Walnut stains are formed as a result of jugglon – chemical compound from the Naphtochinone group, which naturally occurs in green shells. When the shell is damaged, the juglon releases and in contact with atmospheric oxygen undergoes a rapid oxidation process. It is this reaction that gives it a dark brown, almost black color. Importantly, Juglon has the ability to permanently bind keratin – protein building surface layers of skin and nails. Therefore, washing your hands with soap and water is not enough, and discoloration persists for several days until the epidermis is naturally exfoliated.
This phenomenon is not just a kitchen curiosity. Juglon has been used as a natural dye for centuries – both in the craft, for dyeing wood and fabrics, as in cosmetics, for darkening of hair. Modern studies confirm that its operation is not limited to coloring properties. Scientific publications, including Mersin University from 2022, indicate antibacterial and antifungal activity of Italian walnut shell extracts, which explains their traditional use in folk medicine.
Fresh walnuts are the real taste of autumn – crunchy, full of aroma and healthy fats. Unfortunately, peeling their shells has its dark side: Hands quickly cover with brown spots that look like ink and do not want to go down even after intensive washing. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up this autumn pleasure – just reach for a few simple tricks from the kitchen:
- lemon juice – His acid brightens discoloration, but also gently exfoliates the epidermis. Just rub your hands with freshly squeezed juice and wait a few minutes, then rinse with water. The flesh particles act like peeling, thanks to which the effect is double: chemical and mechanical;
- It works similarly vinegar: in a solution with water (preferably half -half) softens the skin and dissolves part of the dye. A short hand bath in such a solution makes the stains start to fade after a few minutes;
- When discoloration is stronger, it is worth reaching for baking soda mixed with a little dishwashing fluid. Then a thick paste is formed, which acts like a chemical and mechanical peeling – soda brightens, and the particles clash the top layer of the epidermis. This solution works even with older spots.
An alternative are Salt or coffee peelswhich mechanically exfoliate the skin and accelerate its regeneration. And if the problem mainly concerns nails, it can be helpful Toothpaste with soda – rubbed with a brush effectively removes dark tiles.
The effectiveness of these methods is confirmed by dermatological literature. Research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology They indicate that organic acids are safe and effective skin discoloration. However, it should be remembered that both acids and peels can irritate hands, especially with frequent use. Therefore, after each treatment, it is worth reaching for a protective cream or moisturizing balm, which will restore the skin balance and prevent dryness. Thanks to this, the hands will recover the natural color and remain smooth and tidy.
In practice, skin protection against juglon is the easiest way to avoid a later fight with persistent spots. The most obvious and effective solution are:
- Protective gloves: Disposable latex will work with a short peeling of several nuts, while with larger harvest, it is better to choose thicker, cotton or nitrile, which allow the skin to breathe and at the same time protect against dye penetration. It is a banal method, but that’s why so effective – the physical barrier cuts off the juglon from contact with the epidermis, so the problem of stains does not arise at all;
- creating a fat barrier: Brushing hands with oil, coconut oil or even ordinary fat cream makes Juglon difficult to access keratin in the skin. Fat acts as a protective coating, and additionally facilitates the later washing of the dye. This solution will be especially appreciated by people who peel nuts occasionally and want to avoid discomfort in gloves;
- reaction time: The shorter the juglon stays on the skin, the easier it is to remove it. Therefore, after each contact with nuts, it is worth washing your hands as soon as possible – preferably with warm water with the addition of soap or dishwashing liquid that dissolve fats and dye. Even if the stains manage to appear, quick action makes them brighter and easier to remove later.
The layer also works great ointments with lanolinawhich creates a hydrophobic barrier and hinders the penetration of the dye. Aloe vera gel Whether Natural waxesand even sprinkling your hands talk or potato flour They also limit Juglon’s direct contact with the skin.
Nut stains, although they look unsightly, do not pose a threat to health – this is only the effect of the natural dye that does not penetrate deeper than into the stratum corneum. They usually stay from two to seven days. In most people, they do not cause any reactions, but in people with sensitive complexion or prone to irritation they can cause slight redness or dryness.
