onion juice on face overnight - #14868
I am desperate for some insight here. I’ve heard so much about using onion juice on face overnight, and I kinda jumped into it without knowing all the details. I’m in my late 30s and started getting these dark spots and some uneven skin tone—majorly frustrating, right? A friend suggested trying onion juice on face overnight to help with brightening and maybe even fading those spots. The first time I tried it, I was super careful, diluted it a bit, and left it on for about six hours while I slept. Okay, it was kind of strong smelling but I thought, "Hey, beauty is pain," right? But when I washed it off in the morning, my skin felt kinda burned, honestly. Like, it looked red and irritated, not at all what I expected from onion juice on face overnight. Did I do something wrong? Is there a way to manage potential irritation? Has anyone else had positive results with this, and do I need to be worried about using onion juice on face overnight more regularly? Or should I back off completely? I really want to improve my skin but this feels like a rollercoaster!
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Doctors’ responses
Using onion juice on your face overnight can be pretty aggressive, especially for sensitive skin. Onion juice has sulfur compounds and acidity that, while useful for some dermatologic purposes, can cause irritation, burning sensations, and redness similar to what you experienced. Leaving it on for six hours, especially overnight with no rinse, can exacerbate these effects. It’s not unusual to want results fast, but in this case, it’s probably better to reduce the exposure time or even avoid it overnight risk potential irritation or even burns. You could try applying the juice for a much shorter duration, perhaps 10-15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. However, given your recent experience, it might be more prudent to explore alternative treatments for dark spots and uneven skin tone first. Products containing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or azelaic acid have been shown to be effective in brightening skin and addressing hyperpigmentation without the irritative potential of onion juice. Some have found success with topical retinoids or chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid, but these also need to be used cautiously and ideally discussed with a dermatologist. If you’re set on using natural remedies, aloe vera or honey can sometimes provide moisturizing and soothing properties without as much risk of irritation. It’s crucial not to ignore the warning signs your skin gives you. Continuous irritation can lead to longer-term damage, so if your skin remains red or feels scalded, it’s wise to discontinue the use immediately and prioritize letting your skin heal. Consider consulting with a skincare specialist to determine the best and safest approach for improving your skin’s appearance, especially if irritation persists or worsens.
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