“Skin Reactions to Homemade Ubtans – Not Everything Natural Is Safe”

“Skin Reactions to Homemade Ubtans – Not Everything Natural Is Safe”

By Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

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“Doctor, I just applied haldi, besan and curd… now my face is red and itchy!”

We hear this more than you’d expect.

Homemade ubtans and DIY face packs are very popular — especially in North Indian homes. Mothers, aunties, and grandmothers have been using them for generations.

But here’s the truth:

Natural doesn’t always mean safe.

Let’s break down why even homemade things can cause skin damage — and what you should do if your skin reacts.

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💥 Why Skin Reacts to Homemade Ubtans

1. Harsh Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

Lemon juice, turmeric, raw milk, or baking soda might seem harmless — but your skin may not agree.

• Lemon: Very acidic. Can cause burning, irritation, or pigmentation

• Turmeric: Too strong in raw form; can lead to rashes or allergic contact dermatitis

• Besan (gram flour): Over-dries the skin if used too often

• Milk or curd: Can cause fungal acne or breakouts in humid weather

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2. No Standard Formula = Overuse

Unlike a dermatologist-tested product, there is no fixed quantity or method in a DIY ubtan.

Too much haldi, too little base, poor mixing — these make reactions more likely.

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3. Wrong Skin Type Match

Just because it worked for your cousin or dadi doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin.

• Oily skin + curd or ghee = clogged pores and breakouts

• Sensitive skin + lemon/turmeric = redness, peeling

• Acne-prone skin + honey or malai = more acne

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4. Ubtan + Sun = Trouble

Some people apply ubtan and step out in the sun.

This can trigger photosensitivity — leading to burns, patches, or deep pigmentation.

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👀 Common Skin Reactions We See at Clinic

• Redness, itching, swelling after ubtan

• White or dark patches around cheeks or mouth

• Acne flare-ups or tiny pus-filled bumps

• Dry, cracked skin or rashes

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🧴 So… Should You Stop Using Ubtans?

Not necessarily — but use them with caution.

✔ If you want to use ubtan:

• Patch test first – Apply a little on your neck or arm for 10–15 mins

• Don’t overuse – Once a week is enough

• Keep it simple – Avoid mixing 5+ ingredients

• Never apply on broken or irritated skin

• Wash it off gently, don’t scrub harshly

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✅ Safe Alternatives We Recommend

Want the glow without the gamble?

Try dermatologist-recommended face packs or masks with:

• Multani mitti (purified and processed)

• Calamine

• Niacinamide

• Kojic acid (for pigmentation)

• Lactic acid-based peels (done under supervision)

These are tested, measured, and made for Indian skin — unlike random DIYs.

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💬 Final Word from Dr. Rizwan

Skin is delicate.

What worked 20 years ago may not suit today’s polluted, humid, and stress-filled environment.

Many “natural” ingredients are actually very strong and should be used with understanding — not guesswork.

If you’re getting reactions from ubtans or home packs, stop immediately. Come for a consult. We’ll help repair the skin and guide you with safer options that still give glow — without the guesswork.

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📍Visit Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

Let us check your skin type and suggest the right glow treatment — no trial-and-error needed.

Want a simple homemade face pack guide that’s actually safe? Just say the word — I’ll create that too.