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| - Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a DIY brightening facial remove skin imperfections. The post claims that a skin-brightening facial at home can remove dark circles, acne scars and suntan. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook reel with the caption, “Skin brightening facial at home” shares the video of a woman where she displays a multistep facial. Here, for the first step, she cuts aloe vera and adds rice powder and honey to it. In the second step, she uses raw milk and turmeric with aloe vera for face massage.
Fact Check
What are dark circles?
Dark circles under the eyes (DC) are dark, discoloured areas of skin that appear underneath the lower eyelids. They are typically round or semi-circular in shape and can range in colour. Various factors such as genetics, age, lack of sleep, stress, allergies, and certain medical conditions cause dark circles. The skin in the infraorbital region is thin and delicate, which can make these dark circles more noticeable.
What are acne scars?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that acne breakouts that penetrate the skin deeply can cause damage to both the skin and the underlying tissue. As the acne resolves, the body initiates the healing process, which involves the production of collagen, a supportive substance for the skin. The formation of acne scars depends on the balance of collagen production. Insufficient or excessive collagen production can result in either depressed or raised acne scars.
What is suntan?
A suntan is a temporary darkening of the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources, such as tanning beds. The darkening is caused by an increase in the production of melanin, a pigment that helps to protect the skin from UV radiation.
The amount of melanin in the skin varies from person to person, which is why some people tan more easily than others. People with darker skin tones tend to have more melanin, so they are less likely to burn and more likely to tan.
Can you remove dark circles, acne scars and suntan at home?
Not exactly. It is not possible to permanently eliminate dark circles, acne scars and suntan at home. Home remedies using the mentioned ingredients, such as, aloe vera, rice powder, honey, raw milk, and turmeric may help improve the appearance of dark circles, acne scars, and suntan to some extent, but cannot remove it completely. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary from person to person, and results may not be as significant as professional treatments.
Dr Parwaaz Matharoo, MBBS, MD (Dermatology) comments, “ In the Cleopatra era the famous milk bath ritual became the way to brighter glowy skin. There are a few recommendations that can help you to reduce unwelcome pigmentation. Advisory before using any kind of ubtan is to always prepare yourself for unfriendly outcomes.
Milk and curd do their magic in reducing suntan because of its star ingredient i.e. lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid ( AHA ) causes exfoliation, reduces pigmentation and improves skin texture. As they say when there’s a but take caution while pursuing it. Milk and curd can exacerbate acne in predisposed individuals. Additionally, tomato contains various acids like oxalic acid, citric acid, malic acid and ascorbic acid which have benefits like decreasing dark circles and suntan. But, dark circles have a multifactorial etiology. Good sleep hygiene, a healthy diet, antioxidants, breaking free of a sedentary lifestyle, de-stress and correction of nutritional/hormonal deficiencies can all help in the prevention and reduction of dark circles. For promising results, Dermatologist’s assistance is recommended.
Acne scars can be prevented by avoiding picking/squeezing/scratching the acne. Once formed their reduction can be assisted by your nearest dermatologist at the clinic with various available procedures. Lastly, not many ingredients are helpful when it comes to scarring. It’s always best to consult your doctor.”
Additionally, here’s a breakdown of how each ingredient may potentially contribute:
- Aloe vera: It has soothing and hydrating properties that may help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. It can be applied topically to the affected areas to moisturize and potentially soothe the skin.
However, Dr. Jyoti Kannangath comments on the use of Aloe vera by stating, “Aloesin, a compound extracted from Aloe vera, has demonstrated the ability to competitively inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for skin pigmentation. However, there have been several published case reports documenting hypersensitivity reactions and contact dermatitis caused by aloe vera preparations.”
- Rice powder: It is known for its exfoliating properties due to which it can be used as a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Regular exfoliation may help fade the hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.
- Honey: It is a natural moisturizer with antimicrobial properties. It may help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and potentially may also contribute to overall skin health due to the presence of antioxidants.
Dr. Kannangath comments, “ Honey is a natural ingredient that has many healing properties, but that does not mean it is totally safe. Honey can cause problems if you are allergic to pollen or celery(honey) or if you have sensitive and dry skin.”
- Raw milk: It contains lactic acid, which is a mild exfoliant. It can help remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter complexion. Additionally, the proteins and fats in raw milk may provide nourishment to the skin.
However, it can lead to an allergic reaction or symptoms, such as hives, itching, inflammation, and redness on the skin.
- Turmeric: It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation caused by acne and contribute to an even skin tone. However, it can stain the skin yellow temporarily, so caution is advised.
Also, in rare cases, its application can lead to contact dermatitis, causing symptoms such as burning, itching, stinging, or soreness. flushed skin and inflammation.
While these ingredients have potential benefits, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and a single treatment regime cannot fit everyone, leading to variation in results.
Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist suggests, “Home remedies should be used with caution as many of the ingredients in these home face masks can cause various allergies and contact dermatitis. So as a dermatologist, I do not recommend such treatments. Sometimes these allergies can be severe, and later on, healing can leave resistant pigmentation on your face.”
Dr Kannangath summarizes by stating, “At-home remedies can be helpful in improving the appearance of dark circles, acne scars, and sun tan to some extent, but it’s important to manage expectations. These remedies may not completely eliminate these issues, but they can contribute to gradual improvement over time. If you have severe concerns or are not seeing improvement with home remedies, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for professional advice and treatments. Additionally, while trying these remedies, it’s essential to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions before applying them to larger areas of your face or body.”
It’s advisable to perform a patch test before applying any new ingredient to ensure there are no adverse reactions. If you have severe or persistent skin concerns, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for professional advice and appropriate treatment options.
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