Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCAn ubtan is a traditional skincare treatment hailing from ancient India that has been used for centuries to promote healthy, glowing skin. Consisting of a powder or paste, ubtans are applied to the skin using a massage technique known as ubvartan. Rich in natural ingredients and packed with benefits, ubtans serve as a versatile remedy for various skin concerns.

As a cleanser, skin tonic, and refresher, ubtans are revered for their ability to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. They can help repair sun damage and cater to different skin types by balancing the moisture levels. For individuals with Kapha skin, ubtans can help dry up excess moisture, while for those with Vata skin, the right blend of herbs can provide much-needed hydration. Discover the magic of ubtans and unlock the secret to a vibrant, healthy complexion.

Common Ingredients

Ubtans are typically made from a blend of natural ingredients that are tailored to address specific skin concerns. Some common ingredients found in ubtans include:

Base Ingredients May Include:

• Chickpea flour (Besan) - A popular base for ubtans, it helps remove dirt and impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and brighten the complexion. It is cleansing, drying and astringent.
• Almond powder - Rich in vitamin E, almond powder helps nourish the skin, provide gentle exfoliation, and promote a smooth, even complexion.
• Ground Oatmeal - The demulcent nature of oatmeal flour helps moisturize the skin.
• Rice flour - A gentle exfoliant, rice flour can help remove dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, and improve overall skin texture.

Common Herbs Include:

• Turmeric - Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can help reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone, and fight acne. But it cannot be used on visible areas, as it temporarily turns the skin yellow.
• Sandalwood powder - With its soothing and cooling effects, sandalwood powder is excellent for reducing inflammation, treating acne, and brightening the skin. Sandalwood restores your natural glow.
• Neem powder - Renowned for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, neem powder helps combat acne, soothe skin irritations, promote a clearer complexion, and reduce blemishes such as liver spots.
• Rose petals - Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, rose petals can help rejuvenate the skin, reduce redness, and maintain skin's natural pH balance. Rose petal is astringent and anti-inflammatory.
• Orange peel powder - Packed with vitamin C, orange peel powder helps brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and stimulate collagen production.
• Saffron - A luxury ingredient that helps improve skin tone, fight blemishes, and impart a natural glow to the skin.

Typical Anupans

• Rosewater - Cooling astringent
• Milk or yogurt - Provides gentle exfoliation and moisturization, thanks to their lactic acid content.
• Honey - Moisturizing, nourishing, disinfectant. Use yogurt and honey in a 3:1 ration.
• Aloe vera gel - Moisturizing anti-inflammatory, disinfectant
• Curd - Moisturizing, nourishing
• May also be prepared as a dry powder

These ingredients can be combined in various proportions to create ubtans that cater to specific skin types and concerns. You can also add essential oils or other natural ingredients to enhance the benefits of your ubtan.

Recipes

• Turmeric, Neem & Oatmeal Body Paste
• Sandalwood Face Mask
• Rose Water Toner for Oily Skin

Caution

Some commercial Indian versions include heavy metals, as these can help whiten the skin. Skin whitening makes up 61% of the dermatology market in India.

Summary

Ubtans are versatile skincare treatments that promote radiant, healthy skin. Combining a powder or paste with natural ingredients such as chickpea flour, turmeric, sandalwood powder, and rose petals, ubtans exfoliate and revitalize the skin while addressing various concerns. Applied using a massage technique called ubvartan, these treatments can be customized to suit specific skin types by adjusting ingredient proportions and adding essential oils. However, caution is advised when selecting commercial Indian ubtans, as some may contain heavy metals for skin lightening purposes. My Saved Articles | Most Popular