Quick Take
A widely shared Instagram post suggests using toothpaste, shampoo, and Eno to whiten hands and feet. After analysing the assertion, we discovered that it is completely false.
The Claim
A well-known Instagram post titled “अगर आपके भी हाथ और पैर सौ करोड़ सइ काले पड़े पड़े हैं।” recommends using toothpaste with Eno and shampoo to whiten hands and feet. Despite the growing popularity of natural components for light skin, using chemically processed skin whitening approaches, like #NaturalGlowTips, may significantly damage the skin.
Fact Check
Which factors influence skin colour? Why might someone desire fair hands and feet?
Skin colour is a complex trait that is impacted by both genetic and environmental factors, including the distribution, amount, and type of melanin produced by melanocytes.
Of them, heredity plays a key part in determining the baseline skin tone, whereas environmental variables regulate the synthesis of melanin. Additional factors that could influence pigmentation include:
- The levels of haemoglobin
- Dietary carotenoids
- Specific health issues
Even with this factual foundation, many individuals still associate having lighter skin with being more attractive, self-assured, or even having an advantage in the workplace. However, having a fair complexion is not the same as being healthy.
Can hands and feet be effectively whitened with Eno, toothpaste, and shampoo?
No, absolutely not. Eno, toothpaste, and shampoo are frequently touted as ingredients that enhance skin fairness. However, rather than being supported by scientific data, the promotional material is mostly based on anecdotal claims and social media trends. Therefore, relying on the combination could be risky.
Toothpaste and shampoo may be worth considering because they contain mild abrasives and detergents that can help remove dirt and stains at the surface level. Likewise, the alkaline characteristics of Eno may help exfoliate dead skin cells. Although all three ingredients exhibit short-term benefits, there is insufficient robust clinical evidence to support their status as a significant melanin synthesis influencer.
The skin of the hands and feet significantly differs from facial skin; it is usually thicker, more keratinised, and often subjected to friction and environmental exposure, making it comparatively darker. It might therefore be resistant to superficial treatments. Furthermore, utilising harsh or unreliable ingredients may cause dryness, irritation, or long-term skin damage.
This is further supported by Dr Iram Qazi, a dermatologist at Life Medical Centre & Clinic in the United Arab Emirates, who maintains that toothpaste is designed especially for teeth cleaning and isn’t intended for skin application. Its potent elements may cause redness, burning, and irritation. As a result, she cautions against using toothpaste for any kind of skin care because it may exacerbate the concern.
“Shampoo is designed for the scalp and hair, not for the skin on your face or body,” adds Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and hair transplant surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai. She emphasises that many shampoos contain surfactants and fragrances that can deprive the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even allergic responses. Frequent shampooing may result in irritation and harm to the outermost layer of your skin.
Does any home remedy provide immediate skin whitening?
No, not at all. Contrary to popular belief, no homemade recipe or botanical extract has the potential to deliver instant fair skin. This could be attributed to the fact that true skin lightening is a gradual phenomenon.
Given that certain organic ingredients, including arbutin and liquorice extract, may prevent the development of melanin, the process is neither immediate nor guaranteed for everyone. The efficacy of these formulations may vary substantially based on:
- Individual skin type
- The concentration of the active ingredient
- The core cause of pigmentation
Reliance on unsupervised concoctions may result in contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, and potential skin damage.
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, MD Scholar at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, adds more credence by emphasising that skin fairness primarily depends on familial inheritance, followed by external triggers. Even though there are several ways of making your skin look more radiant, skin pigmentation cannot be changed; it can only be enhanced.
In other words, it is possible to restore the skin’s natural colour that may have been lost over time due to ageing, exposure to harsh settings, and other factors, including food and medication. Skin tone cannot be influenced by topical therapies.
Considering home remedies usually lack standardisation, they should be administered under medical supervision for predictable outcomes. The notion that natural extracts could replace cosmetic formulations to provide instantaneous and universal fairness has not been substantiated by empirical research.
Which evidence-based strategy is best for preserving skin health?
An all-encompassing strategy, including established methods, is required to maintain healthy skin. A supervised skincare regimen is the cornerstone. Maintaining the integrity of the skin and preventing damage may be facilitated by regular moisturisation, continuous sun protection, and effective skin protection.
Skin health is also enhanced by incorporating foods high in antioxidants and consuming sufficient fluids. Above all, embracing a healthy lifestyle may help you harmonise with the natural dermatological rhythms. Sleeping well and regulating stress promote skin barrier resilience and function.
These clinically validated approaches may reduce the risk of acquiring dermatological issues and premature ageing by encouraging proper skin care.
It is important to understand that hands and feet with slightly darker skin tones due to increased sun exposure and relatively thicker skin are a natural physiological variation. The desire to lighten them is usually a result of social pressure rather than a medical necessity. Nevertheless, having healthy skin, regardless of shade, is far more valuable than having to meet arbitrary fairness standards.
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