Surprising Benefits of Alum

Introduction

You may not believe it, but there is something right in your home costing just a few rupees that can help with problems like pimples, tanning, body odor, dry skin and cracked heels.The truth is that alum is a remedy that people have been using for years. Many people consider it a magical solution, while some people start using it without complete knowledge.But is alum truly beneficial for everyone? Is it safe to apply to the skin? And most importantly, how and when should it be used so that you reap the benefits without any side effects?In today’s article, I will share some essential facts about alum so you can understand when to use it and which mistakes to avoid.

Buy the Right Alum

You can easily find alum at any nearby grocery or medical store; it usually costs between ₹10 and ₹50. Alum is available in the form of smooth pieces or rough crystals, but this makes no difference, as the shape does not affect its effectiveness.

Do a Patch Test First

After bringing alum home, you need to perform a simple step: a patch test.To do this, first lightly dampen a small area of your hand with water. Then, apply the alum to that spot and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.If the surface of the alum feels slightly rough, you can smooth it out by gently rubbing it against a piece of paper; this ensures that using it on your skin will not cause any irritation.After 15 minutes, wash the area with water and carefully observe your skin: is there any redness or irritation, or do you feel any discomfort?If you notice any reaction or issue, then alum is not suitable for you. There is no need to worry about this, as everyone’s skin is different and not everything suits everyone; however, if everything seems normal, that is great, and you can use alum.

Benefits

Let us now look at the benefits of alum one by one and understand when and in what situations you can use it.

A Face Pack for Pimples, Blackheads and Clogged Pores

Let’s start with skincare. If your skin feels rough, dirt accumulates in your pores, or you occasionally get pimples, you can try a simple face pack.First, take a quarter teaspoon of alum powder and mix it with a teaspoon of Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti). When you are ready to apply the pack, add a little rose water to create a smooth paste.You can now apply this paste all over your face, including gently over any pimples. However, remember one important thing: do not let this face pack dry completely. Many people make this mistake. When the pack is nearly dry meaning it no longer feels wet but you begin to feel a slight tightening sensation on your skin wash it off with water.Over-drying the skin is not always beneficial; in fact, it can make the skin feel even more uncomfortable.When such packs are used according to your skin type and at the right frequency, the skin looks clear.

DIY De-Tan Face and Body Pack

Getting a tan when stepping out in the sun is common; while it is difficult to prevent it entirely, you can manage it with the right skincare routine.To do this, first take equal amounts of alum powder, wild turmeric powder, and sandalwood powder. If sandalwood powder is unavailable, you can use rice flour instead.Mix these three ingredients thoroughly and store the blend in a clean glass jar; your base mixture is now ready for use whenever needed. Whenever you wish to use it, simply mix in a little milk, yogurt, or rose water to form a paste.You can apply this paste to tanned areas such as the face, neck, or hands, leave it on for a while, and then rinse it off with plain water.However, it is important to keep one thing in mind: using any face pack excessively or too frequently is not advisable. The skin needs time for its natural healing process.

Managing Body Odor and Dark Underarms

Now, let’s talk about body odor and underarm darkening. You can use alum as a natural deodorant. To do this, dry your underarms thoroughly after bathing. You can also spray a little rose water if you wish. Then, gently rub the alum over the underarm area.

Foot Care

Additionally, if you have cracked heels, very dry feet, or rough looking skin, you can try a simple home remedy.First, soak your feet in lukewarm water mixed with shampoo for 5 minutes. During this time, you can gently scrub away dead skin if you wish. Next, soak your feet in lukewarm water mixed with alum for 10 to 15 minutes.Then, take your feet out and rinse them with plain water. Finally, apply a light moisturizer or an oil of your choice and, if possible, wear socks. This will make your feet feel significantly softer and smoother than before.