The onion is widely used in cooking as a vegetable or flavouring for various dishes. The use of onion is not limited only to the culinary field but also finds space in cosmetics. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, onion can be used successfully to combat skin impurities. Let’s see how.
Impure skin
The presence of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples characterizes impure skin. Impure skin is often oily skin and tends to be greasy, especially in the forehead, nose and chin area. Skin impurities are mainly due to excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands, which clog the skin pores, causing the formation of blackheads and pimples. Impure skin requires specific treatments that help regulate sebum production, absorb excess sebum and disinfect the skin.
Cosmetic uses of onion
Thanks to its antibiotic properties, onion is useful in fighting the bacteria that cause pimples and acne; constant use of onion helps cure skin infections and improve acne scars. Furthermore, onion softens the skin, enhancing its appearance and elasticity.
The best results are obtained by using the onion both internally and externally. For external use, it is possible to directly apply some slices of raw or cooked onion on the areas to be treated, or you can make compresses and lotions using fresh juice.
Fresh juice against skin impurities
To prepare fresh onion juice, you need the following:
- an onion
- a spoonful of lemon juice
Peel the onion and centrifuge it. Then, add the squeezed lemon juice. Transfer the juice to a clean bottle and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of five days. When using, apply to the areas to be treated with a cotton ball or sponge and rinse with warm water.
Onion decoction
To prepare the onion decoction, boil a sliced onion in 250 millilitres of water. Filter and apply gauze soaked in the still-warm decoction to the skin. Leave to act for about ten minutes, then rinse with warm water: the decoction helps make pimples mature, speed up healing and prevent the formation of scars.
Characteristics and properties of the onion
The onion (botanical name Allium cepa) is a perennial plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. This plant has cylindrical leaves, white or red flowers gathered in umbels and has a bulb. The onion is grown in different varieties, essentially divided according to the colour of the bulb, which can be white or red.
The bulb is used before flowering, normally at the end of spring, when the leaves begin to dry: in this way, the active ingredients contained in the bulb are preserved, represented by bactericidal substances, essential oils, vitamin C, mineral salts and sulphurous substances.
Onion is usually used in cooking and has various beneficial properties for the body :
- Raw or cooked, it has an action against coughs and constipation.
- Onion infusions and decoctions are helpful in combating water retention and urinary tract diseases.
- Onion extract is used against mouth and throat diseases, while hot poultices are used to cure abscesses.
Also Read: Foods To Keep Skin Young!