Three Ubtans for Glowing Skin
Today’s post is going to be all about Ubtans. For those unfamiliar, ubtans are ayurvedic powders that are traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent for healing, protecting and beautifying the face and body. And for those unfamiliar with ayurvedic medicine, it is holistic healing system that dates back to 6th Century BCE. In summary ayurveda is based on the idea that health and wellness depend on a fine balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Ubtan is also strong tradition practised during birth and marriage.
The ritual ‘Solah Shringar’ encompasses sixteen ways of beautifying of a woman's body in the Hindu as well as Muslim marriages in India. Ubtan paste is one of the vital components of Solah Shringar. (Rajarshi Biswas, et al; 2015)
Ubtans are multi purpose in that they are used used as a mask, to cleanse and to exfoliate. They are usually made with powdered or ground natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, pulses and grains.
Typically each region of India may use different ingredients in their ubtans. In fact many families have their own particular variety or set of ingredients that are unique to their family traditions often using locally available ingredients.
From my research, there tends to be a set of basic ingredients that are often adapted and built on. It is common to see besan (chick pea flour), turmeric and sandalwood powder as a base with other herbs often added for extra medicinal or aesthetic values. Turmeric seem is a very common ingredient in Indian Ubtans, partly due to its ability to reduce skin pigmentation, a common concern of many woman in India, due to the hot and sunny climate. Research has found that ubtans containing traditional ingredients such as the ones above, contain high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds that are beneficial to the skin (Rajarshi Biswas, et al; 2015)
The following are my attempts at making some very minimalist ubtans. I have not used more than 4 ingredients. Of course you can use these as a base for your own ubtan and add additional ingredients to suit your skin needs.
Rose Petal Powder - Dry Skin Ubtan
Each ingredient in the Rose Petal Powder is chosen to comfort and moisturise dry skin. Oats are known for being soothing, rose for beautifying. Rice bran contains Gamma-oryzanol, a mixture of plant sterols known for protecting the skin and its lipids from oxidative damage. This ubtan can be mixed into a paste with rose water for an aromatic skin treat.
METHOD
1. Grind each ingredient together in a coffee grinder and decant. When ready, mix the desired amount into a paste with a liquid of your choosing.
The Formula
Sandalwood & Turmeric Brightening Ubtan
This Ubtan is ideal for brightening the skin. Turmeric is a well established ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. Mix this powder with your favourite floral water or add some lactic acid rich yogurt and mix to a smooth paste.
METHOD
1. Weigh and add each ingredient to a clean coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder.
2. Decant into a jar
To use, simply mix the desired amount in a bowl with your chosen liquid and apply.
The Formula
Lotus Root & Besan Ubtan for Problematic Oily Skin
This simple ubtan contains zinc rich chickpea powder (gram flour) as well as vitamin C rich lotus root powder, both idea for oily and acne prone skin. Chamomile and lavender powder add a gentle scent and help soothe inflammation.
METHOD:
1. Weigh and grind your ingredients together using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder, and decant.
2. To use, mix the desired amount with yogurt or honey and apply to the skin for 10 minutes.