Acne is caused by clogged pores, which commonly occur when an overabundance of sebum and bacteria are present, according to "Foundations of Nursing." Potatoes are useful in treating acne, according to “Alternative Cures: More than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies." Treat your acne twice a day with a potato for four to seven days, according to “Prescription for Natural Cures," for optimal results. If your acne is severe or persists, visit a dermatologist for medical care. Home remedies are never a substitution for a doctor's care.
Wash, dry and peel a potato. Slice it into thin disks.
Massage part of your face gently with a slice of potato. Use a new potato slice for each part of your face to prevent spreading bacteria. According to "1001 Home Remedies & Natural Cures: From Your Kitchen and Garden," the potato will gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells.
Place a potato slice over each acne breakout, and allow the potato slice to rest there for five to 10 minutes. “Prescription for Natural Cures" says that the acid in the potato will work as a mild antibacterial agent, helping your body kill the bacteria causing the acne.
References
- “Alternative Cures: More than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies”; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- “Prescription for Natural Cures”; James Balch and Mark Stengler; 2004
- “1001 Home Remedies & Natural Cures: From Your Kitchen and Garden”; Esme Floyd; 2010
- “Foundations of Nursing”; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
Writer Bio
Leigh Wittman has been writing professionally since 2007. She writes primarily on health, career advice, outdoor pursuits and travel for various websites. Wittman is a licensed nurse and studied nursing at Arizona State University.