We venture out in the sun and get tanned. The dirt and pollution make matters worse, and our skin takes a toll. It becomes dull and dark. While there are many creams and other cosmetic products that claim to help with this, they often contain chemicals that may do more good than harm.

But by using besan for skin whitening, an all-natural solution, you can bring out the original colour of your skin and have a brighter skin tone. Read to know more about skin whitening with besan.

What is Besan?

Besan is a golden-brown flour that is made from ground chickpeas. It is usually made from Bengal gram or Garbanzo beans. It is used in many food items like curries, fritters, desserts (think of the famous besan ka laddoo!) and more. Apart from being great for consumption, it has magical benefits for our skin.

Benefits of Using Besan For Skin Whitening

• Decreases Tanning: According to research published in ‘The Open Dermatology Journal’, besan flour decreases tanning on the skin.
• Lightens Skin Tone: The same study published in ‘The Open Dermatology Journal’, states that besan lightens the skin tone.
• Exfoliates Dead Skin: Besan is a natural exfoliator. It removes the layer of dead skin cells, revealing the brighter layer of the skin underneath.
• Cleanses the Skin: It is a natural cleanser that helps get rid of the environmental impurities in the skin, bringing a natural skin glow.

How to Use Besan for Skin Whitening

Here are some ways to use besan for skin whitening:

Face Pack 1: Besan, Multani Mitti, Almond Powder, Oatmeal, Sandalwood Powder

A great scrub, this mix can be used all over your body for brighter, cleaner and fresh skin. The blend of these ingredients will give your skin an instant shine.

The Indian Dermatology Online Journal found that sandalwood powder has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. These help in making the skin look healed, fresh and young.

Face Pack 2: Tomato, Besan, Lemon

These three powerful ingredients, when combined, have bleaching properties. This is one of the best ways to use besan for skin whitening. Mix tomato pulp with besan and half a lemon. Leave the mixture on your skin for about 20 minutes, then wash it off.

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences published a study that found lemon to have skin bleaching properties.

Face Pack 3: Besan, Turmeric Powder, Lemon, Curd, Honey

It is the perfect face pack to get rid of tan. Mix these ingredients to form a paste and apply it on desired areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Use it once a week. You can use milk instead of curd if you have dry skin.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that turmeric can reduce hyperpigmentation of the skin that makes it appear dark and dull, ultimately brightening the skin tone.

Face Pack 4: Besan, Lemon Peel Powder, Lemon, Sesame Oil

A unique way to use besan for skin whitening. This pack will help in the removal of dead skin cells and brighten your skin tone. Make a mixture of these ingredients and apply it on your skin. Once the pack is dry, wash it off with water. Avoid going out in the sun directly after applying this pack.

The key ingredient here is sesame oil. It contains sesamol, sesamin and sesamolin that prevent melanin synthesis, according to a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. High melanin levels can lead to darker skin.

Get Brighter Skin With Besan

Here’s a tip to keep in mind while using besan for skin whitening. If you have dry skin, use besan with milk and if your skin is very oily, mix it with curd.

Besan is an age-old remedy for multiple skin problems. There is a reason why brides-to-be trust besan for their skin to look amazing on their wedding day. Along with lightening the skin tone it also helps to keep pimples at bay by reducing oiliness and aids in reducing facial hair. Trusted for centuries and a famous dadi-ka-nuskha, besan can be your secret to the skin you’ve always wanted.

But don’t forget, you are beautiful just like you are!