Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food, but did you know that it also has amazing benefits for your skin and hair? This dairy product is packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that can nourish, hydrate, and revitalize your skin and hair.
Here are some of the benefits of using yogurt as a natural beauty ingredient.
Yogurt for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne is a common skin problem that affects people of all ages. Fortunately, yogurt can help to reduce acne and prevent new breakouts.
The lactic acid in yogurt exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores, while the probiotics suppress the growth of acne-causing bacteria. To use yogurt for acne-prone skin, simply apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Yogurt for Dry Skin
If you have dry or chapped skin, yogurt can be a great remedy. The lactic acid in yogurt gently buffs away dry, flaky skin cells and promotes moisture retention. The protein and fat in yogurt also help to nourish and protect the skin barrier.
To moisturize dry skin, mix equal parts of plain yogurt and honey, apply it to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Yogurt for Oily Skin
Yogurt can also benefit people with oily skin. The lactic acid in yogurt helps to regulate sebum production and balance the skin’s pH levels, while the probiotics can reduce inflammation and redness.
To use yogurt for oily skin, mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it to your face, focusing on oily areas like the T-zone. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
Yogurt for Dull Hair
If your hair looks dull and lifeless, try using yogurt as a natural hair conditioner. The protein in yogurt strengthens and smooths the hair strands, while the lactic acid removes buildup and adds shine.
To condition your hair with yogurt, mix equal parts of plain yogurt and olive oil, apply it to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then rinse it off with cold water and shampoo as usual.
Yogurt for Itchy Scalp
An itchy, flaky scalp can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but yogurt can help to soothe and heal it. The anti-inflammatory properties of yogurt can calm irritated skin, while the probiotics can improve scalp health and prevent dandruff.
To use yogurt for an itchy scalp, mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of tea tree oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Yogurt for Sunburned Skin
If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and ended up with a sunburn, yogurt can provide relief and healing.
The cooling properties of yogurt can reduce inflammation and pain, while the zinc in yogurt can speed up wound healing and prevent infection. To soothe a sunburn with yogurt, apply plain yogurt directly to the affected area and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse it off with cold water and repeat as needed.
Yogurt as a Face Mask
One of the easiest and most effective ways to use yogurt for your skin is as a face mask. You can customize your face mask based on your skin type and concerns.
Here are some simple yogurt face mask recipes:
- For oily skin: Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply it to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
- For dry skin: Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of avocado oil.
Apply it to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- For acne-prone skin: Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a teaspoon of raw honey. Apply it to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Yogurt for Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired and aged, but yogurt can help to brighten and de-puff the eye area. The lactic acid in yogurt lightens dark spots and tightens the skin, while the protein and fat hydrate and plump up the skin.
To reduce dark circles with yogurt, mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of cucumber juice and a few drops of almond oil. Apply it to the eye area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
Yogurt for Nail Health
Yogurt isn’t just good for your skin and hair – it can also strengthen and nourish your nails. The protein in yogurt promotes nail growth and thickness, while the calcium and vitamin D support strong bones and nails.
To use yogurt for your nails, simply soak your nails in plain yogurt for 10-15 minutes, then rinse them off with warm water and apply a moisturizer.