Fact Check: Does Rubbing a Potato Slice Daily Remove Dark Circles and Spots?

An Instagram post claims that rubbing a potato slice daily helps remove dark circles, dark spots, pigmentation and acne marks. The claim is Misleading

Claim

The Instagram user knowledges4you posted a claim that states, "Just rubbing one potato slice daily on the face helps to get rid of dark circles, dark spots, pigmentation, blemishes, and acne marks."

The post has 7,802 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is Misleading. Potatoes may help lighten dark spots and pigmentation, but they cannot completely remove them. Since they may also cause allergic reactions, therefore for safe and effective skincare, it's best to use clinically proven treatments recommended by skin experts.

What are dark circles, dark spots, pigmentation and acne marks?

Dark circles, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation in medical terms, are a common skin concern that appear as brown or dark brown patches around the eyes. They usually form in a round or semicircular shape and can affect both eyes. While not a medical issue, dark circles can impact a person’s confidence and overall well-being. Several factors can contribute to dark circles, including genetics, excess pigmentation, and skin inflammation caused by conditions like allergies and dermatitis. Other causes include fluid buildup around the eyes and ageing-related skin changes like sagging and tear trough formation. Environmental factors such as lack of sleep, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking have also been linked, though not scientifically proven.

Skin pigmentation varies widely due to factors like genetics, sun exposure, and certain medications. Many skin conditions affecting pigmentation can impact a person’s appearance, mental well-being, and social life. There are two main types of pigmentation issues: hyperpigmentation, where excess pigment causes dark spots, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced, leading to lighter patches. Common pigmentation disorders include albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison’s disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can result from eczema, acne, or drug interactions.

Dark spots on the skin are often caused by hyperpigmentation, a condition where excess melanin leads to darker patches. This can result from hormonal changes, inflammation, skin conditions like acne and eczema, or external factors such as injuries, certain medications, and sun exposure. The exact process involves increased melanin production and its transfer to skin cells, forming dark patches. Two common types are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which appears after skin injury or inflammation, and solar lentigines (age spots), which develop due to prolonged sun exposure, especially on the face and hands.

Dark spots on the skin are often caused by hyperpigmentation, a condition where excess melanin leads to darker patches. This can result from hormonal changes, inflammation, skin conditions like acne and eczema, or external factors such as injuries, certain medications, and sun exposure. As dark spots are a result of pigmentation changes, their occurrence is closely linked to variations in skin pigmentation influenced by genetics, sun exposure, and certain medications. Skin pigmentation varies widely, and many conditions affecting it can impact a person’s appearance, mental well-being, and social life. There are two main types of pigmentation issues: hyperpigmentation, where excess pigment causes dark spots, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced, leading to lighter patches.

The exact process of dark spot formation involves increased melanin production and its transfer to skin cells, resulting in uneven pigmentation. Two common types of dark spots include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs after skin injury or inflammation, and solar lentigines (age spots), which develop due to prolonged sun exposure, particularly on the face and hands.

Acne is a common skin condition, mostly affecting teenagers, caused by hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental factors. It appears on the face, chest, and back as pimples, pustules, nodules, or cysts, sometimes leading to scars. Acne can impact both physical appearance and mental well-being, causing anxiety or social withdrawal. It develops due to factors like excess oil production, clogged pores, bacterial growth, inflammation, and diet. The main causative microorganism is Propionibacterium acnes, which contributes to inflammation and breakouts.

Health benefits of potato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a globally consumed staple crop known for its rich nutritional value. It contains antioxidants, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B9), and essential minerals like potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids helps reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Anthocyanins in red and purple potatoes provide additional health benefits. Potatoes also exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. They are widely used in fresh, frozen, and processed forms, making them a significant part of the global diet.

Does rubbing a potato slice daily help remove dark circles, dark spots, pigmentation and acne marks?

Potato offers several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help lower the risk of heart disease and hypertension. While some studies suggest that raw potatoes may help reduce dark spots, pigmentation, and dark circles, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that rubbing a potato slice on the face daily helps to get rid of dark circles, dark spots, and pigmentation.

A review in the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology highlights that potatoes contain natural enzymes and compounds with mild bleaching effects, which may help reduce dark spots and pigmentation. Potato slices or potato-based treatments are commonly used for under-eye dark circles. Their cooling properties, along with their natural skin-lightening effects, can temporarily minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. But no definitive scientific evidence proves that potatoes can completely remove dark spots, pigmentation and dark circles. 

Another research article in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies states that the potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride present in raw potatoes are beneficial for treating acne blemishes.

It is important to note that Applying raw potato may have harmful effects on the skin, one study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that potatoes can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, especially children with sensitivities. The protein patatin, found in potatoes, has been identified as an IgE-binding protein, meaning it can cause an immune response in those allergic to potatoes. This reaction is more common in individuals who test positive for a skin prick test to raw potatoes.

Likewise, one more study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that a protein in potatoes called patatin may cause allergies in people who are also allergic to latex.

Studies suggest that potatoes may help reduce dark spots, pigmentation, and dark circles, but they cannot completely remove them. Additionally, some research highlights the potential for allergic reactions on the skin due to patatin, a protein in potatoes, which contradicts the practice of applying raw potato slices directly to the skin for treatment. Moreover, there is no medical consensus supporting the use of potato slices for treating dark circles, dark spots, pigmentation, or acne marks within the medical community.

Dr. Sonal Jain, Dermatologist, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Barasat told Medical Dialogues, "Not exactly. There is a lack of solid and credible scientific evidence in proving that rubbing potatoes eliminates under eye spots. Potato does contain Vitamin C which to an extent leads to skin brightening but again there is lacking scientific evidence about that also. Infact, it can cause allergic rash on people with sensitive skin further increasing the spots and other problems"

Dr. Nehal Shah, Consultant Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Haji Ali, Mumbai added "Many people turn to home remedies for skin concerns like dark circles, pigmentation, and dark spots, often influenced by social media trends or family advice. A common belief is that rubbing a potato slice daily can help fade dark spots and dark circles. While potatoes contain vitamin C and enzymes that may offer mild brightening effects, they are not a scientifically proven solution. Doctors emphasize that achieving effective results requires proper skincare, including sun protection, clinically backed ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids, and professional treatments rather than relying solely on home remedies."

Health Dialogues Final Take

While potatoes contain certain nutrients and compounds that may offer skin benefits, they are not a proven solution for completely removing dark circles, dark spots, or pigmentation. Additionally, applying raw potatoes to the skin carries a risk of allergic reactions. Without medical consensus supporting their effectiveness, relying on dermatologist-approved treatments and a proper skincare routine remains the safest and most effective approach for addressing these concerns.

Hence the claim is Misleading.