When I don't get a good night's sleep, I use potato slices to combat dark circles that tend to appear due to poor sleep quality. I had heard of using potato juice in a skincare routine, but had never tried it. My mom told me to mix it with curd and use it as a face pack for my dry skin. To avoid itching and cracking of skin, I always use a moisturizer. After my mother's suggestion, I made a potato and curd face pack at home. Using it turned out to be great for my dry skin. Let us find out what an expert has to say about using potato and curd face pack for dry skin.

Are potato and curd good for dry skin?

Potato and curd are common kitchen ingredients that are beneficial for dry skin.

1. It may provide deep hydration

A 100 grams of potatoes has 79.2 grams of water, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The water content in potatoes and the moisturising properties of curd help to deeply hydrate and moisturise dry skin, making it soft and supple, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal.

Potatoes should be part of dry skin skincare routine. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. May offer gentle exfoliation

Lactic acid can help in hydrating the skin, according to a research published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2019. It can also gently exfoliate dead skin cells. On the other hand, the starch in potatoes may help in removing impurities, and promoting a smoother skin texture.

3. May lead to radiant skin

The skin brightening effect of potato and the soothing effect of curd work together to reduce dullness and calm any irritation or redness. This helps in getting a more even and radiant complexion, says the expert.

4. Provides nourishment to skin

Potatoes and curd provide essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that nourish the skin, helping to repair and maintain skin health. For instance, a 100 grams of potatoes has 19.7 mg of vitamin C, as per the USDA. So, it may help protect our skin against sun damage.

How to prepare potato and curd face pack?

Follow this simple recipe for potato and curd face pack.

Ingredients

• 1 small potato
• 2 tablespoons of curd

Method

• Peel the potato, grate it and extract its juice.
• Combine the potato juice with curd and mix well.
• Apply the mixture to your face after cleaning and drying it.
• Let the homemade face pack sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water then gently dry your face with a clean towel.

Use this face pack 1 or 2 times a week to help keep your dry skin hydrated, and nourished, says Dr Mittal.

Do a patch test before using potato and curd face pack for dry skin. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

You can also adding other natural ingredients to a potato and curd face pack to enhance its benefits for dry skin.

• Honey has antioxidants that may help repair and protect skin.
• Aloe vera is hydrating and may help to soothe dry skin and also reduce irritation, redness and inflammation.
• Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, providing excellent moisturisation for dry skin.
• Ground oatmeal can act as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells without irritating the skin.

Who should avoid using potato and curd face pack?

Potato and curd face pack can be beneficial for many people, but certain individuals should avoid using these it.

• Individuals with eczema or rosacea should be cautious, as some ingredients, like curd, might irritate these conditions despite their generally soothing properties.
• If an individual has a history of contact dermatitis with any of the ingredients, they should avoid using them.
• People with open wounds should not apply any face pack on them, as they can cause irritation and potentially introduce infections.

What are the side effects of using potato and curd face pack?

Together, potato and curd can offer many benefits to the skin, But there are a few likely side effects too.

• Combining potato and curd can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity, particularly if the skin is already prone to irritation.
• Using fresh, clean ingredients is crucial. Contaminated or expired curd can introduce bacteria to the skin, leading to infections or breakouts, says the expert.

Potato and curd face pack can be a great way to hydrate dry skin. But perform a patch test before using this homemade face pack.

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