Henna Freckles on Face?! Dermatologist Reveals Why Applying Mehandi Can Be Harmful

What Is The Viral Trend of Henna Mehandi?

 

 

 

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A video has recently gone viral where a woman applies henna mehandi on her face to get artificial freckles. Freckles are tiny, flat, brown patches that occur on the skin, usually because of sun and genetics. Most people think they are cute and different, which is why some are now attempting to get the look by applying henna.

In the viral video, the woman dots her face with henna paste, hoping to achieve a natural freckled appearance once the paste is removed. This trend has quickly caught on, with more people sharing their own attempts at henna freckles on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Dermatologist Explains The Viral Trend 

Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, cautions that putting henna mehandi on the face is unsafe. She describes, "Henna is designed to be used on hands and feet, not the sensitive skin of the face. The skin on your face is much more delicate and can react poorly with the chemicals in henna, particularly if it has additives or dyes in it."

She further states that certain henna preparations, particularly "black henna," could be found to contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical that can produce serious allergic responses, redness, swelling, and blisters. "This is another social media trend that might cause more harm than benefit," Dr Naswa says. "People should be cautious and not use such products on their face."

A study in the Indian Journal of Dermatology discovered that henna and, more so when combined with PPD, are increasingly causing allergic reactions. The study presented cases of contact dermatitis, swelling, and even permanent skin damage from applying adulterated henna on the skin. The use of black henna containing PPD should be discouraged, particularly on areas of sensitivity such as the face.

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What Can Go Wrong? Real Risks of Using Henna on Your Face

Putting henna on your face might look fun, but it comes with real dangers. The expert warns that even so-called “natural” henna can cause dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions, especially on the delicate skin of the face. If the henna contains harmful additives like PPD (para-phenylenediamine), the risks are even higher. People have experienced itching, swelling, burns, and even permanent scars from these chemicals. In severe cases, reactions can be so bad that they require hospital treatment and can leave lasting marks on the skin. Accidentally getting henna near your eyes can cause burning or irritation, making this trend even riskier.

What Should You Do Instead?

• Use safe, dermatologist-recommended products on your face.
• Do not use hair dyes, mehandi, or any chemical-based product on the facial skin.
• If you desire freckles, use makeup for the face, which comes off easily and has less potential to harm.
• Always perform a patch test while using a new product on your skin. 

Conclusion

Though social media trends can be amusing, remember to consider your health and well-being first. Putting henna mehandi on your face for bogus freckles can seem innocent enough, but it can cause severe skin issues. Listen to professionals and steer clear of dangerous beauty hacks.