The Facial Mask Recipe You Need to Try Now

Photo: laflor

Beauty routines can vary depending on culture and have likely been passed down from generation to generation. I’ve always loved learning about skin care rituals from around the globe, especially those involving ingredients you already have or can easily get. So when Beautylish’s product manager Asmeet—who has a pretty flawless complexion—let me in on skin care regime favored by her India-born grandmother, I knew I had to hear more.

Turns out besan (aka gram or chickpea flour) has been used in skin care concoctions in Southern Asia for centuries. The finely ground powder has an antiseptic effect when used topically, so all skin types—acne-prone, dry, sensitive—can benefit from it. Those cleansing properties means besan is a great thing to add to custom face washes and masks you whip up at home.

Aside from besan, another beauty booster favored in the region is yogurt. Yogurt’s skin-calming properties are well-documented—and that’s thanks in part to a high concentration of zinc. The mineral can help reduce redness caused by acne and even slow oil production (which is a good thing, since excess oil can spell more breakouts). Lactic acid, another key ingredient in yogurt, helps exfoliate, moisturize, and smooth the complexion.

So when you mix besan and yogurt and slather it on, you pretty much have one powerhouse skin treatment. The mixture helps to extract the dirt and toxins hiding deep in pores, leaving you with a cleaner, more radiant complexion. Try it and see for yourself!

Basic Yogurt and Besan Cleansing Mask

Good for all skin types, this recipe works as either a basic cleanser for daily use, or once-a-week hydrating treatment. For added benefits, add honey to the mixture! It’s safe for all skin types and is filled with natural antioxidants that can help rejuvenate and hydrate skin, reduce pimples and acne scars, and it’s even a great anti-aging agent.

You Will Need

• 2 tsp Besan (aka gram or chickpea flour)
• 3 tsp plain yogurt (we recommend Greek, which has more good-for-skin fat)
• 1/4 tsp honey (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together to form a thick paste-like substance. Using your fingertips, work the mixture onto your face in a circular motion. Leave on for 5 minutes if using as a daily cleanser; or 20 minutes if using as a weekly treatment. Wash off with lukewarm water.