onion is good for skin - #14585
I am really confused about this whole thing with onions and skin. Like, I've heard that onion is good for skin, but I just don’t know how to use it! A friend told me that she had this horrible breakout and started applying onion juice on her face, and it did wonders for her! I started getting these weird patches on my skin after a camping trip, and it’s driving me crazy. I read somewhere that onion is good for skin, especially with acne and scars. I even tried mixing some onion juice with honey, but it just smelled way too strong and made my eyes water!! Ugh! Also, there’s just so much info out there; some say you can use it raw, while others suggest cooking it. Which way is better? And like, how often should I apply it if onion is good for skin? My skin is sensitive too, so I’m really worried about getting a reaction. Does anyone know if it really helps with scarring or just acne? I need some real advice—I can't be the only one dealing with this! Any tips or experiences would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Yes, onions are often touted as beneficial for skin, primarily due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which come from compounds like quercetin and sulfur. These could potentially help with acne by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial growth. However, the idea of applying raw onion juice to your skin is quite unconventional, and can be harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin. Onion can cause irritation, redness, or even burning if your skin is reactive. If you’re considering using onion, doing a patch test on a small area of your skin first is crucial to see if you have any adverse reaction. This involves applying a tiny amount to your arm and waiting 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction. Combining onion juice with honey, as you mentioned, might help reduce some irritation due to honey’s soothing properties, but the strong smell and potential for irritation make it less popular as a topical treatment. Cooking onions might reduce the active compounds’ potency, so raw application would be more effective if considering antioxidant benefits. For scarring, evidence is still limited and mixed. Onion-based gels, like those with allium cepa (an onion extract), are available commercially for scars but have varying degrees of effectiveness based on individual skin types and scar types. As a general guideline, always use products formulated for skincare if you have sensitive skin, rather than raw substances, as they are tested for safety and efficacy. Addressing the strange patches post-camping could require a different approach, so seeking professional advice would be beneficial, especially if these are results from environmental exposure or a bite. Remember, if any application leads to increased irritation or discomfort, discontinue immediately and consider consulting with a dermatologist.
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