Alum stone, commonly known as Fitkari, has been used in Indian households for centuries. From purifying water to soothing skin after shaving, this natural mineral is valued for its antibacterial, astringent, and healing properties. Today, alum continues to be a popular choice in skincare and haircare routines, offering natural solutions for acne, dandruff, body odour, and more.
In this blog, we’ll explore the science-backed benefits of alum stone, its safe uses for skin and hair, and the precautions you need to follow to make the most of this age-old remedy.
Alum Stone Benefits for Skin
Alum is revered for the numerous skin advantages it offers. The alum stone benefits include:
1. Skin Tightening and Pore Reduction
Alum benefits the skin due to its natural astringent properties, which can help tighten the skin, thereby reducing the visibility of enlarged pores.
2. Acne and Blemish Reduction
The fitkari benefits the skin due to its antibacterial properties, which make it a potent treatment against acne and blemishes.
3. Skin Brightening and Scar Fading
Alum stone use can brighten your skin as it aids in the removal of dead skin cells and diminishes dark spots and pigmentation by preventing the production of melanin (skin pigment)
4. Acts as a natural deodorant
Fitkari benefits include serving as a natural deodorant. Alum inhibits the growth of the bacteria responsible for causing body odour.
5. Provides relief from sunburn
Alum uses can provide relief from sunburns. A solution or paste made from alum powder can alleviate the discomfort and redness associated with sunburns.
6. Helps in hair removal
The uses of alum stones can extend to hair removal. Mixed with water or rosewater, alum powder forms a paste that, when dried and rubbed off, helps remove unwanted hair.
How to Use Alum (Fitkari) for Skin
You might be wondering about the various alum uses for skin. Here are some alum stone uses for your skincare routine:
- As a toner: Alum works effectively as a natural toner. It helps tighten pores, control oiliness, and improve skin texture. Simply dissolve alum powder in water and apply the solution to your face using a cotton pad or spray bottle.
- For acne treatment: Mix alum powder with rose water to create a paste. Apply it to acne-prone areas to reduce bacteria and inflammation, aiding in breakout healing.
- As a face mask: Mix alum powder with yoghurt or honey to create a face mask. Apply to the face (avoiding the eyes) for a short time to purify and tighten the skin, improving firmness.
- To fight underarm odour: Alum can act as a natural deodorant. After showering, wet a piece of alum stone and rub it on your underarms. It helps control body odour and reduces sweating.
- As a skin soother: Dissolve alum powder in warm water, soak a cloth, and apply it to irritated skin. This reduces redness and calms inflammation, offering relief from minor irritations.
- For minor cuts and nicks: Apply alum powder or rub an alum stone on minor cuts to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing.
Alum Stone Benefits for Healthy and Strong Hair
Alum benefits are not limited to just the skin. It also has some impressive benefits when it comes to hair care. The alum stone benefits include:
1. Dandruff Treatment
Its antimicrobial properties aid in combating dandruff. Mixing alum with water creates a hair rinse that effectively reduces dandruff and promotes scalp health.
2. Improves scalp health
Alum benefits scalp health by maintaining pH balance and reducing oiliness, thus preventing itchiness and flakiness.
3. Hair Strengthening
The potent astringent properties of alum powder can strengthen hair roots, promoting healthier and shinier hair while concurrently preventing breakage.
4. Assists in natural hair straightening
Alum helps in natural hair straightening treatments when combined with water or egg white masks.
5. Hair Colouring
To darken hair, grind alum stone into powder, mix with rose water to form a paste, and apply regularly.
Also Read : Benefits of Rose Water on Face
Precautions to Take With Alum
There are specific precautions you should take to ensure the safe and effective use of alum, as it may cause side effects such as skin irritation, hypersensitivity reactions, or systemic toxicity. Individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies should consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Use diluted form: Always dilute alum stone or powder with water before applying to skin or hair to avoid irritation or burns.
- Perform a patch test: Always do a patch test before using alum on your skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- Use in moderation: Use alum sparingly to avoid dryness or irritation of the skin and scalp.
- Avoid ingestion: Alum should not be ingested as it is toxic. Use it only externally or for specific applications like water purification.
- Consult your doctor: Always seek advice from your family doctor before using alum, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions.
- Store properly: Store alum in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and incompatible materials, with containers tightly closed to prevent contamination.
- Follow appropriate hygiene practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling alum. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. If clothes get soiled, remove and clean them before reuse.
From calming acne to combating dandruff, Alum Stone (Fitkari) proves to be a versatile addition to your skincare and haircare routine. But as with any natural remedy, how you use it matters just as much as why. Always dilute it properly, perform a patch test, and use it sparingly—especially if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant. With the right care, you can unlock the full potential of alum while keeping risks at bay.
Expert Quote:
“Alum may be old-school, but its benefits are backed by centuries of use. Whether it’s tightening pores or soothing your scalp, the key lies in smart, moderate use.”
Dr. Chintham Vishnu Reddy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Alum can be used daily for specific medicinal and cosmetic purposes like water purification and skin tightening. However, excessive use should be avoided.
Alum powder has astringent and antibacterial properties. It can help heal minor cuts, reduce body odour, and improve skin health.
Excessive use of alum may cause skin dryness, irritation, and potential toxicity if ingested in large quantities. Always use sparingly and with caution.
Due to its potential toxicity, alum water is usually not recommended for consumption. It’s mainly used for external applications or water purification only.
Alum stone is generally safe for skin and has many benefits, such as skin tightening and reducing acne. However, excessive use can cause dryness and irritation.
References
- In, K.-R., Mi Ae Kang, Su Dong Kim, Shin, J., Sung Un Kang, Tae Jun Park, Kim, S.-J., & Lee, J.-S. (2023). Anhydrous Alum Inhibits α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis by Down-Regulating MITF via Dual Modulation of CREB and ERK. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(19), 14662–14662. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914662
- Anand, Nitika, et al. An Overview of Sphatika (Alum). Vol. 6, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2019, pp. 288–294, www.researchgate.net/publication/351436517_An_overview_of_Sphatika_Alum.