Back To Basics: Multani Mitti For Your Bridal Skincare Routine
Does multani mitti deserve a place on your vanity? Here’s what to know…
Indian households are a treasure trove of natural skincare remedies. For generations, beauty secrets have been handed down in the form of homegrown ingredients and time-tested DIY recipes. Among these, one hero ingredient continues to stand the test of time: multani mitti. Also known as Fuller’s Earth, this mineral-rich clay has long been a staple in the skincare routines of our mothers and grandmothers.
Multani mitti is prized for its ability to deeply cleanse, purify, and rejuvenate the skin. Its natural properties help remove excess oil, reduce acne, and improve skin texture, making it an ideal addition to pre-wedding skincare rituals. For brides seeking a healthy, natural glow in the days leading up to their wedding, a simple multani mitti mask can be both soothing and effective. It’s easy to use, affordable, and free from harsh chemicals.
Over the past few years, the use of multani mitti has also made its way into modern wedding rituals. Some couples are replacing the traditional turmeric (haldi) paste with a blend of multani mitti for their pre-wedding ceremonies. Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, for instance, ditched the traditional turmeric paste for multani mitti for their pre-wedding ritual. It’s an easy way to achieve that perfect wedding-day glow while embracing a skin-friendly, natural alternative.
But is multani mitti suitable for all skin types? What’s the best way to use it without drying out your skin? Can it truly deliver that luminous bridal radiance without any side effects?
Skincare Benefits of Multani Mitti
We dive into the many skincare benefits of multani mitti, offer expert advice on how to use it, and help you decide whether this time-honoured beauty essential deserves a place in your bridal skincare toolkit…
Why is multani mitti used for skincare?
Historically, the material was used for fulling (cleaning and shrinking) wool, hence the name Fuller’s Earth. It helped absorb lanolin, oils and greasy impurities as a part of the cloth finishing process.
The same properties that make it effective at removing dirt and oil from wool make multani mitti effective for beauty and skincare purposes on human skin, too. For centuries, it has been the go-to solution for mindful beauty enthusiasts for achieving clear and glowing, and healthy skin.
Multani mitti is packed with essential minerals, like magnesium, calcium, and quartz. It works as a detoxifying agent and purifies the skin easily, leaving behind a healthy glow. This is why the ingredient is widely used in the subcontinent for cosmetic purposes. “Multani mitti can be used as a supplementary treatment for oily skin,” advises Dr Prachi B. Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics, Mumbai.
What are the benefits of using multani mitti for skincare?
Multani mitti is a hardworking skincare ingredient. Its inherent ability to extract oil from the surface and deep clean the impurities makes it perfect for anyone dealing with oily, acne-prone skin. “As a cosmetologist, I highly recommend multani mitti for its numerous benefits,” says Dr. Geeta Grewal, Founder and CMD 9 Muses Wellness Clinic, Gurugram. “This natural clay absorbs excess oil, reducing acne and inflammation. It improves skin texture, minimising pores and leaving skin feeling smooth. Multani mitti also reduces hyperpigmentation, giving skin a more even tone.”
Multani mitti also comes equipped with antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help prevent breakouts. “Regular use can help reduce scars and blemishes. Multani mitti is also known to improve skin elasticity, giving it a more youthful appearance. Additionally, it helps remove dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal.”
How to use multani mitti for skincare?
Multani mitti can be used as a face mask, spot treatment and exfoliant. “I highly recommend incorporating multani mitti into your skincare routine two to three months before your wedding,” advises Dr Geeta. She also suggests finding a sweet spot for your skin type. “I recommend using multani mitti one to two times a week for oily skin and once a week for dry or sensitive skin.”
DIY multani mitti face mask for your skin
A multani mitti pack is prepared by mixing the clay with a hydrating ingredient, like rose water or aloe vera. Dermatologists recommend keeping this pack on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Here are some masks that you can make for different skincare issues…
For oily skin: Mix a teaspoon of multani mitti with a few drops of rose water.
For hyperpigmentation: Mix a teaspoon of multani mitti with turmeric and lemon juice.
For dry skin: Mix a teaspoon of multani mitti with honey and yoghurt.
For acne-prone skin: Mix a teaspoon of multani mitti with tea tree oil and rosewater.
Who should use multani mitti for skincare?
Multani mitti’s oil-absorbing properties make it perfect for people with acne-prone and oily skin. “People with oily or combination skin looking for a natural oil-absorbing mask should go for it,” says Dr Prachi. Its mineral-rich composition and ability to deeply clean the skin ensure oily and combination skin remains radiant and glowing for the right reasons!
What are some side effects of multani mitti for skincare?
While multani mitti has great benefits for skincare, it has to be used carefully. “Multani mitti can be drying if used excessively, so those with dry or sensitive skin should use it in moderation,” says Dr Geeta. It’s advisable to do a patch test to rule out sensitivity and allergic reactions before using the ingredient (or any new ingredient, for that matter!) on the skin.
If you’re planning to use multani mitti instead of haldi for the pre-wedding ceremony (á la Pulkrit and Kriti), Dr Prachi recommends starting out early. “ If you’re considering this, it’s best to start using it two to three months in advance to assess how your skin reacts and ensure it suits your skin type.”
How often should you use multani mitti for skincare?
As is the case with any skincare treatment, it’s best to consult an expert or listen to what your skin is telling you. While once a week (for people with sensitive skin) and twice or thrice a week (for those with oily skin) is good enough, the pre-wedding run requires some extra care. For brides and grooms who are trying multani mitti for the first time in the days leading up to the wedding, remember to start two to three months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multani mitti?
Multani mitti, or fuller’s earth, is a type of clay that was used by textile workers to clean oil and other impurities from wool.
Can multani mitti be used for skincare?
Multani mitti’s oil-absorbing and deep cleansing properties make it ideal for skincare, especially for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
What are the benefits of multani mitti for skincare?
There are many benefits of using multani mitti for skincare. Some of them include oil control, acne treatment, improvement in the skin texture, and fighting hyperpigmentation.
What are the side effects of using multani mitti?
Multani mitti can be drying if used excessively. So, people with dry or sensitive skin should use it in moderation and after doing a patch test.
How to use multani mitti for skincare?
Multani mitti can be used as a face mask for optimum results. You can mix the clay with a hydrating agent, like milk or rosewater, to create a smooth paste for your skin.