5 desi ubtans every groom needs for that wedding-day glow

For decades, brides have had an entire beauty ritual dedicated to them - haldi ceremonies, bridal facials, glow-boosting scrubs, you name it. But now, finally, grooms are stepping into the skincare spotlight. And honestly, why shouldn’t they? After all, it's your big day too. You deserve to look radiant, confident, and every bit as camera-ready as the bride.

If you are a groom prepping for your wedding, or even a family member researching glow-up ideas for the dulha-to-be, let’s take you straight to the best desi solution in the book: ubtans. Think of them as your grandmother’s skincare cheat codes - natural, fragrant, nourishing, and designed to make your skin shine without looking oily or overdone.

Here are five traditional ubtans that every groom should try before the big day.

If ubtans were superheroes, haldi–chandan would be the unbeatable duo. Turmeric brings that unmistakable wedding-glow warmth, while sandalwood cools, soothes, and evens out the complexion. For grooms spending long hours under the sun running last-minute errands, this ubtan is a blessing.

How it helps:

Reduces dullness

Evens out tan lines

Brightens the skin in a single use

Gives that soft, golden glow perfect for pre-wedding events

Mix turmeric, sandalwood paste/powder, gram flour, and raw milk or rose water. Apply 2–3 times a week leading to the big day.

If your skin feels greasy even in winter, or if you’re worried about looking shiny in the wedding photos, this ubtan is your best bet. Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) pulls out dirt and excess oil like a magnet, while rose petals or rosewater add hydration without heaviness.

Why it works for grooms:

Tightens pores

Controls oil production

Gives the skin a matte, fresh finish

Prevents breakouts (very important before the shaadi!)

Use it every alternate day for a week before the ceremony for best results.

This is the most no-nonsense ubtan ever created - humble ingredients from your kitchen that work like magic when blended right. Besan exfoliates dead skin, dahi moisturises and cools, and honey adds glow and elasticity.

Benefits:

Removes dead skin buildup (great for men who don’t exfoliate often)

Makes the skin visibly softer

Evens out patchiness and dryness

Adds a very natural, healthy shine

Use this ubtan twice a week. Even one application will make your skin feel brand new.

If your skin breaks out whenever you're stressed and weddings are stressful, neem-tulsi ubtan is a saviour. Both ingredients are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and known to calm angry skin instantly.

Perfect for grooms who:

Get acne easily

Have razor-burned or irritated skin

Want to soothe redness before the big day

Need something gentle yet effective

Mix neem powder, tulsi powder, a pinch of turmeric, and rosewater. Use once or twice weekly to keep your skin calm and clear.

If you want that royal dulha glow - soft, luminous, slightly golden, and absolutely radiant, saffron is your best friend. When mixed with almond powder, it becomes a rich, nourishing ubtan perfect for winter weddings.

Why grooms love it:

Saffron brightens the complexion

Almond deeply nourishes dry winter skin

Gives a warm, luxurious glow

Helps soften beard areas, preventing roughness

Soak saffron in milk overnight, mix with almond powder, and apply 2–3 times weekly. It’s basically a royal treatment in a bowl.

Start early: Begin ubtan rituals at least 2–3 weeks before the wedding.

Patch-test first: Especially if you rarely use skincare.

Stay consistent: Natural skincare takes time but the results are worth it.

Moisturise after: Ubtans cleanse deeply, so follow up with aloe gel or a light moisturiser.

Drink enough water: Trust us, the glow shows on your face.

Grooms today aren’t shying away from self-care and ubtans are the perfect way to embrace tradition while giving your skin the love it deserves. With these five desi recipes, your wedding-day glow will look effortless, natural, and rooted in the richness of Indian beauty heritage.

So go ahead, pick your favourite ubtan, and let the glow-up begin because dulhas deserve to shine too!