Multiple times, I have encountered queries from my patients about the DIY remedies for treating skin conditions. India has always been a hub of traditional and alternative medicine and hence this fetish is understandable. But the message that needs to trickle down is that there are very few genuine practitioners and very less authentic research available to support the claims. I daily come across many avoidable skin reactions due to use of these over hyped DIY remedies. In this article, I would like to bust the myths around a few of them

  • Turmeric and Sandalwood paste can make lighten skin tone and make you fair! 

  Absolutely false, rather regular application of this can increase your pigmentation in your skin.

  • Drinking ‘Safi’ would purify my blood and clear acne 

Acne is a condition that involves the pilosebaceous follicle and not the circulatory system. It requires a good regime which targets the oil gland which is located in the superficial layers of the skin.

  • Giving bath with ‘gram flour’ instead of regular soap will make the babies skin glow

Gram flour is abrasive in nature. Using it strips off the soft and sensitive skin of your baby and makes it more prone to eczema. A good pH balanced soap is desirable.

  • Giving bath with milk makes the skin fairer

Other than the absolute wastage of milk, you should understand that the complexion of the skin is decided by the content of melanin which to an extent determined by genetics. External application of anything does not help in making skin fairer.

  • Washing with mineral water will help in improving hair fall 

Hard water has no impact on the amount of hair fall, worse, it can only make the texture of the hair coarser. Hair fall requires thorough diagnosis and management.

  • Eating sour foods can cause white patches or leucoderma-

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease and is not determined by the food items in our diet. Rather Vitiligo patients should include wholesome food which is rich in antioxidants irrespective of the taste to prevent progression of the disease.

Please beware of  these popular DIY ideas as it may not necessarily benefit you and can definitely harm the skin. Please consult your Dermatologist for a good skin care regimen.