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| - Last Updated on April 11, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a beetroot, coffee and flour mix can guarantee glowing skin in 20 minutes. We fact checked this claim and found this to be mostly false.
The Claim
A viral Instagram video shows a home remedy using beetroot, coffee powder, wheat flour (atta), and gram flour (besan). It claims that this mix can remove tan, clear black and white spots, reduce pigmentation, brighten the skin, and give a glowing face in just 20 minutes. The person in the video says the results are “100% guaranteed.”
Fact Check
Can a home remedy remove tanning in just one use?
No, tanning cannot be removed instantly. Tanning occurs due to melanin build-up after sun exposure. It takes time for the skin to naturally shed these pigmented cells. While ingredients like besan and atta might offer mild exfoliation, they cannot reverse tanning in one go. The “brighter” look some users notice is likely due to temporary cleansing and exfoliation, not actual tan removal.
Does beetroot help lighten dark spots or white patches?
No, there is no strong evidence. Beetroot contains antioxidants and pigments like betalain, which may offer general skin health benefits. But there is no scientific proof that it can reduce dark spots or lighten white patches (like vitiligo). Claims that beetroot can target all kinds of skin discolouration are exaggerated and misleading.
We spoke to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her opinion on beetroot for spots or white patches. She says, “We often see natural ingredients like beetroot being hyped for all sorts of skin issues, but the reality is different. Beetroot may give your skin a slight pink tint or temporary glow because of its natural pigments, but that doesn’t mean it’s treating pigmentation or white patches. These conditions are much more complex and need targeted treatment.”
Can coffee powder fade pigmentation marks?
Not really. Coffee contains antioxidants and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. But there’s no solid scientific evidence that topical coffee alone can fade pigmentation. It may improve the skin’s texture or offer a mild scrubbing effect, but it won’t treat underlying pigment disorders.
Do atta and besan treat skin issues?
Maybe mildly, but not as a cure. Wheat flour (atta) and gram flour (besan) have long been used in traditional skincare for gentle cleansing and exfoliation. They may help remove excess oil and dead skin. However, they cannot treat deep skin problems like pigmentation or spots. Their effects are surface-level and temporary.
We asked Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his perspective on home remedies like atta and besan for skin issues. He says, “Atta and besan are often used in traditional skincare for their cleansing and mild exfoliating properties. They can help remove surface dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, which may give the skin a temporary brightness. However, they don’t penetrate deep enough to treat conditions like pigmentation, dark spots, or acne. These ingredients may offer short-term results, but they are not a substitute for medically proven treatments.”
Similarly, yet another viral post on social media makes exaggerated claims that a homemade cream can cure all skin problems in just 10 minutes—a promise that is equally unrealistic and unsupported by science.
Can this pack give guaranteed glow and shine in 20 minutes?
No, glowing skin in minutes is not guaranteed. The skin might appear fresh right after using such a pack due to exfoliation and increased blood flow from rubbing, which can create a temporary shine. However, this is not the same as a true, long-lasting glow that comes from healthy skin, consistent skincare, and proper nutrition. Achieving and maintaining skin health also depends on following a routine in the correct order—especially using sunscreen to protect against further damage. There is no scientific backing for the claim of “guaranteed” results from such a remedy.
In the same way, other popular claims—like eating raw green chillies to clear blemishes or brighten the skin—are also misleading and lack scientific evidence.
Are there risks of using such DIY remedies?
Yes, especially for sensitive skin. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Coffee and besan can be abrasive, especially when rubbed on dry or acne-prone skin. Beetroot can stain or cause irritation in rare cases. Also, using flour-based ingredients regularly may clog pores or cause dryness, especially in people with dry skin.
Despite these safety concerns, social media is filled with even more extreme claims—like a paste made from shampoo, lemon, toothpaste, and ENO that supposedly whitens skin permanently. Not only is this false, but such combinations can also be harmful and should be strictly avoided.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a beetroot, coffee and flour mix can guarantee glowing skin in 20 minutes is mostly false. While such DIY packs may offer temporary freshness or mild exfoliation, they cannot fix deeper skin concerns or offer guaranteed, lasting results. The effects are short-term and cosmetic at best. For lasting skin health, dermatologically proven treatments and consistent skincare are safer and more reliable options.
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