If the TikTok social network is now well known for its trends, each more absurd (and sometimes dangerous) than the other, some can sometimes be useful and effective. The latest? Some users apply pickle juice or stick pickle slices directly on their skin. According to them, this gesture could be effective in treating acne, toning the skin, eliminating dead skin, to the point of replacing their make-up remover with this substance.
But what do dermatologists really think? According to Christine Ko, a professor at Yale University, the chemicals in pickled contents, including pickles and their juice, may indeed have a cleansing effect on the skin.
Like some over-the-counter products, pickles do contain different forms of acids, includingLactic acid. “I would use anything with acid in it, be it lactic acid, beta hydroxy acid or alpha hydroxy acid“, said the dermatologist to the DailyMail. Acids can be particularly effective in case of acne.
But be careful, using too much acid can eventually damage the skin and cause redness, flaking or even patches of eczema. In some extreme cases, the acid can even burn the skin.
Low risk of burns
But why choose the pickle? Bought in supermarkets, pickles generally contain 5% acidity, and very slightly more once they start to ferment at home. Nevertheless, pickles would be less irritating than some traditional products and the dermatologist also affirms that pickle juice presents a very low risk of burns or skin lesions. “I don’t think it’s really dangerous. It shouldn’t be too risky in terms of actually burning the skin.“, she confides.
However, she also doesn’t recommend tossing out all her beauty products for good and replacing them with jars of pickles. “Pickles and pickle juice just aren’t really tested on the skin, while most products are. There are even fragrance-free and even preservative-free products that are formulated to be as clean as possible.“, she explains.
What health benefits?
If the dermatologist does not recommend slathering the face with pickle juice, their consumption nevertheless has many health benefits. As part of fermented foods, like yogurts, they reduce inflammation.
They also contain antioxidants that help in particular to fight against diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. They also contain a lot of lactobacilli, a probiotic that helps strengthen the skin barrier.
Finally, pickle juice contains sodium, which allows the proper regulation of electrolytes, which are particularly important for maintaining good hydration.
