juice with 2 tablespoons of Multani-Mitti or Fuller's earth, add 2 drops of honey and mix well. Apply this mixture onto the face evenly and leave on for 15-20 min. Multanni Mitti has a multitude of benefits for the skin and ids skin including lightening, brightening, tightening and pore cleansing. It keeps skin firm and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles when used once/twice a week consistently for 3 months.
- For Dark Circle and Puffy Eyes - Mix potato juice with cucumber juice. Apply this mixture around the eyes and leave it on for 20 mins. Cucumber reduces swelling and puffiness, hydrates the skin and soothes irritation, while potato works its wonders with skin-brightening and lightening, giving a more even complexion, reducing the appearance of dark circles over time.
As a skincare chemist, I, 100% recommend incorporating potato juice into your weekly skincare routine :
The beauty of potato as a skincare ingredient lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Its natural treasure trove travels through geographical boundaries and cultural variations. Whether you are a culinary connoisseur or a skincare enthusiast, the unassuming potato can be your best buddy in revealing your skin's innate radiance. The beauty of this natural remedy lies in its authenticity, they are a timeless skincare secret waiting to be uncovered. So the next time you are in the kitchen, peeling a potato, remember that the same vegetable that nourishes your body will nourish and brighten your skin. In a world full of skincare products, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. So go ahead, and get your shine and natural glow with the magical - potato juice.
