Tamannaah Bhatia, the acclaimed actress known for her radiant skin, has recently shared an unconventional skincare tip that has sparked widespread discussion: using morning saliva, or "thook," as a remedy for pimples. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Bhatia revealed this surprising hack, claiming it works best when applied before brushing teeth.
Bhatia explained that her belief in this method stems from the idea that morning saliva contains antibacterial properties. According to her, the body produces antibacterial elements in the mouth overnight to combat accumulated bacteria. She suggests that using this pre-brushing saliva can help dry out pimples, provided they are not cystic. She stated, "Your body has already created a lot of antibacterial elements in your mouth when you wake up... your mouth has been battling all the bacteria through the night since you haven't brushed your teeth yet. And if you use that spit, it dries up the pimple immediately if it's not cystic".
This isn't the first time Bhatia has mentioned this unusual remedy. In a 2021 interview, she referred to it as "the weirdest thing" she's put on her face but affirmed its effectiveness in drying out pimples.
The actress also emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to skincare, including a healthy diet and identifying food intolerances. Bhatia discovered her own gluten and dairy intolerances through trial and error, noting that eliminating these from her diet improved her skin. She also advocates for starting a skincare routine early, suggesting the use of anti-aging creams from the age of 25 to maintain youthful skin.
While some social media users have supported Bhatia's claim, sharing their own positive experiences with using saliva on their skin, experts remain skeptical. Some experts say that saliva has some potentially beneficial properties for skin health, including analgesic and opiorphin properties that can help heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Histatin, a protein found in saliva, is also effective in healing and treating acne.
However, dermatologists caution that there is no solid scientific evidence to support saliva as an effective acne treatment. Moreover, they warn that applying saliva to the skin could potentially worsen acne and cause infections due to the introduction of bacteria from the mouth. AIIMS dermatologist Dr. Gargi Taneja has cautioned against this practice, explaining that the acidic pH of saliva can damage the skin barrier, worsen inflammation, and lead to infections.
Other natural remedies, like tea tree oil, have more scientific backing for their acne-fighting properties. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, targeting the bacteria that cause acne.
It's also worth noting that Tamannaah Bhatia has shared other skincare secrets, including DIY face masks inspired by her mother's advice. These masks often contain natural ingredients like sandalwood, coffee, and honey, known for their exfoliating and moisturizing properties.
In conclusion, while Tamannaah Bhatia swears by the "morning spit" remedy for pimples, scientific evidence and dermatological advice suggest caution. While saliva possesses some antibacterial properties, the risks of potential infection and irritation may outweigh the benefits. A more comprehensive approach to skincare, including a balanced diet, identifying intolerances, and using proven acne treatments, is generally recommended.
