6 Benefits of Potato Juice for Skin and Hair
Potatoes have long been considered an ‘unhealthy’ vegetable due to their contribution to obesity and fried food. What most of us are unaware of is that potatoes contain many essential vitamins and nutrients. They are a healthy form of carbohydrates and can form a vital part of our diet if consumed properly. Other than dietary benefits, potatoes are also an excellent beauty staple and can be used in DIY remedies for our skin and hair. Potato Juice specifically is an amazing ingredient and can help us with many underlying skin issues.
Potato juice is basically juice derived from raw potatoes. Potato juice contains Vitamin B, Vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. This nutrient-dense combination makes it ideal to be consumed in our diets and as a skincare remedy. Let’s see some of the benefits of potato juice for our skin and hair.
Anti-Aging Effects- Potato juice can prevent wrinkles and slow down the aging process. You can mix 2 tablespoons of potato juice with curd and apply all over your face. Rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. You can use this anti-aging mask 3 times a week. Just dabbing potato juice all over your face with a cotton ball will also make a significant difference. You will notice a reduction in wrinkles, tightening of your skin, and firming up of your face with a clear glow. Keep potato juice stored in the fridge or in a cool place for the extra cooling effects.
Hydrates Your Skin- Potatoes contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which can hydrate your skin immensely. Mix potato juice with yogurt and apply it all over your face. Rinse with cold or lukewarm water after 15 minutes. You will notice your face looking moisturized and hydrated. Use this mask 2 times a week.
Clears Skin- Dark spots, pigmentation, and blemishes on skin take a long time to reduce and fade. Potato juice can help in clearing your skin. Apply potato juice over your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cold or lukewarm water. You will see your face looking cleaner and clearer after regular use. You can use this mask 4-5 times a week.
Improves Hair Texture- Potato juice works wonders for the condition of your hair and can even reduce dandruff, itchy scalp, and flakiness. Mix the juice of 2 potatoes, 1 tablespoon of honey, and an egg yolk. Apply this mixture to your hair roots and rinse off with shampoo after an hour. Your hair will grow faster, thicker, and stronger.
Relieves Eczema- Eczema is a skin condition that causes your skin to itch, swell, and other symptoms like redness or scaling. Drinking potato juice can relieve some symptoms of eczema and calm your skin. You can also apply it topically on the affected areas.
Tan Removal- Potato juice has been used as a tan removal remedy by many people. You can mix potato juice with few drops of lemon juice and apply it over the tanned surface. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water.
Now that we know the benefits, let’s get to making potato juice. It is very simple and you can do it yourself. There are packaged versions of potato juice available but it’s cheaper to make it at home. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and clean out any sprouts and green spots. Peel the potatoes and grate them. Put the grated potatoes on a linen or muslin cloth and squeeze out the juice. You can also chop the potatoes, put the pieces in a juicer, and strain the juice. Cool the juice in the refrigerator before you drink or apply it.
Ideally, potato juice should be consumed as soon as you make it. But if you made extra or want to use it for the next day, store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. Do not store it for more than 2-3 days. Potato juice also has some side effects. It can cause nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed in excess. So if you are eating potatoes and drinking potato juice, consider changing your diet or reducing your potato intake. Potato juice has high levels of sugar which makes it a hazardous food for people with diabetes. Pregnant women or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before applying or drinking potato juice. Like any other DIY remedy, do a patch test on your elbow before using potato juice all over your face. Some people may not respond as effectively to it as everyone else. If you wish to drink potato juice, please consult with a medical expert or nutritionist before making any dietary changes or additions. There is not much research backing potato juice as an effective remedy but ancient recipes and home remedies have included it traditionally.