"Constipation magic weapon" gorgeously transformed into "magic water"? Uncovering the quack tricks of enema skin care

Perhaps Kaisulu itself did not expect that the originally embarrassing "laxative magic tool" would one day transform into an inexpensive and high-quality "skin care expert" - it can be used on hands, face, lips, and even the whole body, just like a new internet celebrity that everyone is watching.

On social platforms, many beauty bloggers and marketing accounts are touting the skin care and nourishing effects of enema, claiming that it can whiten, shrink pores, exfoliate, remove acne, remove wrinkles, remove spots, and fight aging, among other uses. It has simply become an omnipotent "magic water."

Is enema really that magical?

What is a suppository?

There are two types of enema: one whose main ingredient is sorbitol, with a content of 42.7% to 47.3% (weight/weight), and whose auxiliary materials are magnesium sulfate, etc.; the other whose main ingredient is glycerol, with a content of 52.8% to 58.3% (weight/weight), and whose auxiliary materials are purified water.

All enema on the market have only one indication: to treat constipation. The main principle is to use the hypertonic effect of glycerol or sorbitol to allow more water to penetrate into the intestinal cavity, soften the stool, stimulate the intestinal wall, and reflexively induce a defecation reaction. In addition, it has a lubricating effect, which can make dry stool easier to excrete.

Can enema be used directly for skin care?

The enema sold on the market is mainly composed of glycerin. Glycerin is familiar to everyone, and it is found in many skin care products. People use enema for skin care because they are attracted by the moisturizing effect of glycerin and believe that it can lubricate the skin.

Since enema is full of glycerin, wouldn't it be just right to use it directly for skin care? Not really. The concentration of glycerin in enema is as high as 52.8% to 58.3%, and the best skin care effect is 10% to 20% glycerin. Low concentration of glycerin can absorb moisture from the air and moisturize the skin, but high concentration of glycerin will absorb moisture from the skin and have the opposite effect. In addition, high concentration of enema may cause allergic reactions, and if it is not cleaned thoroughly, it is easy to clog pores, which not only fails to achieve skin care effects, but also causes many problems for the skin.

It is not recommended to use enema for skin care. After all, enema is a medicine, not a regular cosmetic. If you want to hydrate and moisturize, it is best to use professional skin care products. As for the mythical effect of enema, it is really just a scam!

Author: Jiang Na, Deputy Director and Pharmacist of Dalian Public Health Clinical Center

Review expert: Chang Qingyan, director and pharmacist of Dalian Public Health Clinical Center

This article won the Outstanding Work Award in the Text Group of the 2021 Pharmaceutical Science Popularization Works Collection Activity