Besan or gram flour is a much-loved ingredient when it comes to skin. Even your grandmother must have praised this ingredient for its skin benefits. Besan is used as an exfoliant and has been a beauty staple for a long time. However, some women complain that it makes their skin dry. Have you experienced this too? If so, let’s find out why this happens and if there’s any side effects of besan on face.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Rashmi Ravindra, Consultant Dermatology and Cosmetology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru to find out the side effects of using a besan face pack in winter.

Is besan bad for skin in winter?

Besan is known for its excellent exfoliating properties that help to deal with several skin problems which include combating pigmentation, dark spots, and scars, all at once! It doesn’t only act as a perfect scrub but zinc present in besan helps reduce the risk of breakouts and add glow to your skin. While you may think besan can dry out your skin, it actually helps soothe skin irritation and make it soft and smooth.

However, besan can dry out your skin only if you’re using it more often. Dr Ravindra says, “Besan is alkaline in nature and skin pH is acidic, so too much or frequent usage of besan on the skin is a bad idea as there will be an imbalance. This will lead to more dryness, especially during the cold weather.” Hence, using it in excess is a strict no-no. Moreover, if you are suffering from acne and breakouts, avoid using besan.

Also read: Got dry skin? Keep it soft with these DIY gel moisturizers this winter

3 things to keep in mind while using besan in winter:

If you use besan in the right way, it can help remove tan and brighten the skin, giving you an even tone. Plus, it can reduce the signs of ageing too. So, all you have to do is to learn the right way to use besan in winter. Before that, keep these 3 things in mind before using besan:

• First of all, avoid using besan mixed with lemon in the winter season. Your skin, which is already dry from the cold and dry weather, will become more dry and itchy.
• Secondly, if your skin type is already dry, you should avoid using besan flour on your face or body during the winter as it can make the condition worse.
• If you’re still using a besan face pack, make sure you remove it within 10 minutes. If it is left for longer, it can cause dryness, irritation or folliculitis.

Here are a few ways to use besan in winter

If you want to avoid any side effects on your skin after using besan, here are 3 suggestions for winter-friendly besan face packs:

1. Besan mixed with honey

Take one and half tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of besan. Mix these two ingredients well in a bowl. You can add a few drops of rose water if the consistency of the paste is thick. Apply this dry skin-friendly face mask on the face and neck and leave it for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. You can use this pack twice or thrice a week to make your skin soft and moisturized.

2. Besan mixed with yogurt

Mix 2 tablespoons of besan with 1-2 tablespoons of curd/yogurt. Stir well to make a paste. Apply this paste gently all over your face and massage for 5 minutes. Now leave it for another 10 minutes. Now, rub it and remove it from your skin and rinse your face with lukewarm water. Use this twice a week only to get smooth and supple skin.

3. Besan mixed with almond oil and egg yolk

In a bowl mix 2 tablespoons of besan, one tablespoon of almond oil, and one egg yolk. Mix these ingredients well to make a smooth paste. You can even add honey or curd to make the mixture smooth if it’s too thick. Apply this mixture on your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a week to avoid dry skin.