Using Potatoes For Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Can you use potatoes for under-eye dark circles & wrinkles and will it actually work?
While potatoes are considered a favorite in the kitchen and in our tummies. They also seem to be a popular remedy for hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) in the DIY section of the skincare world. Many people swear that potatoes can help your under-eye troubles.
Can Potatoes Remove Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Many people and experts testify that the topical application of potatoes can gradually fade darkened areas of skin.
And some of the enzymes and proteins in potatoes can work to lighten dark skin.
However, there are no scientific studies or any clinical evidence to back up this claim. Instead, what we have found is anecdotal evidence. This means that many people have tried this remedy and most of them agree that it worked for them.
Some other proven methods to lighten dark under-eyes are:
How to Use Kojic Acid for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles
Witch Hazel for Under Eyes- Dark Circles, Bags & Puffiness
Toothpaste For Dark Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles
How Do Potatoes Work For Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Catecholase, an enzyme recognized for its bleaching capabilities, is found in potatoes. It also has azelaic acid, a renowned natural skin brightener, and vitamin C, a well-known skin toning agent and antioxidant.
Vitamin C and azelaic acid also help to gently protect, resurface and tighten the skin which helps with wrinkles and signs of aging.
These ingredients work together to gradually bleach the skin around the eyes, resurface the skin, and rid the area of harmful free radicals that increase signs of aging and wrinkles. The result is lighter, brighter, and tighter-looking under-eyes.
Did you know that you can use Essential oils for Under-Eye: Puffy Circles & Wrinkles click here to learn more.
To explore your options to lighten dark circles check out my article on The 10 Medical & Home Remedies For Under Eye Dark Circles
Also, did you know that you can Use Potatoes For Underarm Whitening click here to learn more
How To Use Potatoes For Under-Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Potatoes can be used by themselves on the under-eye or with other ingredients to make an under-eye treatment mask.
1- Potato Slice Mask
Ingredients/Materials:
- 1 small potato
- Potato Peeler
- Knife
Directions:
- Wash, peel and slice your potato into slices about ½ inch thick.
- Cut the slices again into halves (to fit the contour of your under-eyes). You can also leave them round to place over your whole eye too.
- Gently cleanse your under-eyes.
- Apply the slices over your under-eye area (or over your whole eye).
- Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your eye area with clean, cool water and pat dry.
- Apply your under-eye moisturizer (and sunscreen if you’re doing this during the day).
- If your skin reacts well, you may reapply this remedy daily.
2- Potato Juice Mask
Ingredients/Materials:
- 1 small potato
- Potato peeler
- Grater
- Bowl
- Cotton pads (optional)
Directions:
- Wash and peel the potato
- Grate the potato in a bowl
- Squeeze out the juice from the grated potato
- Apply the potato juice to cleansed under-eyes with your fingers, directly onto the skin. Or you can use cotton pads.
- If using the cotton pads, cut them into halves to fit the contours of your under-eyes first.
- Then dip the cotton pads into the potato juice and apply it all over the under-eye areas.
- Let the potato juice or soaked cotton pads sit on your under-eyes for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with clean, cool water.
- Pat your skin dry and apply your under-eye moisturizer (and sunscreen if you’re doing this during the day).
- If your skin reacts well, you may reapply this remedy daily.
Video of How to use a Potato For Dark Circles Under Eyes
3- Potato Juice & Other Ingredients
Using the method above, extract your potato juice. Once you have done this, you can mix it with any number of other ingredients that will also help your under-eye dark circles and wrinkles. Some popular options are:
- Honey
- Whole Milk
- Cucumber
- Lemon Juice
- Beetroot Juice
- Turmeric
- Aloe Vera Gel
Related Articles:
Milk to Treat Dark Circles: Will it Work & How to Use
How to use Honey for Under Eye Wrinkles & Dark Circles
How to Use Turmeric for Under Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I leave potatoes on my skin?
Generally, experts recommend leaving potato slices or potato juice on your skin for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
However, if your skin is not overly sensitive, and if it reacts well, you can leave it on longer.
Related Articles –
How to Use Vitamin C for Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles
Lemon for Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles – Benefits & Risks
Can I leave potatoes on my eyes for dark circles overnight?
Yes, you can leave potato slices or potato juice on your skin overnight for under-eye dark circles.
However, if you have super sensitive skin, or if your skin becomes irritated, this might not be a good idea.
How often should I use potatoes for dark circles & wrinkles?
For the best results, potatoes should be used on your skin daily if you do not have a bad reaction to them.
However, this may vary for different people. I recommend that you monitor your skin to see how it reacts. You may have to try different frequencies before you come up with a routine that suits your skin.
I use this remedy twice a week as I do not need to use it more often. Other people who have tried this use it every other day and others use it daily. It all depends on your skin.
How long do potatoes take to remove dark circles?
Generally, it will take between 5-7 days to see any results from your potato treatment. However, this will vary for each person.
Your results will depend on:
- The cause of your under-eye circles
- Your daily habits
- The condition of your skin (how dark it is)
- Your skin’s reaction to the treatment
- How often you use the treatment
Related Article – Niacinamide for Dark Spots & Wrinkles Under the Eyes
Which is better for under-eye dark circles – potato or cucumber?
When treating under-eye dark circles, many people believe that potatoes will provide faster results when compared to cucumber.
This is most likely due to the Catecholase enzyme found in the potato.
Related Article – Cucumbers On Eyes: Benefits & Side Effects- What to Know
Side Effects Of Using Potatoes For Under-Eyes
Even though potatoes are considered generally safe, some people may have an allergic reaction to it being applied to their skin (rare).
I advise you to always patch-test your skin first before applying potatoes under your eyes or anywhere else on your skin.
Signs of a topical allergic reaction may include:
- itchy, red skin
- hives
- swelling
- itchy, runny nose
- wheezing and other breathing difficulties
If any of these happen, wash your skin off with clean, cool water and let it rest. Do not apply harsh chemicals or anything else on your skin. A mild moisturizer with just hyaluronic acid or vaseline may help to soothe the skin.
If your eyes start to hurt, burn, become swollen or red, or you start to see differently, seek medical attention right away.
Related Article – How to use Vaseline for Wrinkles & Circles Under the Eyes
Benefits Of Using Potatoes For Under-Eyes
1- Hydrates the skin
One of the easiest things that can make a difference for our under-eyes is hydration. Hydrated, healthy skin is less prone to damage, early aging, and darkening.
Potatoes are believed to be a natural source of hyaluronic acid, which is the perfect hydrator for the under-eye area.
2- Reduces Under-Eye Dark Circles
As previously mentioned, the combined action of Vitamin C and azelaic acid (both of which are brightening agents) along with Catecholase which inhibits or reduces melanin production in the skin result in lighter under-eyes.
Frequent and long-term use of potatoes on your under-eye area will gradually produce new skin cells that are less pigmented over time.
Related Article – Tretinoin For Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles: What to Know
3- Prevents signs of early aging
As previously mentioned, the Vitamin C in potatoes tones the skin by helping it to produce more collagen, making it firmer and preventing wrinkles.
It is also a powerful antioxidant that rids the skin of environmental stressors and free radicals that age the skin early.
4- Reduces Inflammation
Potatoes are also incredibly high in zinc, which helps to lessen skin inflammation. This encourages skin regeneration and repair, especially in very delicate places like the under-eye area. This also helps with under-eye bags and puffiness.
5- Promotes healthy skin
Potatoes help to maintain a healthy constitution when consumed and when applied topically, especially to the area around the eyes.
The phenolic chemicals, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, folic acid, and B vitamins included in potatoes help to maintain the health of our skin overall (as well as our eyes and nervous system).
Sources:
Can Rubbing Potatoes on Your Face Improve Skin Health?
8 Benefits of Potato for Eyes: How Potato helps in Removing Dark Circles | Marham
