Gram flour, commonly known as besan, has been a staple in Indian skincare for centuries. From face masks to natural exfoliators, gram flour is widely used for its cleansing and brightening properties. But while it’s celebrated for its benefits, it’s important to understand that besan isn’t suitable for every skin type. In fact, gram flour can cause side effects on the face, especially when used excessively or incorrectly.
This article explores the lesser-known adverse effects of gram flour on the face, along with precautions, alternatives, and tips to use it safely. Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Gram Flour (Besan) and Why Is It Used on the Face?
Gram flour is made by grinding chana dal (split Bengal gram) into a fine yellow powder. It has natural cleansing, oil-absorbing, and exfoliating properties, making it a popular choice for:
- Reducing acne
- Controlling oily skin
- Brightening the skin tone
- Removing tan
- Reducing facial hair growth
However, like any natural remedy, its effects can vary based on individual skin types, sensitivity, and frequency of use.
Hidden Truth: Can Gram Flour Be Harmful for Your Skin?
While gram flour is often hailed as a miracle skincare ingredient, it’s not entirely risk-free. In some cases, people may experience negative reactions such as dryness, irritation, or even breakouts. Let’s examine these issues in depth.
Common Side Effects of Applying Gram Flour on the Face
1. Excessive Dryness and Flaky Skin
One of the most frequent side effects of using besan on the face is skin dryness. Gram flour is naturally oil-absorbing. While this helps in controlling oily skin, it can strip away essential moisture, leaving the skin dehydrated and flaky.
Why This Happens:
- Overuse of besan face packs
- Using gram flour without mixing moisturizing agents like honey or yogurt
- Naturally dry or sensitive skin type
Tip:
Mix gram flour with aloe vera gel, milk, or a few drops of almond oil to avoid dryness.
2. Skin Irritation and Redness
Some individuals may experience itching, redness, or mild inflammation after applying besan. This is often a result of sensitive skin reacting to the coarse texture or impurities in low-quality gram flour.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Burning sensation during or after application
- Red patches or rash-like appearance
- Skin that feels tight or irritated
Tip:
Always do a patch test before applying any gram flour mask, especially if you’re using it for the first time.
3. Breakouts and Pimples
It may sound counterintuitive, but using gram flour on acne-prone skin can sometimes worsen breakouts.
Possible Reasons:
- Clogged pores from thick gram flour paste
- Bacterial contamination in stored besan
- Not rinsing off the paste properly
Tip:
Use a diluted paste and rinse thoroughly. Also, avoid combining besan with comedogenic ingredients like heavy oils.
4. Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some people may have allergic reactions to besan, especially those with a legume allergy (as chickpeas are part of the legume family).
Signs of an Allergic Reaction:
- Severe itching
- Swelling or puffiness
- Hives or bumps on the face
- Difficulty in breathing (in extreme cases)
Tip:
If you have a known legume allergy, avoid using gram flour on your skin entirely.
5. Temporary Skin Discoloration
Another lesser-known side effect of using gram flour is temporary yellowish tint or dullness. This usually occurs when:
- The gram flour is not rinsed off properly
- It’s mixed with turmeric in high quantities
- The mixture is left on the skin for too long
Tip:
Use lukewarm water to wash off and avoid excessive turmeric when mixing with besan.
How Often Should You Use Gram Flour on Face?
Safe Frequency for Different Skin Types:
| Skin Type | Frequency of Use |
|---|---|
| Oily Skin | 2-3 times a week |
| Normal Skin | 1-2 times a week |
| Dry/Sensitive | Once every 10 days |
| Acne-prone | With caution, once a week at most |
Overusing gram flour is a common mistake. Its abrasive nature and oil-absorbing quality can cause imbalance in your skin’s natural barrier when applied too frequently.
Who Should Avoid Using Gram Flour on Face?
People Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Besan:
- Those with dry or eczema-prone skin
(It can worsen dryness or flakiness) - People allergic to legumes or chickpeas
(Gram flour is made from chickpeas) - Individuals with rosacea or sensitive skin conditions
(The coarse nature might trigger flare-ups) - Teenagers with hormonal acne
(Besan is not a medically-approved treatment for acne)
How to Use Gram Flour Safely: Best Practices
To minimize side effects and enjoy the benefits, follow these usage tips:
Mix with Soothing Ingredients:
- Milk (moisturizing)
- Honey (anti-bacterial and soothing)
- Aloe vera (calming and hydrating)
Never Use It Dry:
Using gram flour in its dry powder form—like sprinkling it directly onto damp skin or using it as a dry scrub—is strongly discouraged. Here’s why:
Why It’s Harmful:
- Gram flour has a gritty texture, which, when applied dry, acts like sandpaper on your delicate facial skin.
- As you rub it in, the coarse particles can cause microtears—tiny, invisible cuts on the skin’s surface.
Best Practice:
Always mix gram flour with a hydrating or soothing base to create a smooth paste. Use ingredients like:
- Milk or curd (for moisture and lactic acid benefits)
- Rose water or plain water (for a lighter mask)
- Aloe vera gel or honey (for sensitive or dry skin types)
Do a Patch Test:
Even though gram flour is natural, that doesn’t guarantee it’s safe for everyone. A patch test is crucial, especially if:
- You’re using besan on your face for the first time
- You have sensitive, acne-prone, or allergy-prone skin
- You’re mixing gram flour with other potent ingredients like turmeric or lemon
How to Do a Patch Test Properly:
- Mix a small amount of the gram flour paste (as you plan to use it on your face).
- Apply it on an inconspicuous area of your skin—such as the inside of your wrist or behind your ear.
Avoid Leaving It on Too Long:
Gram flour is known for absorbing excess oil, which makes it beneficial for oily and combination skin. But leaving it on for too long—more than 15–20 minutes—can backfire, even on oily skin types.
Here’s What Happens:
- As the paste dries and tightens, it begins to pull moisture out of your skin.
- Prolonged dryness can disrupt your skin’s natural lipid barrier, making it feel tight, flaky, or rough.
- For dry and sensitive skin, this effect is even more pronounced and may lead to irritation, fine lines, or inflammation over time.
Best Timing:
- Keep it on for 10–15 minutes max.
- Rinse it off before it starts to crack or crumble. If it gets too dry on your face, it becomes more difficult to remove and can strip away essential oils.
Natural Alternatives to Gram Flour for Skincare
If gram flour doesn’t suit your skin, try these gentle natural alternatives:
1. Oatmeal Powder
Oatmeal is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, making it ideal for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.
It gently exfoliates, calms itchiness, and provides lasting hydration without disrupting the skin barrier.
2. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
This clay-based powder is highly absorbent and helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin.
It’s especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types when mixed with ingredients like rose water or lemon juice.
3. Rice Flour
Rice flour works as a natural brightening agent and gentle exfoliator, helping to fade dark spots and pigmentation.
It also controls oil and can be used in DIY face packs to improve skin texture over time.
4. Sandalwood Powder
Known for its cooling and antibacterial properties, sandalwood powder is excellent for treating acne, rashes, and inflammation.
It also soothes sunburn and imparts a healthy glow when used regularly in face masks.
Expert Advice: What Dermatologists Say About Besan Use
Dermatologists caution against relying solely on DIY remedies like gram flour. According to Dr. Shweta Rajan, a certified skin specialist:
“Natural ingredients can be helpful, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. I’ve seen patients develop irritation from home face packs that include gram flour. Always understand your skin type first.”
If you’re dealing with recurring skin issues, it’s best to consult a dermatologist instead of experimenting with home remedies.
Conclusion: Should You Use Gram Flour on Your Face?
While gram flour (besan) offers many skin benefits, its side effects on the face cannot be ignored. For some, it can lead to dryness, irritation, allergic reactions, or breakouts. The key is to use it mindfully, understand your skin type, and avoid excessive or incorrect use.
If you experience any discomfort or skin issues after using besan, discontinue its use and switch to gentler alternatives. Your skin deserves care, not risk.
FAQs About Side Effects of Besan on Skin
1. Can we use gram flour on face daily
Using gram flour on your face daily is not recommended for most skin types. Its oil-absorbing and exfoliating properties can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, tightness, and irritation over time. For optimal results, use it 1–3 times a week depending on your skin type.
2. What are the disadvantages of gram flour
While gram flour has many benefits, it also comes with several disadvantages:
- It can cause dryness and flakiness, especially on dry or sensitive skin.
- It may lead to breakouts if not rinsed off properly or if used with pore-clogging ingredients.
- In rare cases, it may trigger allergic reactions, such as itching or redness.
- Overuse can disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance, making it dull and dehydrated.
3. Side effects of gram flour on face overnight
Leaving gram flour on your face overnight is not safe or advisable. Since besan dries and hardens as it sits on the skin, keeping it on too long can:
- Cause extreme dryness and irritation
- Lead to tightness and redness
- Potentially clog pores, especially if mixed with dense ingredients
Always wash off gram flour masks within 15–20 minutes to avoid damage.
4. Side effects of gram flour on face for pimples
Although gram flour is known to help with pimples by absorbing oil and exfoliating the skin, it can also cause:
- Increased breakouts if the pores get clogged
- Irritation and inflammation if applied on open acne or sensitive skin
- Worsening of acne if mixed with irritating ingredients like lemon juice or turmeric in excess
Those with active or cystic acne should use gram flour cautiously and not more than once a week.
5. Gram flour for skin whitening before and after
Many people use gram flour to brighten the complexion and reduce tan due to its exfoliating nature. While short-term use can give a more even skin tone, the “whitening” effect is not permanent or dramatic.
Before use, skin may appear dull or tanned. After a few consistent applications, it may look fresher and more radiant. However, overuse can cause dryness and irritation, negating the brightening effect.
6. Side effects of gram flour on face everyday
Using gram flour daily can lead to:
- Dryness and flaking
- Disruption of the skin’s natural pH and oil levels
- Breakouts from clogged pores
- Rough texture due to over-exfoliation
To maintain healthy skin, it’s best to limit use to a few times per week based on your skin type.
7. Side effects of gram flour on face for wrinkles
Gram flour is often used to tighten the skin temporarily, but overuse can actually exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles. Its drying effect can make the skin feel tighter at first, but long-term dehydration may result in premature aging, loss of elasticity, and increased visibility of wrinkles.
8. How to apply gram flour on face
To apply gram flour safely:
- Mix 1–2 teaspoons of besan with a skin-friendly liquid like milk, curd, aloe vera, or rose water.
- Apply the smooth paste evenly on a cleansed face, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave it on for 10–15 minutes only.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water before it fully dries or cracks.
- Follow with a moisturizer to restore hydration.
9. Can besan cause pimples
Yes, besan can cause pimples if:
- It clogs the pores due to improper rinsing
- You use contaminated or old gram flour
- It’s mixed with ingredients that irritate acne-prone skin
- It is used too frequently, leading to skin barrier damage and breakouts
Always use a fresh, balanced mixture and cleanse your face thoroughly after use.
10. Is gram flour good for sensitive skin
Gram flour is not ideal for very sensitive skin, as its coarse texture and oil-absorbing nature can cause:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Over-drying
If you have sensitive skin, mix it with soothing ingredients like honey or aloe vera, and use it occasionally—not regularly.
11. Can I use gram flour daily on my face
No, daily use of gram flour is not recommended. Overuse can:
- Strip your skin’s natural oils
- Lead to dullness, flakiness, and tightness
- Cause imbalance in your skin’s hydration levels
Stick to 1–2 times per week for normal to oily skin, and once every 10 days for dry or sensitive skin.
12. What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to besan
If you experience an allergic reaction to besan, take the following steps:
- Immediately wash your face with cool water to remove any residue.
- Apply a gentle aloe vera gel or calming moisturizer to soothe the irritation.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the area.
- If symptoms worsen (like swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing), seek medical help or consult a dermatologist immediately.
Avoid using besan in the future if you know your skin reacts negatively to it.