Is Besan Good for Skin? Benefits, How to Use & Skin-Type Guide

Besan is a natural cleanser, exfoliator and skin brightening agent that has been used for generations. Many of the best-known besan for skin benefits are related to its ability to absorb excesses of oil, gently exfoliate dead cells, and refresh the skin without harsh synthetic ingredients. For those who have wondered, is besan good for skin? The answer is yes.

Besan is also called gram flour or chickpea flour, it is the fine powder obtained by grinding Bengal gram (chana dal).It is long used in Ayurveda in the traditional ubtan preparations to cleanse and make the skin healthy.

 Besan has been a part of India's daily bathing routine, postpartum care and pre-wedding ubtans’ for centuries.

In this guide, learn which type of skin is best suited to besan, how to apply it properly, how frequently, and which ingredients to pair it with for various concerns. 

Benefits of Besan for Skin : 7 Reasons to Use It

Besan can be a great ingredient in a skin care regimen if applied properly. Knowing the facts about besan for skin benefits promotes realistic expectations and proper use.

1. Gentle Exfoliation Without Micro-Tears

This fine texture of besan helps in the removal of the dead skin cells accumulated on the surface of the skin without causing harsh friction, unlike coarse scrubs. Frequent scrubbing can show fresher, smoother-looking skin, and enhance the general texture. 

2. Deep Pore Cleansing

Besan is a natural cleansing powder which absorbs excess oil, dirt, sweat and buildup that occurs during the day. Many people prefer to use it because the skin feels clean after it is applied, and doesn't have that tight, stripped feeling that some cleansers do. 

3. Oil and Sebum Control

Excess sebum production can be a problem for anyone who lives in a humid climate. The natural absorption of surface oil and ability of besan to reduce the greasy buildup make it especially beneficial for oily skin types. 

4. Natural Skin Brightening

A popular myth is that besan whitens the skin. It doesn't. Rather, it eliminates the layer of dead cells that have settled on the surface. Once fresher skin is visible under the skin, the skin looks brighter and more radiant. 

5. Tan and Pigmentation Reduction

As besan is used frequently over a few weeks, it can help in minimizing the surface tanning owing to the accumulation of dead skin. Results do not develop instantly via bleaching or pigment change but gradually through exfoliation. For a more complete approach, explore natural ways to remove tan from face that work well alongside besan. 

6. Supports Clearer Skin

The oil absorption properties of besan can also contribute to maintaining a cleaner environment for the skin, reducing the likelihood of oiliness and congestion. It must be used as a complementary skin care and not as a treatment for severe acne. 

7. Helps Maintain Skin Barrier Balance

Combined with nourishing ingredients like milk, yoghurt or honey, besan can scrub and clear, without disturbing the natural barrier of the skin. This equilibrium is one of the reasons traditional Ayurvedic skincare stresses besan. 

Is Besan Good for Different Skin Types? 

When people ask, if besan is good for their skin type, it really is not so much about besan but what is mixed with it.

Is Besan Good for Oily Skin?

• Besan is excellent for oily skin as it will absorb excess sebum without stripping the skin.
• Besan and Rose water are the best combination.
• Moisturizing is recommended, in fact, leaving out moisturizer can trigger your skin to produce even more oil, which surprises most people with oily skin. 

Frequency: 3 times a week as a mask.

Is Besan Good for Dry Skin?

• Many people believe that besan for dry skin is not good, which is not correct.
• The secret is in mixing the ingredients.
• Moisture is derived from milk, honey, yogurt and malai and gentle exfoliation from besan. Those with very dry skin may also benefit from using Shata Dhauta Ghrita Cream after rinsing.
• If your skin is already tight or flaky, refrain from using besan and plain water mixture.

Frequency: Once weekly.

Is Besan Good for Acne Prone Skin?

• Besan for acne prone skin can help to keep skin looking fresh and shiny. It can help to control the amount of oil production in the skin for mild acne.
• Add rose water,  or neem water to it.
• Try to avoid using lemon on active inflamed acne as it can aggravate pigmentation.

Frequency: Twice weekly. 

Is Besan Good for Combination Skin?

• Customization works for combination skin.
• Use a thicker rose-water mixture on the T-zone, and a milk-based mixture on dry cheeks with besan for combination skin.
• This strategy will not result in dry patches on the face.

Frequency: Twice weekly. 

How to Apply Besan on Face: Step-by-Step

Once you have selected the right ingredients, knowing how to use besan on the face correctly is equally crucial. They just do not get the desired results as people mix up the paste wrong, leave it on for extended periods or use it in the wrong proportion for their skin type. 

Step 1 — Choose Your Mode

There are basically two methods of using besan: 

Mask Mode

• Thick paste
• Leave on for 10-15 minutes
• Perfect for skin exfoliation and oil control

Cleanser Mode

• Thin, flowy paste
• Massage and rinse off as soon as possible
• Ideal for skin that is sensitive, dry, or irritated

Select the mode depending on your skin type and skincare objective.

Step 2 — Mix With the Right Carrier

• For masks, add only enough liquid to make a thick spreadable paste.
• For cleansers, use more liquid to get a milk-like consistency.

Make new mixtures every time. The pastes should never be stored for future use as the natural ingredients may deteriorate.

Step 3 — Prep Your Skin

• Before learning how to apply besan on the face, start with a clean canvas.
• Rinse off makeup, sunscreen, sweat and surface dirt.
• The skin should be damp but not dripping wet.

Besan will work best if it is directly in contact with dead skin cells and excess oil.

Step 4 — Apply Correctly

For masks:

• Use upward strokes.
• Smooth out the application of the layer.
• Wait until about 70% dry.

Try not to let the mask dry out completely as it can extract moisture from the skin. 

For cleansers:

• Massage lightly in circular motions.
• Continue for 30–45 seconds.
• Rinse thoroughly. 

Avoid:

• Eye area
• Open wounds
• Acne lesions that are still inflamed and active 

Step 5 — Rinse and Moisturize

• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Dry gently, avoid rubbing.
• Moisturize within 60 seconds to retain more hydration.

When going outdoors, always use sunscreen, as freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV rays. 

Can We Apply Besan On The Face Daily?

Thick Besan face packs should not be used everyday as continuous scrubbing can strip down the skin barrier and make it too dry. However, for some skin types that are oily, occasionally using a very diluted besan cleanser may be okay. 

Those interested in traditional skin care can explore how often you should use ubtan to get more guidance.

Can we apply besan daily on the face is the question that many readers have. This depends on your application.

The following table is a practical guide.

What Happens If You Overuse Besan?

Excessive use may:

• Strip natural oils
• Trigger rebound oiliness
• Increase skin sensitivity
• Contribute to dryness
• Causes irritation and redness

Consistency is more important than frequency. A moderate routine is nearly always better than daily overuse. 

Who Should Avoid Besan?

While besan suits most skin types, it may not be best for:

• Individuals who are allergic to chickpea flour or gram flour
• People who have an active eczema condition
• Any skin areas that have an open wound or infection
• People with very bad acne who are not seeking professional advice

All patients should undergo a patch test prior to the first use. 

Post-Besan Skincare: How to Lock In the Glow 

People only pay attention to facial packs and leave out the after-care. In fact, the post-rinse practices you follow can make the difference between a nourished and overly dry skin. 

Step 1 — Rinse With Cool or Lukewarm Water

• Freshly cleansed skin is soothed with cool or lukewarm water.
• Do not use hot water as it may further dry down the skin and cause further moisture loss.
• Contrary to popular opinion, pores do not open and close. Cooler water is generally more soothing on freshly exfoliated skin.

Step 2 — Moisturize Within 60 Seconds

It is one of the most crucial skin care routines. Exfoliation opens up the surface of the skin and it becomes more responsive to moisturizing. Moisturize when skin is slightly damp. An Ayurvedic Face Cream can help support hydration after exfoliation.

If you have an acne-prone skin type, a light and non-comedogenic moisturizer will ensure you are hydrated without pore-clogging. 

Step 3 — SPF During Daytime

Exfoliated skin has reduced surface buildup, which serves as a physical barrier. Sun protection on a daily basis prevents skin damage, aging and pigmentation. No matter how great your skin care regimen is, it won't work without sun protection. 

Final Thoughts

So, is besan good for skin? Absolutely. If used wisely for your skin type, besan is good for skin as it can gently cleanse, provide mild exfoliation, control oil production, and naturally brighten without harsh chemical components. What matters most is not the besan – it is the right mixing ingredient and the right frequency. 

We at Gaurisatva agree that traditional ingredients of Ayurvedic medicine are still very relevant in skin care when applied with awareness. If you are using besan for your skin as a cleanser, a mask or as an ubtan, keep in mind that moderation and consistency are the key to attaining better results than intensive use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can besan be used for skin daily?

Not as a face mask. A thin diluted paste can be used to cleanse oily skin while most skin types should use besan masks no more than a couple times a week.

How to apply besan on your face for glowing skin?

Take 2 tablespoons besan and add milk and turmeric. Apply evenly on clean skin, allow to dry slightly, remove with wet fingers, rinse and moisturize right after.

Is Besan really effective in permanently removing tan?

No, Besan will help you minimize the appearance of surface tanning by peeling off dead skin cells, it will not alter your natural skin colour.

Is Besan effective in reducing blackheads and whiteheads?

Besan can help to keep pores clean and clear from excess oil and debris. But when the blackheads are stubborn, more exfoliations may be needed.

Is it possible to mix besan and lemon?

Lemon can be a skin irritant for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Other safe options are rose water, aloe vera, milk, yogurt or honey.

Does Besan remove dark spots?

Besan won't whiten the skin. With regular exfoliation, dark spots may become less noticeable and overall brightness may be improved with time.

Is besan good for teenage skin?

Yes. Oily or combination skin can be treated with a quick application of besan and rose water twice a week.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any Ayurvedic treatment or remedy.