can i apply multani mitti overnight - #38920
I am really confused about something. I’ve been using multani mitti for a while, like maybe a couple of months, and I’ve heard people rave about its benefits for skin clarity and all that. Problem is, I sometimes want to leave it on longer because I feel like the more it sits, the better it works right? I mean, can I apply multani mitti overnight? That’s what I’m thinking...but not sure if it’s actually safe or even effective. Last week, I tried applying it for about 6 hours before bed, and while my skin felt super soft in the morning, I’ve also read stories about it drying out skin if left too long. I kinda have combination skin, oily in some places and dry in others, so it’s a bit tricky. When I woke up, there was like some redness, which got me worried! Should I just stick to the usual 30 minutes like I used to? If I can apply multani mitti overnight, how do I do it without messing up my skin? Like maybe mix it with something? Or should I even bother? I just want to make sure I’m not doing something silly and making things worse! Any advice would be super helpful!! Thank you!
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Doctors' responses
Applying multani mitti overnight might not be the best approach, especially for combination skin. Multani mitti, or Fuller’s earth, is a clay-like substance known for its cooling and absorbent properties, making it useful for absorbing excess oil. However, leaving it on overnight can indeed dry out your skin by drawing out more moisture than necessary. This is particularly relevant for someone with combination skin like yours, where different areas might react differently to prolonged application. The longer application could result in dryness or even irritation, as you’ve experienced with the redness.
A more balanced approach would be to continue applying it for about 20-30 minutes, allowing it to partially dry, which is typically sufficient to reap its benefits without over-drying the skin. If you feel like you need a more intensive treatment once in a while, consider mixing multani mitti with ingredients like yogurt or rose water. Yogurt adds moisturizing properties thanks to its lactic acid content, and rose water can bring soothing and toning benefits. This will provide hydration and counterbalance the drying effects of the mitti.
When trying such mixtures, still stick to the shorter application period—don’t let it harden completely. Once it’s half-dry, gently wash it off with lukewarm water. If you’d like to try something for extended time, you may apply a lighter layer of an Ayurvedic herbal face pack that includes nourishing, hydrating ingredients like sandalwood powder or neem.
After using multani mitti, it’s good practice to follow up with a light moisturizer. For your combination skin type, opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. This would help in sealing in the moisture without adding excess oil. Remember also to be gentle with your skin and observe how particular combinations impact your skin health over time. It’s wise to listen to your skin’s unique response and adjust the duration and frequency of application accordingly.

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