3 weeks ago
Multani Mitti: Dermatologists Separate Skincare Myths From Facts
Multani mitti is a special kind of clay that many people in India use on their faces to control oily skin.
It comes from the earth and is often mixed with water to make a face mask.
Many people think it can fix acne, dark spots, and wrinkles, but doctors say that is not true.
The clay is good at soaking up extra oil, so it can make oily skin look less shiny for a little while.
However, it does not make acne go away or make skin look younger.
If people use it too often or leave it on too long, it can remove important natural oils from the skin.
That can make skin dry, red, and sore, and it can even cause problems for people with conditions like eczema.
Doctors say it is best for younger people with oily skin and should only be used once in a while.
After using it, people should put on a moisturiser to keep their skin healthy.
Multani mitti, or Fuller's earth, is a traditional Indian clay used for oily skin, acne and dull complexion.
Experts say it works best for younger people with oily skin and is not recommended for mature or dry skin.
Dermatologists say it does not treat acne, lighten pigmentation or reverse ageing despite popular claims.
Overuse can strip natural oils, damage the skin barrier and worsen conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
Experts recommend occasional use, such as once every two weeks for oily skin, followed by a moisturiser.
- Who
- Cosmetologist Abhijit Chanda and dermatologists Shreya Poddar and Dyuti Das of AM Medical Centre
- What
- An expert assessment of Multani mitti (Fuller's earth), which provides temporary oil control but cannot treat acne, pigmentation or ageing, and can damage skin if overused
- Where
- India, where Multani mitti is a traditional skincare staple (report published by My Kolkata)
- When
- Not specified in the articles
- Why
- To separate popular myths from expert facts about whether Multani mitti can damage skin and how it should be used
Popular Belief
Dermatologists' View
Skin benefits
Popular Belief
Multani mitti is touted as a miraculous natural fix for oily skin, acne and dull complexion.
Dermatologists' View
It only temporarily absorbs excess oil; it does not treat acne, lighten pigmentation or reverse ageing.
Who should use it
Popular Belief
It is a staple for many skin types, used in bridal beauty rituals and DIY face packs.
Dermatologists' View
It is only appropriate for younger people with oily skin and should be avoided by those with mature, dry or sensitive skin.
Frequency of use
Popular Belief
It is often treated as a regular weekly home remedy.
Dermatologists' View
It should be used only occasionally, about once every two weeks, and followed by a moisturiser.
Key facts
- Product
- Multani mitti (Fuller's earth), a natural clay
- Best suited for
- Younger people with oily or acne-prone skin
- Not recommended for
- Mature or dry skin
- Recommended frequency
- About once every two weeks for oily skin, followed by a moisturiser
- Claimed effects
- Temporary oil absorption and fresh appearance only
- Risks of overuse
- Dryness, irritation, increased sensitivity, worsened eczema or rosacea, damaged skin barrier
- Application tip
- Remove before the clay becomes completely dry, then apply a moisturiser
Quotes
Abhijit Chanda
Cosmetologist
“"The frequent use of multani mitti or leaving it on for too long can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier. This may lead to dryness, irritation, increased sensitivity and even worsen conditions such as eczema or rosacea. People with dry or sensitive skin should be particularly cautious."”
telegraphindia.com
“"It is a natural clay with oil‑absorbing properties, so people with very oily or acne‑prone skin may notice less shine and a cleaner feel after using it. However, it does not treat acne, lighten pigmentation or reverse ageing, despite many popular claims."”
telegraphindia.com
