Does Tamannaah Bhatia’s Morning Spit Hack for Acne Really Work?

Celebrities often set beauty trends, sometimes with hits, sometimes with eyebrow-raising misses. Take Tamannaah Bhatia, who revealed in a recent interview that she sometimes dabs her own morning saliva on pimples, leaving the internet both horrified and curious. Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif has sworn by ice cubes to de-puff her face, and Deepika Padukone once shared her love for coconut oil massages as an overnight glow secret. Some hacks work, some feel bizarre, but the bigger truth remains: when a pimple shows up out of nowhere, we’ll do almost anything to make it disappear.

Dermatologists, however, say not all quick fixes are equal. Some tried-and-tested natural remedies can calm the skin, while others, including Tamannaah’s spit hack might do more harm than good.

So we asked dermatologists what really works, what to avoid, and the safest quick fixes for when a breakout crashes your day.

Safe Natural Quick Fixes for Pimples: Does Tamannaah Bhatia’s Morning Saliva Hack Work?

If you wake up to an angry red pimple, your freezer might be the first place to look. “Icing the area or dipping your face in ice water reduces swelling and redness in minutes,” says Dr. Prachi B. Bodkhe of Envi Aesthetics. She also swears by raw honey for its antibacterial and soothing properties. Aloe vera gel and green tea are other gentle options, calming inflammation while keeping skin hydrated without clogging pores.

Dr. Niketa Sonavane, dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, adds that a patch test is important before using aloe vera, especially for sensitive skin. She also points out that tea tree oil can work for some people, but only when diluted. “I have seen patients end up with burns and peeling because they used it directly on their skin,” she says.

Both doctors agree that some DIYs are best avoided. Toothpaste, lemon juice, and saliva top the no-go list. “Saliva contains bacteria from the mouth. When you put it on a broken or inflamed skin barrier, there’s a risk of introducing more germs,” warns Dr. Sonavane.

How OTC spot treatments compare

Natural remedies may help with swelling and redness, but they don’t match the speed and depth of proven treatments. “DIY remedies are gentler and safer if chosen well, but cannot treat,” says Dr. Bodkhe. Over-the-counter spot treatments (OTC) with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid work faster and deeper but they can be drying if overused, so always consult experts.

Dr. Sonavane also keeps clindamycin or adapalene gel on hand for emergencies, but stresses they should be used under professional guidance. If a breakout is really bothering you before a big event, she recommends skipping the DIY experiments and heading straight to a professional. “I often do a quick cortisone injection at my clinic which flattens the pimple within a day. But this should only be done by a trained professional,” she says. 

What not to do during a breakout

Picking or squeezing is at the top of dermatologists’ no-go lists, as it can spread bacteria and push pus deeper under the skin.  “The worst thing you can do when a pimple appears is pick at it,” says Dr. Niketa Sonavane. “It seems harmless, but that one squeeze can lead to pus spreading under the skin, longer healing, or even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I have patients who regret that one squeeze months later.” 

Over-washing is another common mistake, stripping the skin’s natural barrier and worsening inflammation. “While viral skincare hacks are fun to watch, your safest bet is a gentle cleanser, a calming spot treatment, and clean hands,” adds Dr. Sonavane.

Meanwhile, piling on too many treatments at once can overwhelm and irritate the skin. “Don’t layer too many treatments at once, as this can overwhelm the skin and increase the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Prachi Bodkhe.