As a child I knew an Indian woman who would not use soap on her face or body (I´m not sure, but she might have been allergic to it). She used gram (chickpea) flour to cleanse her skin. I used to watch her beauty ritual with fascination.
I met her again, years later. She was in her forties now, and she had the most beautiful skin I had seen till then (until I saw raw foodists, that is). It was clear, smooth, and glowing.
Another friend of mine swore by gram flour face masks. She also added turmeric powder to lighten her complexion.
Gram flour is a common ingredient in Indian beauty treatments. It´s gentle, cleansing, and it soothes red and irritated skin.
Gram flour face treatment
You need Gram flour (chickpea flour)Mix it with honey, or rose water, or yoghurt: if your skin is dry, you can use milk cream or olive oil.
Knead it into a paste. Apply it into the skin, then gently rub it off. Use it daily instead of cleanser.
Alternately, you can apply it on the face, and wait for 15 minutes before removing.
Ta daa !