Could Vegemite be the new way to treat pimples?
Shanina Shaik swears by it
When it comes to the overwhelming and confusing world of skin care, we often look to acne-free celebrities for product recommendations. If their skin looks so flawless all the time, surely copying their skin care routines will make your skin glow too, right?
Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. What works wonders for one person may not deliver results for another. Moreover, certain celebrity recommendations (like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner’s DIY pimple treatment) could potentially do more harm than good, especially when used on sensitive skin. That’s why when Victoria’s Secret model and Aussie beauty, Shanina Shaik revealed to Allure that her favourite pantry remedy for treating breakouts was Vegemite, we wanted to find out if there were proven dermatological benefits linked to the DIY hack. Our fingers were crossed.
We spoke to dermatologist and founder of ENRICH Clinic, Dr. Michael Rich and we’re sorry to say, he didn’t have many positive things to say.
In fact, according to Rich, vitamin B12 found in salt reduced Vegemite not only has no benefits in preventing or assisting acne reduction, it “can be acnegenic [acne-causing] and can accelerate normal skin bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes to pump out pimple-producing chemicals.” Consequently, Rich advises steering clear of Shanina’s pimple treatment as “it would aggravate the skin and make acne worse. Additionally, the salt [found in the product] is of no benefit at all.”
If acne is something you’re suffering with and are looking for a solution, Rich stresses, “acne is a problem with your insides, not your outsides. A common mistake and misconception with acne treatment is that there is a short term fix.” However, ensuring you’re consuming a balanced diet, staying hydrated and using “the right combination of specialist creams and ointments, medicines and laser treatments make long-lasting acne treatment very achievable,” Rich explains.
For more information on how to combat your breakouts, check out our guide on dealing with whiteheads and everything you need to know about blind pimples.
Image credit: @vegemite
Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.
