As you increase your intake of water and fresh fruit juices, don’t forget to check the skin care products you are applying. Yes, we need to stay hydrated to beat the heat. But it’s also important to watch what you are using on your face every day. One natural ingredient that you must include in your summer skin care routine is yogurt. It is a popular dairy product known for its nutritional value. Eating yogurt is great for your body and so is applying it. Did you know it can help to deal with a lot of summer skin problems?
Health Shots connected with Dr Kuna Ramdas, Senior Dermatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, to find out about the use of yogurt as a skin care remedy.
Health benefits of yogurt
Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and protein, this nutrient-dense food naturally provides many health benefits.
• It is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.
• It contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and support a healthy immune system.
• Probiotics are also known to help reduce inflammation, which can benefit conditions like eczema and acne.
• Yogurt is a good source of protein, which can help you feel full and help in managing weight.
Is yogurt good for summer skin care?
Yogurt can be a part of your healthy skin care routine. It contains lactic acid, which is a gentle exfoliant that can help to remove dead skin. It also has antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It also has zinc, which can help to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation in the skin. If you regularly use yogurt on your skin, it can also help to improve skin hydration and give you glowing skin, shares Dr Ramdas.
Easy ways to include yogurt in summer skin care
From a scrub to a mask and even toner, there are various yogurt recipes for skin care. Let us take a look at how to use yogurt for skin and make the most of the skincare benefits of curd.
1. Yogurt face mask
Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey and apply it to your face. Let it stay on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. The expert says that this natural face mask will help to hydrate your skin and reduce inflammation.
2. Yogurt and oatmeal body scrub
Mix plain yogurt and oatmeal, and use it to exfoliate your body while you are taking a shower. Your skin will feel soft and smooth as the scrub will help to remove dead skin cells.
3. Yogurt and cucumber eye mask
Grate a cucumber and mix it with a tablespoon of plain yogurt then apply the mixture to your under-eye area and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Dr Ramdas says that this will help to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
4. Yogurt and lemon juice toner
Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of lemon juice and use a cotton pad to apply it to your face. This will help to balance your skin’s pH levels and reduce oiliness.
5. Yogurt and aloe vera sunburn soothing product
Mix plain yogurt and aloe vera gel, and apply it to your sunburnt skin to soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
Yogurt is generally safe for most people, but there are some who should avoid using it on their skin. If you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity, you should stay away from yogurt. Women with very sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions while using yogurt, so it’s best to exclude it from your skin care routine.