3 Ways To Use Alum For Pimples And Acne Treatment At Home

how to use alum for acne treatment

How Alum Works On Acne and Pimples

Alum is known for its soothing properties, it can soothe irritated skin after shaving but benefits of alum are not just limited to this. Alum can work wonders in treating pimple, acne and also in fading acne scars. Here is the most simple uses of Alum or fitkari for acne and pimples. Alum can be used on face in powder form and in liquid form by making an alum toner.

The potential benefits of alum for acne treatment stem from its astringent nature, which enables it to tighten and shrink tissues. Some people believe that applying alum to acne-prone areas may help reduce inflammation and the appearance of pimples. Additionally, alum possesses mild antibacterial properties, which could contribute to the reduction of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.

How I Used Alum For Treating Acne

Alum is an excellent home remedy for pimple and  acne treatment, back in 2007 when I suffered severe acne problem due to stress, I was struggling to stop the breakouts and to treat the ones that had already surfaced. I was prescribed Isotretenoin which only made the situation go worse.

That was the time when I was trying almost every home remedy that came to my knowledge and to much of my surprise I found my ultimate solution in Neem Bark. Another remedy that impressed me was Alum which I have been using since then  whenever I have a breakout.

In my opinion it is wise to use home remedies for acne treatment. Though they take time but natural remedies certainly save you from the side effects that ointments and creams may cause. Alum blocks i.e Phitkari are inexpensive and very useful in curing those unsightly and painful Acne breakouts.

using alum on acne and pimples

How to Use Alum For Pimples And Acne Treatment

how to use alum for acne pimple treatment

Alum Crystal available as Block, Alum stone  and as Alum powder is a natural element used in treating acne, pimples and greasy skin naturally. Mix Alum powder and lemon juice and gently apply on the acne and spots, rinse off when dried. Alum (phitkari / Fitkari in Hindi) has astringent properties. It kills bacteria thus it is used in many beauty and personal care products. Alum is already acclaimed as a natural deodorant and a conventional after shave.

The most important thing to remember while using alum on acne and pimples is that you do not overdo it.  Excessive rubbing of alum can aggravate the condition. Be gentle while application and that will help you get the desired result. Alum can be used in following ways to get rid of acne and pimples :

#1 Alum Block and Lemon Juice for Acne

This is one remedy that has worked on my severe acne and applying potash alum on acne certainly reduced my nodular acne quite effectively. Besides neem bark remedy for acne, if I have to trust on one home remedy that can treat acne it has to be Potash Alum.

  • Warm up dry alum stones or crystals  on a girdle.
  • Crush it  and make powder.
  • Cut a lemon into half.
  • Put the alum powder on the surface of half cut lemon.
  • Press the powder using teaspoon so that the powder gets mixed with lemon juice.
  • Now gently rub the lemon on face for 2 mins.
  • let it dry for 10-15 mins then wash with lukewarm water.

#2 Potash Alum Powder and Witch Hazel for Pimples

Both Alum and Witch hazel are natural astringents and they also have skin tightening, cleansing and healing properties.

  1. Alum: As mentioned earlier, alum is a mineral salt with astringent properties. Some people use a wet alum crystal directly on pimples, believing it can help dry them out and promote healing. However, alum can be quite harsh on the skin, and using it without proper dilution or guidance from a healthcare professional can lead to skin irritation or dryness.
  2. Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the witch hazel shrub. It is often used in skincare products due to its potential to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Witch hazel may be applied topically on acne-prone areas to help calm the skin and reduce redness.
  • Mix Alum powder with witch hazel and clean water
  • Soak a cotton ball in this mixture
  • Dab directly on the pimple / acne. This shall clear up the pimples soon.

Both alum and witch hazel can be drying on the skin. After using them, follow up with a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

#3 Alum Face Mask with Multani Mitti For Acne

Ingredients:

  • Alum Powder 1 tsp
  •  Multani Mitti 2 tsp
  • Egg Whites 2 tbsp.

How to Use

  • Make a face mask  by mixing egg whites, powdered alum and fullers earth.
  • Apply it all over the face and let it dry.
  • Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your face dry.
  • Follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
  • This mask will not only help in reducing pimples and acne but will also control oiliness of skin, it will tighten the skin leaving it clear and smooth.

Is Alum good For Pimples?

Yes, if used properly Alum is a very effective home treatment for face pimples and even nodular Acne.

Alum Powder For Pimples Vs. Alum Block

You can use both, depending on availability. Even if you buy Alum block, you will heat it in a pan and then crush it and then use Alum powder on face pimples.

Benefits of Phitkari / Alum for Acne and pimples

Alum is a naturally occurring salt which is blessed with Antimicrobial, antibacterial and astringent properties. Alum has healing properties also and thus used as a natural remedy to heal wounds. It will dry the pimples and also cleanse the skin.

To get rid of pimples apply a paste of alum powder mixed with water directly on the pimple or Acne with the help of cotton bud. Rinse it off in 15 minutes.

Alum For Acne Scars and Pimple Marks

Take 1 glass of water and soak 1 small (about 1/2 inch) alum stone in the water for 3-4 hours. Stir the water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray this Alum water on your skin 3 times a day. You can make this water in the morning and use it through the day.

RISK in using Alum For Pimples

Nevertheless, using alum for acne treatment is not widely recommended due to potential risks and uncertainties. Alum can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation or dryness, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. Furthermore, some individuals may be allergic to alum, leading to adverse reactions.

Instead of using alum, there are numerous proven and safer acne treatments available. Over-the-counter topical creams containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are specifically formulated to effectively treat acne without causing significant irritation.

If you are dealing with acne, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional. They can assess your skin condition, take into consideration your skin type, severity of acne, and medical history, and recommend appropriate and evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

I have witnessed how effectively Potash Alum works on face acne, all you need to do is dab the alum lemon mixture on your face precisely on the acne and pimples. So if you are wondering, can Alum clear pimples your answer is yes for many people potash alum can reduce pimples.

Some remedies suggest rubbing alum block on the acne but if done too vigorously it may cause redness and discomfort thus worsening the condition. Always take a patch test before starting any home remedy.

In conclusion, while alum may have some potential benefits for acne due to its astringent and antibacterial properties, it is not a widely recommended or extensively studied treatment. Opting for conventional acne treatments and seeking professional advice from a healthcare expert is a safer and more effective approach to address your skincare concerns.

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