Potato peels help get rid of acne scars? Viral claim is hoax

Hyderabad: A video suggesting a home remedy to remove acne scars has gone viral on social media. It suggests that applying potato peel every night can help get rid of acne scars.

The caption to the Facebook video reads, "I Rub Potato Peel Every Night & Results Are Amazing, All the Dark Spots & Acne Marks Disappeared. Dip potato slices in this mixture and see what happens the next day will leave you amazing, these peels help to remove your dark spots, age spots, acne marks, pimple marks and hyper pigmentation. This is a natural way to treat your skin (sic)."

We found another Facebook post claiming the same.

We also found the source of the Facebook post with a number of similar home remedies to remove acne scars naturally.

Home remedies are passed through generations. We all encounter some or the other home remedy practiced in our homes. Some of them are effective but some are myths. The benefit of potatoes on the skin is still unproven.

However, using raw potato on your skin may cause allergic reactions as potato contains patatin. You may suffer from redness and itching, hives, itchy or runny nose, have difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and rarely, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition).

When acne breakouts penetrate the skin deeply, they damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. As the acne clears, the body tries to repair this damage. During the healing process, the body produces collagen—a substance that gives the skin support. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, you will see a scar.

Fact Check

NewsMeter performed a keyword search in order to find studies and research on the home remedy that led us to an article by Healthline. According to Healthline, "Some people have made such assertions online, claiming that raw potatoes or potato juice can help treat a variety of skin conditions, from hyperpigmentation to acne. Still, such claims haven't been proven in any clinical setting. After an acne breakout, you may be left with mild to significant scarring, which may darken over time. While some people claim potato masks can help lighten acne scars, there's no scientific evidence backing such benefits."

We found research that shows the anti-inflammatory effects of potato peel on acne. But there is no evidence to support the anti-marks benefits of potatoes on the skin.

Another research warns of allergic complications one may suffer.

There are a number of skin types that need different skin care regimens. It all depends on the type and intensity of the scar. It is always advised to go for medically-supervised clinical treatments rather than fall prey to home remedies.

It is evident that potato peels do not remove acne scars. Hence, the claim is false.