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onion for skin whitening
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13243
46 days ago
98

onion for skin whitening - #13243

Shanaya

I am really confused about this whole onion for skin whitening thing. Like, I’ve been hearing a lot about how onion can help with skin, especially whitening, and I just don’t know if it’s true or not. Last summer, I got some dark spots from too much sun exposure, and they’ve been bothering me. A friend told me she mixes onion juice with some other stuff and applies it on her face – she claims it works wonders!! I’ve tried some creams, but they didn’t do much, and plus, I hate the idea of chemicals on my skin. I’m really curious how onion for skin whitening even works. Isn’t it like strong? I tried cutting an onion to cook and my eyes started burning. How could that possibly be good for your face? Are there any side effects? I mean, do you have to be super careful, or is it just all-natural and no big deal? Also, any recommendations on how to actually use onion for skin whitening – like should I just juice it or what? I feel kinda silly asking, but I'm desperate at this point. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

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Doctors’ responses

The idea of using onion for skin whitening comes from its antioxidant properties and the presence of vitamins such as Vitamin C, which can help with skin health. However, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of onion for skin whitening compared to other tried-and-tested treatments. Onions contain sulfur compounds that, while potentially beneficial in small amounts, can cause irritation particularly on sensitive skin. So yes, using onion directly on your face, especially in undiluted forms, can be quite harsh and may lead to skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or any open wounds. Its strong nature, which you noticed while cutting it, can cause burning sensations and even provoke allergic reactions. If you’re thinking of a DIY approach, you’d want to be careful. For a more natural method, you might mix a small amount of onion juice with soothing agents like honey or yogurt to mitigate the potential irritation. Patch testing a small area first is crucial before applying it to larger areas to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Still, it’s important to mention that effective and safe skincare often comes with dermatologist-recommended products like those containing Vitamin C, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy acids. These treatments have a stronger backing of clinical evidence and can be effective if used correctly, usually lessening the need for potentially irritating home remedies like onion juice. If persistent dark spots are an issue, consult a dermatologist who could offer tailored advice or treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy, keeping your skin type and sensitivity in mind. While it may be tempting to avoid “chemicals,” remember that properly formulated skincare products are designed with safety and efficacy as a priority, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.

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