Potatoes are the surprising new secret to glowing skin: scientists
Move over, you expensive serums, your next glow could come straight from a potato.
Scientists at the University of Aberdeen are turning discarded potato stalks and leaves, known as chao, into high-value skincare and cosmetic ingredients.
Typically discarded after harvest, these humble remains are now being exploited to obtain solanesol, a key compound used in Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin K2 – an essential ingredient in moisturizers and other hydrating anti-aging products.
the project It could even cut tobacco as a major source of solanesol, reduce agricultural waste and create new income for Scottish farmers, according to reports.
With more than 12,800 hectares of seed potatoes grown in Scotland, experts say the industry could produce enough solanesol to fuel a cosmetics revolution.
“This project is of particular importance to Grampian growers and the wider potato industry,” said Sophia Alexiou, project lead at Grampian Growers.
Heather Wilson, Head of Immunology at the University of Aberdeen, explained the science behind the potato magic: “Exploring the quality and yield of solanesol extracted from locally sourced roast potatoes – and evaluating its potential applications across the cosmetic and related industries represents an exciting and impactful area of research.”
She added that the work highlights how science can turn agricultural waste into gold while supporting rural communities.
Beyond skincare, the initiative could foster circular economy innovation, reduce environmental impact and give Scottish farmers a new revenue stream.
But do potatoes do anything for your skin? When applied topically?
On BeautyTok, TikTokks have been swearing by rubbing the mist on their faces – claiming it fades acne scars, eliminates dark circles, gives an instant glow and boosts the plump factor.
This week, user @monamakeupdoll shared a Tik Tok video She is shown placing potato slices under her eyes, insisting they work “like concealer” to reduce dark circles.
Likewise, @mellysandford18 She photographed herself Place potato slices under your peepers and use them as you would regular “pimple patches.”
“You can rub potatoes on your skin,” she explained. “You can chop it up and apply it to specific areas of the skin. I especially like it for dark circles and bags under the eyes and to reduce scars and lighten dark spots.”
Fellow BeautyTokker @shamiebirungi19 did the same on Another clipas she delicately rubs potato slices across her face as if they were trendy Mediheal facial pads.
While she asked her followers: “Did you know that raw potatoes might be a skincare hack you didn’t know you needed?” She also claimed that doing so may “dry up active breakouts.”
“Rub a fresh slice on clean skin, let the juice sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water,” she said. Then she showed her radiant results after removing the strips.
Need more convincing? Previously researchers Found that potato peel extract It can help human skin cells produce more collagen by activating key signaling pathways — suggesting that your potatoes may be better for wrinkles than you think (Suto, Masutomi, Ishihara & Masaki, Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2019).
While slathering potatoes on your face — whether in the form of strips, masks or trendy serums — may become the next big thing in beauty, there’s still a lot to be said for the skin benefits of just eating them.
As Serena Boone, certified nutritionist and celebrity health advisor, says, He previously told The Post, Carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene, which are “found in sweet potatoes,” can “enhance color and glow while providing natural sun protection.”
Overall, a wrinkle fighter or dark circle zapper could probably come straight from a potato bin — talk about a farm-to-face glow.
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