Most people are not aware of this but potato, the most demonizied of all foods, is actually a boon for skin care enthusiasts. In a recent study, it was found that potatoes are actually power-houses of minerals and vitamins that can do wonders to our skin. But the benefits depend largely upon the method of preparation. Dishes like french fries are undoubtedly very harmful for skin as deep frying nullifies all the nutritional properties of this otherwise virtuous vegetable while making us susceptible to acne and greasy skin conditions. Baked potatoes, on the other hand, have plenty of vitamins and minerals. They contain very high levels of Vitamin C along with abundant folic acid, kukoamines and quercetin, all of which are excellent for the skin. Read on to know more about using potatoes for skin care

Skin Care Benefits of Potato 

Potato is a rich source of essential nutrients like potassium, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, and Folate.

• Thiamine HCI of potato is an antioxidant and is known for its  anti-aging quality.
• Riboflavin clears skin complexion and improves skin texture. It is good for curing skin rash.
• Vitamin C promotes healthy skin, new cell germination, and natural skin rejuvenation
• Vitamin B6 cures skin rash, skin irritation, and allergic tenderness.
• Iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc promote healthy flawless skin, clear skin blemishes, and prevent formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Folate serves as sunscreen and prevents sunburn.

How to Consume Potatoes

• Regular consumption of potatoes helps in providing the body with adequate dietary fiber and Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is also essential for numerous neurological and nervous system related functions within the body. It also helps in keeping skin healthy and supple. 
• Potatoes also supply the body with copious amounts of copper, manganese, potassium and tryptophan. All of which are essential for maintaining skin health.
• Potatoes are also very easy to digest and have a cooling effect on our body. This especially helps when one is suffering from problems like acne or psoriasis.
• Consuming both the skin and flesh of potatoes is advisable as the skin is also very rich in dietary fiber and several other minerals and vitamins. However, it would be best to avoid eating the flesh if the potato has not been organically produced. Commercially grown potatoes contain high amounts of pesticide resudues in their skin and can wreak havoc on our body and skin health.

How to Apply Potato to the Skin

Potato Face Mask

Potatoes are just as excellent for external application as they are for internal consumption.

• Take 1 medium size potato and grate it after removing the skin.
• Mix with 1 tablespoon honey and 1/4 lemon juice.
• Apply the mask liberally all over face and neck.
• Keep for 25-30 minutes and then wash off first with lukewarm water and then with ice cold water.

This mask will help in deep purification of skin while also moisturizing and nourishing it from within. Do this every night for deriving optimum benefits.

Potato Toner

Potato juice acts as an excellent skin toner. It shrinks the pores and helps in getting rid of excess oil.

• For making your own toner, extract the juice from a small quarter potato by grating it.
• You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the juice and then apply it evenly with the help of a cotton ball all over face and neck.
• Do this twice a day for best results. However, fresh juice needs to be extracted for every use.

Using potato in all the ways advised above will help enormously in making your skin glowing and beautiful. Time to go potato shopping!!

Image Courtesy: wikicommons.com