Besan VS Rice Flour: What Works Better For Oily And Sensitive Skin?

A common skin type issue is the oily skin which seems greasy within a few hours of washing. This is why homemade face masks are an appealing choice. Two commonly used kitchen staples to absorb excess oil and exfoliate skin are besan and rice flour. However, overuse can cause irritation and excessive scratching can irritate the skin. 

So, which is better for oily skin among besan or rice flour? This will vary from one person to another depending on the sensitivity and oiliness of your skin. Besan has a finer texture than rice flour. 

Besan Vs Rice Flour: What Is The Difference?

Dr Karuna Malhotra, Cosmetologist, Skin Specialist and Founder, Advanced Skin Clinic, New Delhi says, “There is no definite winner as both are equally gentle but rice flour is for more skin types, Besan absorbs more oil and therefore it can be drying if used in excess.”

Both can help to wash away some surface oil and dead skin cells when rinsed away. But, little clinical evidence is available to compare the facial treatment of besan and rice flour.

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Does Besan Work Better For Oily Skin?

Besan or gram flour is the traditional ingredient of homemade face masks. The powder can help to absorb excess oil and reduce the oiliness of skin.oily skin

Dr Malhotra explains that “the use of besan can be beneficial for oily skin, but excessive application can lead to dryness. It can become irritating if left on until it becomes hard and cracked or if rubbed vigorously.”

Besan is not an acne treatment. It also is made up of proteins found in chickpeas, so individuals who've a chicken allergy or legume allergy ought to not put it on their skin.

How Can You Avoid Over-Exfoliating Your Skin?

The bigger concern may be how you use the mask rather than which flour you choose.

A 2022 Curr Dermatol Rep review discussed how repeated exposure to irritating substances can damage the skin barrier. It highlighted avoiding irritants and using moisturisers as important parts of prevention and care.

skincare

Watch for these signs that your face mask may be irritating your skin:

• Tight, stretched or unusually shiny skin
• Redness, burning or stinging
• Rough, flaky patches
• More breakouts or increased sensitivity

If these symptoms appear, stop using the mask. Switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturiser until your skin settles. Seek medical advice if irritation is severe or persistent.

How Should You Use Besan Or Rice Flour On Your Face?

If you still want to try a homemade face mask, keep it simple.

• Use a thin paste: Mix the flour with plain water. Avoid turning it into a gritty scrub.
• Keep it occasional: Start no more than once a week rather than using it daily.
• Do not let it crack: Rinse before the mask dries completely.
• Avoid vigorous rubbing: Use wet fingertips and rinse gently.
• Moisturise afterwards: Oily skin also needs hydration. Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
• Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.

besan for skin

Plain curd or aloe vera gel may be used as a mixing ingredient if your skin tolerates them, but neither guarantees better results. Avoid lemon juice and baking soda, which can irritate the skin.

Do not use either flour as a scrub over inflamed pimples, open wounds or cracked skin. People with eczema, very sensitive skin or those using retinoids, strong acne treatments or chemical peels should avoid adding extra exfoliation without professional advice.

The American Academy of Dermatology's acne guidance recommends gentle cleansing and avoiding abrasive scrubbing, which can irritate acne-prone skin. For persistent acne, evidence-based treatments are more reliable than kitchen masks.

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What Is The Final Verdict?

Besan may suit very oily skin that tolerates it, while finely ground rice flour may feel gentler on skin that is easily irritated. However, neither is essential for managing oily skin, and neither should replace a consistent skincare routine.

If your skin is persistently greasy, focus on gentle cleansing, a light moisturiser and non-comedogenic products. If oiliness comes with painful acne, scarring or sudden changes, consult a dermatologist instead of increasing the frequency of face masks.