Many people turn to expensive skincare products filled with chemicals and artificial ingredients to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, there is a natural and affordable alternative that can provide amazing results – besan. Also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, besan has been used for centuries in traditional Indian skincare routines. It is packed with nutrients, nourishing and giving skin a radiant glow.
Using natural ingredients for skincare is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, absorbing everything we put on it. Chemical-laden skincare products can be harsh and irritating to the skin, causing dryness, redness, and other issues. On the other hand, natural ingredients like besan are gentle and safe, making them a great choice for sensitive skin.
Besan and Its Nutritional Profile
Besan is a flour made from ground chickpeas. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine as a thickening agent for curries and as a base for snacks like pakoras. But besides its culinary uses, besan also has a wide range of benefits for the skin.
Besan is rich in protein, essential for maintaining the health and elasticity of the skin. Protein helps to repair damaged skin cells and promote the production of collagen, which keeps the skin firm and youthful-looking. Besan also contains vitamins A and E, powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage.
Besan Face Packs for Radiant Skin
Face packs are one of the most popular ways to use besan for skin care. These packs can be customized to suit different skin types and concerns, making them a versatile option for achieving radiant skin.
For oily or acne-prone skin, a besan face pack with lemon juice and honey can help control excess oil and reduce breakouts. Lemon juice has astringent properties that can help tighten the pores, while love has antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria.
For dry or dull skin, a besan face pack with milk and turmeric can provide hydration and brighten the complexion. Milk is rich in lactic acid, which can exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, youthful-looking complexion. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe dry and irritated skin.
Besan as a Natural Exfoliant
Besan can also be a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion. Its fine texture makes it ideal for exfoliating the skin without causing irritation or damage.
To make a besan exfoliating scrub, mix besan with a liquid of your choice, such as water or rose water, to form a paste. Gently massage the paste onto damp skin in circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness or roughness. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Your skin will feel instantly smoother and softer.
Besan for Skin Lightening and Brightening
If you want to lighten and brighten your skin, besan can be a great natural option. It contains enzymes that can help lighten dark spots and pigmentation, giving your skin an even tone.
Mix besan with yogurt and a few drops of lemon juice to make a besan face pack for skin lightening. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and fade dark spots, while lemon juice has natural bleaching properties.
Besan for Acne and Pimple Control
Besan is also effective in controlling acne and pimples. Its antibacterial properties can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, while its exfoliating properties can unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
To make a besan face pack for acne-prone skin, mix besan with neem powder and rose water. Neem powder has antimicrobial properties that can help fight acne-causing bacteria, while rose water has soothing properties that can calm irritated skin. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Besan for Oil Control and Skin Hydration
Besan is a great ingredient for controlling excess oil and hydrating the skin. It can absorb extra fat without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
Mix besan with yogurt and a pinch of turmeric to make a besan face pack for oily skin. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Yogurt helps to control oil production, while turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm the skin.
A besan face pack with milk and honey can provide much-needed hydration for dry skin. Milk is rich in fats and proteins that nourish and moisturize the skin, while love has humectant properties that lock in moisture. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Besan for Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Prevention
Besan can also help prevent wrinkles and signs of aging. Its high protein content promotes collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and supple. It also contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and prevent premature aging.
Mix besan with mashed banana and a few drops of almond oil to make a besan face pack for anti-aging benefits. Bananas are rich in vitamins A and E, which can promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Almond oil is packed with antioxidants that can nourish and protect the skin. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Besan for Sun Damage Repair and Protection
Besan can help repair and protect the skin from sun damage. It contains enzymes that can lighten dark spots and pigmentation caused by sun exposure, while its antioxidant properties can neutralize free radicals and prevent further damage.
To make a besan face pack for sun-damaged skin, mix besan with tomato juice and a pinch of turmeric. Tomato juice is rich in lycopene, which can protect the skin from UV damage and reduce inflammation. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe sunburned skin. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
The Versatility of Besan for Healthy, Glowing Skin
In conclusion, besan is a versatile ingredient that can provide a wide range of benefits for the skin. Whether you want to achieve a radiant complexion, control acne, or prevent signs of aging, besan has got you covered. Its natural and affordable nature makes it a great choice for those who want to take a more holistic approach to skincare.
So why not try besan in your skincare routine? You might be surprised at the amazing results it can provide. Your skin will thank you for it!