Besan (Gram Flour)

Besan for Face: What It Really Does for Indian Skin (And Why Ubtan Still Wins)

Walk into any Indian home and ask for a glow remedy. Chances are, you’ll hear one word: Besan a.k.a. Gram Flour. Haldi-besan before weddings, Dadi ke nuskhe on Sundays and quick fixes before a function.

It’s not a trend. It’s a ritual we grew up with.

But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough:
why it works, when it fails, and how to do it right today.

What is Besan (Gram Flour / Chickpea Flour)?

Besan, or gram flour, is made from ground chana dal.

In Ayurveda, it’s known for:

• Lekhana (cleansing and scraping) → removes excess oil and buildup

• Kaph balancing → useful for oily, acne-prone skin

In modern terms:

• Mild exfoliant

• Oil absorber

• Non-stripping cleanser

Simple ingredient. Strong foundation.

Why Besan Became India’s Go-To Face Pack

Because it solved real problems Indian skin faces:

• Tan from strong sun exposure

• Oiliness in humid climates

• Dust and pollution buildup

A quick besan face pack could:
✔ Clean the skin
✔ Reduce tan
✔ Make it look fresh before an event

That’s why it stuck. It worked where it mattered.

Besan for Face: What It Actually Does

1. Cleans without damaging your skin barrier
Unlike harsh soaps, besan doesn’t strip your skin completely.

2. Helps manage oil and breakouts
This is why gram flour for skin is still used for acne-prone routines.

3. Removes tan and dullness
Not “whitening.”
Just removing what’s sitting on top of your skin.

4. Smooths texture over time
Acts as a gentle exfoliant when used consistently.

What Besan Works Best With (And Why Our Grandmothers Were Right)

Traditional mixes were not random. They were intuitive formulations.

Besan + Dahi (Curd)

Used before weddings.
Why it works: lactic acid gently exfoliates → instant glow.

Besan + Haldi (Turmeric)

For acne and calming skin.
Why it works: anti-inflammatory + antibacterial.

Besan + Milk / Malai

For dry skin.
Why it works: adds fats and hydration.

Besan + Chandan (Sandalwood)

For heat, tan, irritation.
Why it works: cooling + soothing.

Besan + Neem + Tulsi

For breakouts.
Why it works: purifying and oil-controlling.

Notice the pattern?
Every mix had a purpose. A balance.

That’s formulation. Just without the label.

So Why Not Just Use Besan at Home?

You can. And it will help.

But let’s be honest. Most of us don’t measure anything.

One day it’s more haldi, next day too much lemon. Sometimes, it dries too much.

Here’s the honest gap:

• Ingredient quality varies

• Ratios are inconsistent

• Skin type is not considered deeply

• Results are not repeatable

Common issues:

• Skin feels tight after use

• Random breakouts

• No visible results

Why? Because Besan is just the base. Not the formula.

 

JiViSa Ubtans: Taking a Ritual and Doing It Right

At JiViSa, we didn’t reinvent ubtan.
We respected it. Then refined it.

Our Ubtan Face Pack range is:

• 100% Ayurvedic

• Built on traditional combinations - using our Chachi's formulas!

• Balanced with modern skin understanding

And yes, besan is the base across all three.
But what surrounds it is what makes it work consistently.

The 3 JiViSa Ubtans (Inspired by Real Indian Skin Needs)

Gulaab Chandan Ubtan - For Tan, Dullness, Uneven Skin

This is closest to the classic bridal ubtan ritual.

Key actives:

• Besan

• Chandan (sandalwood)

• Gulaab (rose)

• Barley

What it does:

• Gently exfoliates

• Reduces tan from sun exposure

• Improves skin clarity over time

If your concern is de-tan and glow, this is your everyday answer.

Nimba Tulsi Ubtan — For Detanning Acne, Oil, Congested Skin

Rooted in traditional Ayurvedic acne care.

Key actives:

• Besan

• Neem

• Tulsi

• Mint and clay

What it does:

• Controls excess oil

• Helps keep pores clear

• Calms active breakouts

This replaces your inconsistent Besan + neem DIY mix.

Kumari Elaichi Ubtan — Detanning For Dry, Tired, Urban Skin

A more modern need. Less addressed traditionally.

Key actives:

• Kumari (aloe vera)

• Elaichi (cardamom)

• Chandan

• Multani mitti

What it does:

• Hydrates while cleansing

• Softens rough texture

• Supports skin barrier

Think of it as a balanced version of besan + milk, without over-drying.

DIY vs JiViSa Ubtan: What Actually Changes

Factor	DIY Besan	JiViSa Ubtan
Inspiration	Traditional	Traditional + refined
Ratios	Approximate	Balanced
Skin targeting	Basic	Specific
Results	Inconsistent	Consistent
Experience	Effort-heavy	Seamless

Can You Use Besan Face Pack Daily?

No. Indian skin, especially in hot climates, is already dealing with stress.

• Oily skin → 2–3 times/week

• Dry skin → 1–2 times/week

• Sensitive skin → once/week

Too much exfoliation does more harm than good.

Is Besan Good for Face?

Yes. It always has been.

But the real answer is this: Besan is powerful. But it was never meant to be used alone.

Final Thought

Our grandmothers were always right. We just wish we had the time at our hands for doing it their way. 

Ubtan was always about:

• The right ingredients

• In the right balance

• For the right skin

That’s exactly what JiViSa brings back.

Same ritual. Done with intention. Done right.