Having facial hair is a common challenge that every woman has to deal with at some point or the other. No matter how many different methods you try to remove that unwanted peach fuzz, it always becomes an unwanted guest in your life. Sure, you may get temporary relief from waxing, threading or laser treatments, but they come with their own discomforts, whether it’s the pain of waxing or the stinging sensation of the laser.

But thanks to social media, there are many hacks available to get rid of unwanted facial hair, the latest one involving flour. Yes, you heard that right! Some influencers swear by rubbing flour on their faces to get rid of unwanted hair.

The recipe is surprisingly simple: mix Flour (wheat flour), Turmeric (Turmeric), Ghee (clarified butter), and milk, knead it into a dough, and then rub it on your face.

Wondering if this hack actually works? The real question is whether it is safe to remove your facial hair using this DIY method.

Going the DIY route

Dr Ruby Sachdev, consultant aesthetic physician at Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, says the viral dough hack is an interesting take on traditional DIY treatments. However, although it may have some mild benefits for the skin, there are several aspects that you should consider before using this method regularly.

On the other hand, Dr Vidushi Jain, dermatologist and medical head at Dermatlinks, NCR, tells India Today Dermatologists object to the idea of ​​removing facial hair using flour, saying this hack may show mild and temporary effects but can be risky.

Let’s talk about ingredients

• Wheat flour acts as a gentle exfoliant and can help remove dead skin cells.
• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can soothe the skin and prevent acne.
• Milk contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
• Clarified butter works as an emollient, providing moisture and nourishment.

Dr Sarita Sanke, senior consultant dermatologist at Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital, NCR, explains that all these ingredients have been used in our culture for a long time, and they work wonders for all skin types. But, she cautions, you should always consider their side effects.

While wheat acts as a natural exfoliant, it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used frequently. Turmeric contains curcuminoids and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that fight free radical damage, but they can sometimes cause irritation or allergies.

Ghee, on the other hand, is known to moisturize the skin, but it can also clog pores, especially for people with acne-prone skin. And in some cases, the lactic acid in milk can strip the skin of its natural oils, especially if used too frequently or left on for too long, leading to dryness, tightness, or flaking.

Should you pull your facial hair?

This DIY hack can have many benefits, like removing dead skin, improving complexion and improving blood circulation. It can also help unclog pores and loosen hair roots while scrubbing. These weakened hair roots can eventually fall out, giving you the appearance of hair removal.

However, Dr. Jain points out that the plucking process is biological, but constant pulling of the hair can cause friction on the skin, leading to redness and even ingrown hairs or, if done aggressively, the skin. There may be minor disruption in the obstruction. People with sensitive skin may also have to deal with skin irritation and sensitivity due to constant hair pulling.

What do experts recommend?

Dr. Sankey says she would recommend this hack only occasionally, especially for tan removal, and not as a regular method of facial hair removal. She warns that excessive use can cause skin irritation or major skin problems.

“While this method may work as a short-term solution for some individuals, I would not recommend it for regular or long-term use. Its abrasive nature can damage the skin barrier, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. For the people,” says Dr. Sachdev.

The doctor also shares some other hair removal methods you can consider:

• Dermaplaning: It is a gentle exfoliation method that removes facial hair and dead skin cells.
• Laser hair removal: A long-term solution that targets the hair follicles.
• Threading or waxing: This method is suitable for small areas, although it may cause temporary redness.
• Depilatory cream: A quick and painless alternative to shaving, waxing or threading, but should be used with caution after a patch test.