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| - Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that glycerine and cloves can tighten skin overnight. We did a thorough research and found this claim to be false.
The Claim
As per an Instagram post, applying glycerine infused with cloves and placing cloves on the face can tighten loose skin overnight, making you look years younger. It suggests this method boosts collagen production and nourishes the skin.
Fact Check
Can glycerine and cloves tighten skin instantly?
No, this is not the case. Glycerine is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin, which may temporarily make the skin appear plumper and more hydrated. A 2008 study found that glycerine helps moisturise the skin, improve its elasticity, and support the skin’s barrier. However, it does not tighten the skin overnight. While it can create the illusion of firmer skin, this effect is superficial and short-lived.
As for cloves, they contain the antioxidant eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is no evidence to suggest that cloves can tighten skin or stimulate collagen production overnight. In fact, a 2024 study on mice found that eugenol helps protect the skin from UV damage, improves skin healing, strengthens the skin barrier, and balances gut bacteria, which is linked to skin health. However, these benefits took 14 weeks to manifest, not overnight. It’s important to remember that these results were observed in mice, not humans. For lasting skin tightening, long-term solutions or professional treatments are necessary.
We spoke with Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, to get her expert opinion on the anti-ageing benefits of glycerine and cloves. She says, “While glycerine helps moisturise and hydrate the skin, it doesn’t have the ability to tighten it instantly. Glycerine draws moisture into the skin, which may temporarily make it look plumper and more hydrated, but this effect is superficial and short-lived. Cloves, known for their antioxidant properties, may support skin health when used appropriately, but there’s no evidence to suggest they can tighten the skin or provide instant results.”
We also reached out to Dr Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, for his perspective on the anti-ageing effects of glycerine and cloves on the skin. He states, “Glycerine is excellent for keeping the skin hydrated, and cloves offer some antioxidant benefits, but neither can tighten the skin instantly. The appearance of firmer skin may happen temporarily due to hydration, but real skin tightening requires more than just topical remedies. Professional treatments or long-term skincare routines that support collagen production are necessary for lasting results.”
On a similar note, we also came across claims suggesting that a homemade cream can cure all skin problems in just ten minutes. This is an exaggeration and not backed by science.
Does this method boost collagen production?
No, it does not. Collagen production is a complex process that cloves and glycerine can’t significantly boost. The body makes collagen using nutrients like vitamin C and amino acids. Some skincare treatments, like retinoids or peptides, can help with collagen, but cloves and glycerine don’t.
Also, the antioxidants in cloves don’t absorb well when soaked in glycerine for DIY use. Skincare products need to be properly formulated for these ingredients to work effectively.
Can any remedy work overnight to tighten loose skin?
Not really. Skin tightening and anti-ageing require consistent care over time. While some treatments, like hydrating masks or temporary fillers, can provide an immediate but short-lived plumping effect, no remedy can permanently tighten loose skin overnight. Effective results usually involve scientifically-proven skincare products or professional procedures that target collagen production and skin elasticity.
Are there risks associated with using cloves on the skin?
Possibly, there may be risks. Cloves contain eugenol, which can irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Applying whole cloves directly to the face, especially for prolonged periods, increases the risk of irritation or burns (like contact urticaria). On the contrary, glycerine can attract moisture from the air, and in very humid conditions, this can overwhelm the skin’s natural barrier, leading to potential irritation.
What actually works for skin tightening and anti-ageing?
Scientifically-supported methods for skin tightening include:
- Topical treatments: Retinoids, vitamin C serums, and peptides can improve elasticity and collagen production over time.
- Professional procedures: Laser treatments, radiofrequency, and microneedling stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness.
- Lifestyle changes: A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and daily sunscreen use protect against premature ageing. However, some false claims suggest that sunscreens are harmful and ineffective.
Quick fixes like the one in the claim are unlikely to provide lasting results.
THIP Media Take
The claim that glycerine and cloves can tighten skin overnight is false. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that these ingredients can tighten loose skin or make you look younger in such a short time. While both have some skin benefits, they cannot deliver the dramatic results promised in the post.
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