Potatoes are by far my favourite veg and I have discovered a new-found beauty hack that makes these starchy root veggies even more impressive. Potatoes can be a new solution to some of your skin-related woes.
Here’s how.
Nutrients found in potatoes
- Iron – iron is necessary for healthy-looking skin. If you suffer from anemia as I do, you might notice that your skin might become dull and pale from time to time. Potatoes contain iron, which means you can say goodbye to dry skin and even dark circles and scars by using potatoes. Iron also aids in the production of collagen, which means that potatoes can help your skin produce collagen over time.
- Vitamin C – vitamin C is a staple in beauty products for its skin-brightening and collagen-boosting effects. Potatoes contain vitamin C, which also has anti-ageing properties and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Using potatoes on your skin can help your skin appear more plump as time goes by.
- Potassium – Applying potatoes to your skin will keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, and minimise dryness and any flaking caused by skin conditions like acne and even eczema. Potassium has anti-inflammatory properties too, which means that potatoes can help to balance pH levels and soothe inflammatory reactions.
- Vitamin B – Potatoes contain Vitamin B3 (Niacin), which might remind you of Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 which is commonly found in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) can help with inflammatory skin reactions and help maintain an even skin tone, while Vitamin B9 (Folate) aids in the skin cell regeneration process.
- Calcium – the calcium in potatoes can help with the skin cell turnover, and helps to promote the shedding of the old and the generating of new smooth skin. It can also help to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
- Copper – copper is great for your skin as it is antimicrobial and a co-factor in the production of collagen and elastin, which can help keep your skin looking fresh.
How to use potatoes for your skin
The easiest way to use potatoes for your skin is to grate them up, apply the potato topically and use it as a mask. You can let the grated potato sit on your face for 2-3 minutes, before rinsing it off.
You can also juice a potato by popping it into a juicer or grating it first and then popping it into a blender. Once you have potato juice, you can infuse it with aloe vera gel for a soothing effect for burns or inflammatory reactions or rose water for pigmentation issues.
ALSO SEE: A registered dietitian’s tips on foods for vaginal health
Written by Marian Volkwyn for Woman&Home.
Feature image: Pexels
