I'm curious about something I've come across. I know some homeopaths suggest using mother tinctures like berberis aquifolium to help with acne and scars, but I've also read that these tinctures have high levels of ethanol. I'm a bit worried because this type of alcohol is said to be drying and might not be good for facial skin. Can you please shed some light on whether ethanol is safe to use on the face?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

MBBS
0+ Yrs

Consult Now

No do not apply suchconcentrated substance directly over instead there are many succeful treatment modalities available for post acne scars,visit Dermatologist for appropriate management

Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...

Consult a Dermatologist

Find a Dermatologist

Answered 04/07/2025

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat

Ethanol Effects: Ethanol can cause dryness, redness, or irritation, especially on sensitive facial skin.
Skin Type Consideration: For oily or acne-prone skin, some drying might help, but excessive dryness can worsen irritation.
Application Advice: Use tinctures sparingly and observe skin reactions. Avoid applying on broken or inflamed skin.
Alternatives: Consult a dermatologist for treatments specifically formulated for facial skin.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small area to check for adverse reactions.

In summary, while using these tinctures can be safe, caution is needed due to ethanol’s drying effects. Monitor your skin’s response and seek professional advice for optimal treatment.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Dermatologist

Find a Dermatologist

Answered 10/09/2025

More Dermatology Health Queries

View all

I've noticed a fungal infection on the skin of my testicles. Is it okay if I use a fungal cream like Ebernet for this?

For a fungal infection on the testicle skin, using an antifungal cream like Ebernet (containing econazole or clotrimazole) can be effective in treating the infection.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been dealing with acne and got advice from a dermatologist to try isotroin 10mg. I think it helped a lot, but now I'm experiencing blurred vision. Is this something that can happen with isotroin, or could it just be a random coincidence?

Blurred vision as a side effect of isotretinoin (Accutane) is rare but possible, as it can cause eye problems like dryness, irritation, or even inflammatory conditions like uveitis; however, it's also possible that the blurred vision is coincidental or related to another underlying condition, so it's essential to consult your dermatologist or an ophthalmologist

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Are split ends bad?

Split ends rise further up the hair shaft and may cause hair damage, hair loss. Hair naturally splits around 3 months, hence trimming must be done at least quaterly to prevent it.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors