Forget Facewash: 5 DIY Besan Packs for Your Best Natural Glow!

Imagine ditching your daily facewash and soap for a skincare routine that promises a natural, radiant glow! It might sound too good to be true, but people are trying and loving homemade besan (gram flour) face packs. These popular DIY beauty solutions, crafted with simple kitchen ingredients like besan, tomato, honey, and yogurt, are getting buzz for leaving skin feeling smooth, looking radiant, and potentially reducing the need for makeup.

If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to nourish your skin and achieve a smoother-looking complexion, these besan face packs are definitely worth learning about. Let’s dive into the world of gram flour and discover five easy recipes to bring out your skin’s natural beauty right at home!

What is Besan (Gram Flour)?

Besan, also known as gram flour, chickpea flour, or cici flour, is a staple in many kitchens, especially in Indian subcontinent cuisine. But beyond its culinary uses, this finely ground flour made from dried chickpeas has been a cherished beauty secret for generations. It’s naturally rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic ingredient for natural skincare.

Why Your Skin Will Love Besan

Besan is commonly used in DIY beauty routines for a multitude of reasons:

• Gentle Exfoliation: Its slightly grainy texture makes it a wonderful natural exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin underneath.
• Oil Absorption: For those with oily skin, besan is excellent at absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, which can help in managing breakouts.
• Brightening Effect: Regular use can contribute to a more even-toned and brighter-looking complexion.
• Cleansing Properties: It acts as a natural cleanser, effectively removing dirt and impurities from the skin, often making it a popular alternative to conventional soaps.
• Soothing Sensation: When mixed with other hydrating ingredients, it can feel very soothing on the skin.

Important Tips Before You Start

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin (like your inner arm) 24 hours before applying any new DIY mask to your face, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
• Consistency: Aim for a smooth, paste-like consistency for your face packs – not too runny and not too thick.
• Frequency: For most skin types, using a besan face pack 1-2 times a week is generally sufficient.

5 DIY Besan Face Packs for a Radiant Glow

1. The Brightening Besan & Tomato Pack

This pack combines the exfoliating power of besan with the natural astringent and brightening properties of tomato.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh tomato juice or pulp

Instructions:

1. Mix the besan with tomato juice/pulp to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply evenly to your face and neck.
3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to dry.
4. Gently scrub in circular motions while rinsing off with cool water.

2. The Moisturizing Besan & Honey Pack

Ideal for dry to normal skin, this pack uses honey’s hydrating and antibacterial qualities to leave your skin feeling soft and supple.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons besan
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or rose water (for desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Combine besan, honey, and enough milk or rose water to create a smooth paste.
2. Apply to your clean face and neck.
3. Relax for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with lukewarm water, gently massaging your skin.

3. The Soothing Besan & Yogurt Pack

Yogurt contains lactic acid, a mild AHA, which provides gentle exfoliation while besan cleanses and refines. Perfect for sensitive or combination skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons besan
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (full-fat for extra moisture, or low-fat for oilier skin)

Instructions:

1. Mix besan and yogurt thoroughly to form a smooth, lump-free paste.
2. Apply the mask generously to your face and neck.
3. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
4. Wash off with cool water, using gentle circular motions.

4. The Radiant Besan, Turmeric & Milk/Rosewater Pack

Turmeric is celebrated for its skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties, making this pack a favorite for a natural glow and more even-looking skin tone.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons besan
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (use Kasturi Turmeric for less staining, if available)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for normal/dry skin) or rose water (for oily skin)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix besan and turmeric powder.
2. Gradually add milk or rose water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, thick paste.
3. Apply the pack to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water. (Note: Turmeric can leave a slight yellow tint, which usually fades quickly. Using a gentle cleanser afterward can help.)

5. The Oil-Control Besan & Lemon (Optional) & Rosewater Pack

For those looking to manage excess oil and achieve a brighter complexion, this pack can be beneficial. *Use lemon juice with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it can be photosensitizing.*

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons besan
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, omit for sensitive skin)
• 2-3 tablespoons rose water

Instructions:

1. Combine besan, lemon juice (if using), and enough rose water to make a smooth paste.
2. Apply to your face, focusing on oily areas, but avoid delicate skin around the eyes.
3. Let it dry for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water, gently massaging to exfoliate.

How to Use Your Besan Face Pack

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean face. Gently wash away any makeup or surface impurities.
2. Apply: Use your fingertips or a clean brush to apply an even layer of the besan pack to your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
3. Relax: Let the pack work its magic for 15-20 minutes. This is a great time to unwind!
4. Remove: Once the pack is partially dry (it shouldn’t be bone-dry and cracking), gently moisten your face with water. Then, using soft circular motions, gently scrub the pack off. This helps with exfoliation.
5. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water until all traces of the pack are gone.
6. Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite gentle moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Always use fresh ingredients.
• Store any leftover ingredients properly.
• Be consistent with your routine to see the best-looking results.
• Listen to your skin! If any pack causes irritation, discontinue use.

Embracing DIY besan face packs can be a wonderful journey toward a more natural and personalized skincare routine. They offer an affordable and effective way to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten your complexion, helping you achieve that desirable natural glow. Give these recipes a try and discover the beauty of simple, homemade solutions!

Have you tried besan face packs before? Share your favorite recipes and tips in the comments below!