Gentle oil massage (Abhyanga): - Use pure, edible-grade oils like cold-pressed coconut oil, cow’s ghee, or Bala Taila (Ayurvedic baby massage oil). - Massage lightly before bath to strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and protect skin.
Bathing: - Use lukewarm water only. - Avoid soaps or powders for infants under 6 months.
Natural glow support: - Mother’s diet plays a role: including saffron milk, almonds, and fresh fruits in the mother’s diet (if breastfeeding) is considered beneficial in Ayurveda for baby’s nourishment.
⚠️ Important Notes - No whitening powders: Besan, turmeric, sandalwood, or any herbal scrub should be avoided until the baby is older (usually after 1 year, and even then only under guidance). - Baby fairness myths: Ayurveda emphasizes ojas (vitality) and health, not skin color. A baby’s natural complexion is determined by genetics, not external applications. - Focus on protection: Keep the baby’s skin moisturized, avoid harsh sunlight, and ensure soft cotton clothing.
***Gentle Ayurvedic Alternatives (for later, after 1 year)---- When the child is older, traditional ubtan (herbal paste) can be used occasionally: - Besan + milk + turmeric (tiny pinch) + rose water → applied gently before bath. - But not recommended for infants under 6 months.
For Baby giving light massage on full body with extra virgin coconut oil or olive oil is best As baby grows with time , natural glow and colour comes naturally, with hygeine, nutritious diet. Include pure cow’s ghee in diet. Donot expose your baby to direct Sun rays.
Best is coconut oil You can warm it slightly and do whole body massage Di not add besan as baby skin is very soft and sensitive because of rubbing may develop skin irritation
Hello,
I totally understand how you want the best and most natural care for the baby’s skin. At such a sensitive age, it is about protecting and nourishing the skin — no need for whitening 😊
YOUR CONCERN AND PROBABLE CAUSES
Your baby: –Is less than 6 months old –Has normal skin – Has no history of skin reactions –Seeking answer if you can use besan or powder for skin whitening
According to Ayurveda:
Baby skin is mainly Kapha & Rasa Dhatu type The skin is very thin, delicate, and is still in the process of development
Any type of harsh powder, besan, or something that dries the skin can cause: –Dryness –Rashes –Allergic reactions –Skin irritation
⚠️ Important Truth:
Ayurveda does not support “whitening” of baby skin. The natural skin color of a baby depends on genes and becomes stable only after 1-2 years.
We should aim at: Healthy skin Soft texture Natural glow Protection from Infection & Dryness
EXTERNAL CARE
✅ Best and Safest Daily Care for Baby Skin:
Daily Abhyanga (Oil Massage) with: Cold-pressed Coconut Oil Almond Oil Massage the oil gently for 10 minutes before bathing This alone helps a lot:
Skin glow Circulation Immunity Natural complexion
Bathing Use only plain lukewarm water Do not use soap daily (2-3 times a week only with a mild baby cleanser)
HOME REMEDIES
Natural glow-home remedies:
On dry skin areas before bath, apply breast milk (very safe & nourishing) After the bath: Application of coconut oil Only soft cotton clothing It is very necessary to keep skin folds clean and dry
❌ Strictly Avoid:
Besan on the skin of a newborn Herbal powders Commercial fairness powders Talcum powder near the nose or face
DIET PLAN (For Mother – If Breastfeeding)
✅ INCLUDE
Ghee, warm milk Green vegetables Fruits like apple, pomegranate Water Nuts & dates
❌ AVOID
Too much spicy food Junk food Cold drinks Processed food
👉 The better the mother’s diet, the better the baby’s skin.
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Make sure the baby is not under direct hot sunlight Do not let cold air blow directly on the baby Do not bath baby too much Trim nails regularly Give baby enough water mainly by breastfeeds Don’t put on many products at the same time
Final Honest Ayurvedic Advice: There is no safe Ayurvedic powder or besan that can be used for whitening babies under 6 months.
Oil massage, good nutrition through breastfeeding, and gentle care are the best ways to get a natural glow. This alone provides the most beautiful, healthy skin naturally over time.
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Better to avoid any powders. Use virgin coconut oil (home-made if possible) is better option for good skin health.
Otherwise use kottakkal ayurveda baby oil. Before applying any oil do some patch test.
Take care, Dr. Shaniba
Almond oil or Coconut oil
Please note that a baby’s skin color is determined by genetics (Prakriti). No powder can permanently whiten skin.
Ayurveda focuses on Varnya (Radiance/Glow) and removing dead skin/hair to make the skin clear and shiny, which naturally makes the baby look brighter.
Besan vs. Green Gram Avoid Besan: For a baby less than 6 months, Besan (Gram Flour) can be slightly drying and coarse. Better Alternative: Use Green Gram Powder (Moong Dal Flour). It is much softer, cooling, and safer for delicate infant skin.
Instead of soap, use this gentle homemade paste: Green Gram Flour: 1 tablespoon (Ultra-fine powder). Turmeric (Haldi): A tiny pinch (Antibacterial). Milk Cream (Malai): 1 teaspoon (Moisturizes and adds glow). Method: Mix into a smooth paste. Apply gently during the bath. Do not scrub or rub hard. Just apply and rinse off.
Essential Step: Oil Massage (Abhyanga) The real secret to glowing skin in Ayurveda is the pre-bath massage. Use Almond Oil or Nalpamaradi Thailam (specifically famous for improving complexion) gently 15 minutes before the bath.
Caution Patch Test: Always try a little paste on the baby’s leg first to ensure no redness occurs. Hydration: Ensure the baby is well-fed (Breast milk) as internal hydration reflects on the skin.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
Hi, Thanks for your question,
According to Ayurvedic-inspired advice and pediatric skin-care guidance:-
Babies’ skin is very delicate and sensitive; harsh natural powders (or scrubs) may cause irritation, rashes, dryness, or disrupt skin barrier.
Many traditional recipes (e.g. using Besan / gram-flour, Turmeric / “haldi”, herbal powders or “ubtan” mixes) are aimed more at cleansing, removing dead skin or tan, and improving softness — not truly “changing” skin colour.
There is no guaranteed, safe, evidence-based “skin-whitening powder” for babies; many “brightening” edits result only in temporary glow or tan removal — and repeated or harsh use may backfire (irritation, dryness, allergic rash).
If you still want to consider gentle Ayurvedic-style powders (with caution), here are a few options — but only for babies old enough, with no skin problems, and after a patch-test. Use very gently, do not scrub, and ideally after consulting a pediatrician. 1)Mamaearth Dusting Powder for Babies — a talc-free dusting powder for babies; dusting powders are often safer than scrubs or “packs,” but again — they support skin comfort, not dramatic colour change.
2)Babyhug Advanced Talc Free Powder — basic talc-free powder useful for skin dryness or mild irritation; unlikely to affect skin tone.
✅ My Advice (Based on Ayurvedic Principles + Safety)-
If your goal is healthy, soft, glowing skin (rather than unrealistic “fairness”), it’s better to: 1)Use very gentle powders or talc-free dusting powders rather than coarse scrubs or strong clays. 2)Avoid applying homemade “fairness packs” on babies (especially with besan, turmeric, multani mitti) as these can irritate or damage delicate skin. 3)Prioritize skin care basics: mild cleansing, moisturizing, protection from harsh sun / heat / pollution, good hygiene, balanced nutrition. 4)Consult a pediatrician or dermatologist before applying any new powder or paste — especially if the baby’s skin is very young (<1 yr) or sensitive.
Thanku
HELLO THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING US IN ASK AYURVEDA
AS YOU HAD ASKED ABOUT POWDER TO BE USED , SO I WILL BE SPECIFIC TO IT
JOHNSON BABY POWDER IS BEST AND ITS COMMONLY USED
BESAN POWDER MIXED WITH MILK OR OIL TO BE APPLIED ONLY WEEKLY BASIS , BUT AFTER MASSAGE , BABT SHOULD BE BATHED WITH WARM WATER.
When it comes to baby skin care, it’s important to prioritize safety and health over aesthetic concerns like skin whitening, as babies have very sensitive skin. Ayurveda traditionally emphasizes nurturing healthy skin over altering its natural color.
Besan, or gram flour, is occasionally used in some traditional skincare routines due to its properties, but its purpose isn’t focused on whitening but rather cleansing and providing gentle exfoliation. For a baby, the emphasis should be on gentleness and avoiding anything harsh or irritating to their delicate skin. Instead of looking for skin whitening solutions, consider practices that enhance the natural glow and health of your baby’s skin.
1. Gentle Cleansing: Using plain, lukewarm water with a soft washcloth for daily cleansing is typically sufficient. If needed, a mild, chemical-free baby soap can be used.
2. Moisturizing: Ensure the skin remains hydrated. A natural oil, like coconut or almond oil, can be gently massaged onto the baby’s skin. It keeps the skin soft and may contributes to a natural healthy glow.
3. Sun Protection: Baby skin can be very sensitive to the sun, so natural protection via lightweight clothing or keeping them in shade is effective. Avoid topical sunblock for very young babies unless prescribed.
4. Dietary Considerations: For a breastfeeding baby, ensuring the nutritional needs are properly met can naturally reflect in the skin’s appearance through the mother’s diet. If the baby is eating solid foods, including a balance of fruits and vegetables can support healthy skin from the inside out.
Randomly applying powders or other remedies without proper knowledge can irritate the sensitive skin. If specific concerns do arise regarding your baby’s skin, consider consulting a pediatric dermatologist or Ayurvedic pediatrician to provide personalized guidance based on the unique needs of your child.
When considering natural remedies for healthy skin, especially for babies, it’s essential to tread with caution and focus on gentle care. The desire for skin whitening in babies is culturally sensitive and can sometimes overshadow the importance of skin health and safety. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic tradition, the focus should be on nurturing the overall well-being of a child’s skin rather than altering its natural color, which is determined by genetics.
For maintaining healthy skin, powders like besan (gram flour) are sometimes used traditionally, as they can be gentle exfoliants. Mixing besan with a bit of raw milk can act as a mild cleansing paste. Apply this mixture very sparingly and be sure to wash it off with lukewarm water gently. This can help in maintaining a clean and healthy skin tone. However, it’s vital to test a small patch of skin first to ensure there’s no allergic reaction.
Turmeric is occasionally added due to its antibacterial properties, but for babies, it’s crucial to use it in minimal amounts due to its strong stain and potential to irritate sensitive skin.
Remember that each baby’s skin is unique, reflecting their dosha balance and overall constitution. Skin health is not just about external treatments — ensuring the baby has a balanced diet, appropriate for their age, plenty of hydration, and maintaining good hygiene is vital. The use of coconut oil for regular massages can also help in nourishing the skin deeply.
Consult with a pediatrician or a trained Ayurvedic practitioner if there are concerns about skin issues or allergies. This advice must not substitute the guidance provided by a healthcare professional especially for babies with sensitive or problem-prone skin.
