Ubtan skincare

An ubtan is used on your skin either as a stand-alone treatment or after an abhyanga (oil massage). As a stand-alone treatment, an ubtan is a cleanser, gentle scrub, and moisturizer all in one. Used after an abhyanga, the ubtan serves to absorb the excess oil from your skin.
Ubtans are wonderful when done at the conclusion of any travel (particularly after airplane travel). They gently massage the skin, move the lymph, rehydrate the skin, improve circulation, bring a glow to the complexion, and provide much-needed care to the self. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel!
An ubtan typically consists of flours, oils, and turmeric powder (turmeric has an affinity for working with the skin). To use your ubtan, add sufficient water to the ubtan to make a paste. Simply massage the ubtan onto your entire body, moving from the periphery in towards the heart. Then rinse it off well. 

Equipment

  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. chickpea flour aka garbanzo bean flour
  • ¼ oz. sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. fenugreek powder
  • sufficient water to make a paste

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredients.
  • Use right away or store in a refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

You may also add essential oils to your recipe. Ten drops is generally adequate.
A 4-oz. glass jar is a good sized container for mixing, storing, transporting, and using your ubtan. 
It is best to work with an ubtan in the shower where the mess can be contained and where you can use the shower head to wash down the shower curtain or the walls of the shower. And, yes, this is a messy process, no matter how much you try otherwise.