Adah Sharma credits ‘multani mitti baths' to have helped get rid of cystic acne: ‘If you religiously do it..'

Indian Express

4 hours ago

Adah Sharma recently opened up about her journey of tackling cystic acne. In conversation with The Brief India, the Hasee Toh Phasee star shared that she swore by multani mitti baths to get rid of stubborn cystic acne spread all across her body. Not just a face pack, she believes in bathing in it. 'You shouldn't just put it on the spot, put it everywhere, your face, hands and body' she said, adding that 'If you religiously do it, for a month, I have cleared such terrible cystic acne with it.'
According to Dr Falguni Shah, Delhi-based dermatologist & cosmetologist, multani mitti, also known as Fuller's earth, has long been celebrated in Indian skincare routines for its oil-absorbing and pore-cleansing properties.
'As a natural clay, it works effectively on oily, thicker, and younger skin types — where the sebaceous (oil) glands tend to be more active. For such skin, using multani mitti once or twice a week as a mask can help absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and even prevent blackheads,' she said, adding that it can also be gently used as a scrub when mixed with ingredients like amba haldi (wild turmeric) and honey. This not only enhances its exfoliating effect but also helps brighten the skin and remove surface impurities.
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, cosmetic dermatologist & founder, Eden Skin Clinic told indianexpress.com that multani mitti is highly absorbent in nature and draws our excess sebum from the skin. Hence, individuals with oily and acne prone skin can benefit from it.
'It's calming nature helps to soothe redness and skin inflammation. Multani mitti detoxifies the skin by unclogging the skin pores and removing dirt and impurities,' she said, adding that it is a mild exfoliant and removes dead skin cells. Regularly using it on skin can even help in tightening the skin pores.
'While multani mitti can help manage oiliness, it's not a magic solution for cystic acne — which is a deeper, more inflammatory condition. For cystic acne, over-the-counter clay masks may provide temporary relief by drying out surface oil, but they won't treat the root cause,' said Dr Shah. In fact, she said that using multani mitti on dry, dehydrated, or mature skin can do more harm than good — it can strip essential moisture, leading to increased sensitivity, pigmentation, or even premature aging.
For those with acne-prone skin, especially cystic acne, she suggested using multani mitti cautiously and always following it up with a non-comedogenic moisturiser. 'And for persistent, painful acne, it's best to consult a dermatologist for targeted treatment,' she said.
Dr Mahajan mentioned some key points to keep in mind:
1. Drying Effect: It can strip natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, or even rebound oiliness.
2. Not for Sensitive Skin: Can irritate or worsen rosacea, eczema, or sensitive skin types.
3. Avoid Daily Use: 1–2 times/week is enough.
4. Always Patch Test: Especially if you have active cysts or inflamed skin.
5. Don't Let It Overdry: Remove while still slightly damp to prevent skin barrier damage.
6. Don't use it if you are already consuming some oral tablets to dry out acne as it will further disrupt the skin's defense barrier
All in all, multani mitti has its place — but like all skincare, it's not one-size-fits-all. Know your skin type, use it sparingly, and don't skip the moisturiser!
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.