Does This TikTok Potato Skincare Hack For Acne Actually Work?

Do you never know which skincare hack works — remember the whole skin icing trend (via Refinery29)? Yes, we know skin icing is 100% legit, but the point is: You have to be careful when you consult social media for skincare. That is, until now.

According to Byrdie, the latest skincare hack is using potatoes to treat acne. Now, we know it sounds a bit odd, but we promise that it works. As the website relates, potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which will help dark spots. Additionally, the starches in this vegetable help soothe inflammation and absorb oil.

Are you ready to incorporate potatoes into your skincare routine? Here's what you should do.

First, wash the potato, says Byrdie. Just as you wash your face with rags and exfoliator brushes, you need to wash your potatoes. After washing the vegetable, go ahead and "peel the skin off entirely," dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling said. "Cut the potato in half-inch-thick round slices. Prep the skin by cleansing it as you usually would, and patch test the potato on the inside of your forearm. Take a slice of potato and start massaging it into the skin, rubbing it in circular motions all over the face. Leave for 10 minutes. If you feel stinging or itching, wash it off right away."

Though this isn't the perfect solution — after all, this is a DIY hack — this potato skincare technique will work for the occasional pimple or two.

Although using the potato for the occasional acne patch works wonders, this shouldn't be your be-all solution, Ipsy said. Dr. Mamina Turegano told the outlet, "There aren't any studies that have looked at potatoes and acne, so we don't really know if this is truly an effective treatment for clearing up pimples."

That's not to say that there aren't any benefits to using potatoes. Ipsy added that potatoes promote healthy skin because they contain nutrients and antioxidants such as catechins, lutein, and potassium.

Furthermore, while they may not correct all your acne scars, eating potatoes can stabilize your physical health, including blood sugar levels. "Potatoes contain various types of fiber, which can help feed the friendly bacteria in the gut and stabilize blood sugar levels (make sure to eat the skin). Both a healthy microbiome and stabilized blood sugar can help with acne," Dr. Turegano said.

If you take appropriate cautions, there's no fault in using potatoes in your skincare routine. As Byrdie added, using potatoes as a last result might clear your pimple. But for a long-term solution? You're better off trying a drugstore cleanser.