what is ubtan - #23263
I am feeling pretty lost about this whole ubtan thing. My friend raved about ubtan after she visited her family in India, saying it transformed her skin. So I thought I'd try it too, but honestly, I don’t really get what ubtan is yet. I’ve been using this mix of chickpea flour and turmeric, but my skin seems kinda irritated afterward. I thought ubtan was supposed to help brighten skin, not make it red? Am I using it wrong? Like, do I need to not scrub so much? Also, how often should I be using ubtan to actually see results? Thanks for any tips!
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Doctors’ responses
Ubtan is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation often used as a skin cleanser and exfoliant. Your friend’s excitement is understandable, as ubtan has been cherished for centuries in India for its ability to enhance skin radiance. Typically, ubtan consists of natural ingredients like chickpea flour (besan), turmeric, sandalwood powder, and sometimes lentil or almond powder. These components work together to cleanse, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin. The key is balance and understanding your skin type.
Firstly, if your skin is getting irritated, you may be using too much turmeric or scrubbing too aggressively. Turmeric, while antiinflammatory and an excellent skin brightener, can be a bit too potent in high amounts or if left on the skin for too long. Consider adjusting the quantity of turmeric. A small pinch could be enough, and blend it with a soothing agent like yogurt or milk, which also helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to avoid over-drying the skin.
When applying ubtan, gently use circular motions, do not scrub harshly as this might lead to irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start with once a week to see how your skin reacts. If it’s positive and your skin doesn’t feel irritated, you could gradually increase to twice or thrice a week.
Regarding the frequency, results like improved brightness usually become more apparent after a few consistent uses. Always rinse off completely with cool water to neutralize the effects of turmeric and to close the pores.
If irritation persists, it might be beneficial to consult with an Ayurvedic physician or dermatologist to tailor the dmixture to your skin’s needs. And always test new formulations on a small part of your skin first. Remember, gentle and consistent care goes a long way!

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