When it comes to skincare, many people trust home remedies as they are considered gentle and less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin issues. One such popular ingredient is besan (gram flour), which is not only used in cooking, both for sweet and savory dishes, but also for enhancing the skin’s appearance. While besan is known to have skin benefits, it's important to combine it with the right ingredients. Some combinations are effective, while others can cause damage or irritation to the skin. Let’s take a closer look at some ingredients that should not be mixed with besan for skincare.
Besan as a Skincare Ingredient Besan is known for its exfoliating properties, which help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. It’s typically used in face packs and scrubs when mixed with ingredients like turmeric, yogurt, or milk, as these help nourish the skin. However, there are some ingredients that should never be combined with besan for the face as they can cause adverse effects.
1. Besan and Baking Soda There has been a surge in the use of baking soda in skincare DIYs, particularly for brightening the skin and even promoting hair growth. However, mixing baking soda with besan for a face pack is not advisable. Baking soda has an alkaline nature, which can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. This can lead to dryness, tightness, and irritation. In some cases, it may even cause swelling or itchiness on the skin. If you plan to use baking soda for any skincare treatment, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist first to avoid any negative reactions.
2. Besan and Vinegar Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is often used in skincare to help balance oily skin and lighten dark spots. The acidic properties of vinegar are said to help remove excess oils and impurities. However, mixing vinegar with besan for a face pack is not a good idea. The acidic nature of vinegar can dry out the skin significantly when combined with besan, which also has a drying effect. This combination can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. Before using vinegar in any skincare routine, it’s essential to perform a patch test to ensure it won’t cause irritation. It’s also recommended to use vinegar in small quantities and avoid using it with besan on the face.
3. Besan and Lemon Both besan and lemon have brightening effects on the skin. Besan works as a gentle cleanser, while lemon has bleaching properties due to its citric acid content, which is known to lighten dark spots and pigmentation. However, when combined, these two ingredients can have a drying effect on the skin. Lemon, due to its acidity, can strip the skin of its natural oils, and when combined with besan’s drying properties, it may leave your skin feeling parched. This combination is particularly harmful for individuals with dry skin. Moreover, sensitive skin types should avoid using lemon on the face, as it can cause redness, irritation, or even photosensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to sunburn.
4. Besan and Salt While salt has antiseptic properties and can be used in scrubs for its exfoliating action, combining it with besan is not ideal for skincare. Salt can be abrasive, and when mixed with besan, it may cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation or even breakouts. If you're looking for a natural exfoliant, it's better to use gentle ingredients like honey or yogurt, which will moisturize while exfoliating, rather than harsh ingredients like salt.
Best Practices for Using Besan in Skincare To make the most of besan in your skincare routine, here are some effective combinations to try: Besan and Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined with besan, it can help brighten the skin and reduce redness. Besan and Yogurt: Yogurt has lactic acid, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin and provide moisture. This combination is suitable for all skin types and helps maintain a healthy glow. Besan and Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial and moisturizing properties, making it a great companion for besan. This combination works well for dry or sensitive skin.
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