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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12829
52 days ago
84

onion for skin - #12829

Arjun

I am kinda freaking out because I just tried using onion for skin irritations. I read somewhere that onion for skin problems could help with acne scars and some redness, right? Well, I sliced up an onion and rubbed it on my face, thinking it would be like this miracle treatment or something. But immediately, I felt a stinging sensation and it's kinda red now. I mean, did I do it wrong? Is onion for skin really supposed to burn like this? I've heard people swearing by onion for skin issues, claiming it helped lighten scars and even out skin tone. But, I'm not sure if this is a good idea for me, or if I should wash it off. I also had this lingering smell, which is pretty strong, and I can't tell if I made my skin worse or if it just needs some time to adjust. Like, how often can you use onion for skin without causing irritation? Should I dilute it with something, or is raw onion the way to go? Anyone else had a similar experience with using onion for skin? Would love some tips before I end up with a salad face.

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Doctors’ responses

Using onion for skin issues like acne scars and redness is a concept based more on traditional remedies than on solid scientific backing. Onions contain compounds like sulfur which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that some suggest might benefit the skin. However, directly applying raw onion can be quite irritating, especially if your skin is sensitive or broken. That stinging sensation you felt and the redness are signs of irritation, which are fairly common reactions to raw onion juice. This suggests that your skin might not tolerate the onion well in its undiluted form. To safely use onion on your skin, you might want to tone it down a bit. Try diluting onion juice with water or a carrier oil like olive oil, and only test it on a small skin patch first to check for any adverse reactions. If you feel any burning or see increased redness, remove it immediately with water. Generally speaking, if you’re trying onion on your skin, don’t use it more than two to three times a week, and always watch how your skin reacts. Also, while there’s anecdotal evidence about its benefits, it’s not a clinically approved treatment, so the results can vary. If you’re dealing with acne scars or persistent skin issues, it might be better to look into creams or treatments proven to be effective or consult a dermatologist for professional advice. This way, you can pursue options that are specifically tailored to managing skin concerns more reliably and safely. If irritation persists, it would be wise to seek medical advice.

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