Yogurt contains bacteria, but the good kind. Naturally, if you’re a fan of yogurt then you likely eat it all the time. Just take a peek at the labels of every yogurt brand and you’ll see the phrase “live cultures” or “probiotics” on those labels. Those are basically just different-sounding names for bacteria.
Chances are you probably already know this, but it bears repeating that the health benefits of yogurt go beyond its high levels of protein and calcium. The “good” bacteria found in yogurt helps fight inflammation in the gut, neutralizing some toxins and helping to block out others. In simple terms, this good bacteria helps balance the “ecosystem” of the digestive system, which can easily be thrown out of balance, and ultimately leading to a faster and more efficient digestion. But while medical scientists have been publishing studies about bacteria and gut health since the 1990’s, they’re just discovering how this anti-inflammatory food can also be hugely beneficial to the human skin.
Based on many key studies conducted and published beginning in the 1990’s, both internal and external applications have been shown to affect the skin in a significant way. In short, the good bacterium in yogurt can actually help in the anti-aging process and also helps with chronic skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and even eczema.
At the forefront of much of this research is the connection between the foods we eat, how we digest them, and the impact they have on our complexion. The body’s digestive system and the skin are actually very closely connected. Refined carbohydrates and foods that are devoid of fiber really seem to slow digestion and gut motility. When that happens, it creates a shift in the type of bacteria that live in the gut. The molecules that are supposed to be kept inside your gut lining are actually seeping out into the bloodstream, and that can trigger system-wide inflammation and increase inflammatory markers in the skin. You will see these “inflammatory markers” manifest themselves as acne, redness, dry patches, and other skin abnormalities.
The reason a yogurt face mask gives you glowing and youthful skin is all because of those healthy and wonderful nutrients that are present in yogurt. These nutrients are skin-friendly, and that is what makes a yogurt face mask so effective.
Here is a list of at least the 4 main nutrients in yogurt that help rejuvenate skin and make it healthy and flawless.
Zinc. In 100 grams of yogurt there is approximately at least 1 mg. of zinc. This mineral is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, being an astringent, and facilitating cell reproduction and tissue growth. Zinc also helps in regulating sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, thereby curing acne and pimples.
Calcium. We all know yogurt is full of calcium; but did you know that the majority of your epidermis consists of calcium? Thus, the supplementing calcium in yogurt helps in healthy and effortless skin renewal and preventing the skin from getting dry and dehydrated.
Those ‘B’ Vitamins. Yogurt is replete in vitamins B2, B5 and B12. It is the vitamin B2, or riboflavin, that ensures you have glowing and healthy skin. Riboflavin helps keep the skin hydrated, protects the skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals, helps in cellular regeneration and growth, and plays a role in the manufacturing of healthy cellular fats. A single cup of yogurt offers you 20 to 30 percent of your daily recommended amount of riboflavin. As a footnote, it’s worth noting that vitamin B12 is now seen as the main factor in the fight against a so-called misnomer disease called “cancer” which is actually nothing more than a deficiency of vitamin B12.
Lactic Acid. This is one of the main nutrients in yogurt, and it also forms one of the key ingredients in several skincare products. Lactic acid is a great exfoliate and skin moisturizer. It also works as an anti-aging agent by reducing the visibility of wrinkles and preventing new wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
Skin Benefits You Get From Yogurt
Now that we know all about the different nutrients that make yogurt so fantastic for the skin, let’s take a look at all the benefits you can reap by using yogurt as a facial mask as part of your beauty regimen.
Moisturized and Hydrated Skin
If you think your face is looking dull and tired, don’t worry. Gently apply natural yogurt on your face through circular motions. The lactic acid present in the yogurt will help hydrate the skin, thereby getting rid of the tired look.
A simple yogurt face mask applied two or three times a week – or daily if you wish – will leave you with soft, supple skin and save you on the high cost of beauty products. To indulge in a yogurt facial, follow these steps: First, wash your face. When you’re finished slathering and splashing, smooth some creamy, natural yogurt over your face and neck. The yogurt will lock in the moisture from washing your face. Let the mixture refresh your skin for about ten minutes, and then rinse it off.
Brighter Skin. The lactic acid present in yogurt inhibits the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This bad enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin, and melanin is what causes your skin tone to darken. When melanin production is inhibited, you end up with a brighter and glowing skin tone.
Exfoliation
Yogurt is a great skin exfoliate. The lactic acid present in yogurt is the natural alpha hydroxyl acid that helps remove dead skin cells. Lactic acid does not irritate the skin and also ensures proper removal of dead skin cells. This, in turn, stimulates the cells to renew faster.
Blemish-Free and Flawless Skin
If you use yogurt as a facial mask at least on a daily basis, you can destroy the bacteria that cause acne and pimples. The zinc present in yogurt reduces skin inflammation and also aids in reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The probiotics in yogurt completely destroys the bacteria in the skin. The different nutrients and components of yogurt blend well together to help in getting a blemish-free skin. If you already have acne, pimples, or blackheads, rub a dab of the creamy yogurt stuff into acne-prone areas. Let the yogurt work its zit-zapping magic and then rinse it off after 30 minutes. Or you can use an alternative formula by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to three to four tablespoons of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face for about 30 minutes before rinsing off. Do this every three times a week.
Say Goodbye to Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Yogurt as a face mask could be just what you really need to get rid of those persistent and unsightly under eye dark circles. The zinc present in yogurt helps to lighten blemishes and scars and also brightens the skin tone. Using a yogurt face mask regularly will help to get rid of those dark circles under the eyes once and for all.
Younger Looking Skin
A yogurt face mask contains potent antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your skin. The components in the nutrients in yogurt can delay the onset of wrinkles and fine lines by using this mask regularly. It is also the lactic acid present in yogurt that prevents your skin from prematurely aging. When used regularly, yogurt has mild bleaching powers that can smooth out discoloration that may give a premature aging look to the skin. Reduce blotches and age spots associated with sunburn by rubbing a few tablespoons of yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice onto skin for 30 minutes, and then rinsing off the mixture. Repeat three times a week.
Infection-Free Skin
The lactic acid in the yogurt has great antifungal properties. Thus, a yogurt face mask is a good way to combat any fungal infection. You just have to use the face mask for up to 4 times a day until the infection clears up, and you are good to go back to using the yogurt once daily.
Soothes Sunburns
The zinc present in yogurt is the key to soothing sunburns. It will help alleviate the burning and itching sensations that sunburns cause. You actually don’t need anything else. If your face has become badly sunburned, just apply some natural yogurt as a face mask. The zinc will help reduce the redness and inflammation and also help in balancing the natural oils on your skin. It is also said to suppress the UVB-induced production of melanin. For really bad sunburns, you can add a few drops of soothing chamomile essential oil to about a handful of organic yogurt. Rub the calming concoction over your sunburned skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
You have the option of using natural and plain yogurt on its own. But if you want to improve on the formulation of your yogurt face mask, you can combine it with other skin-friendly ingredients. Some of the ingredients that you can use to enhance the effect of your yogurt face mask to improve its potency are:
Grated Carrots. If you have dry skin and want it to look healthy, soft, and moisturized, add some grated carrots to the yogurt and apply it on your face. It will rejuvenate the skin and give a natural sheen that will make your skin look attractive.
Lemon Juice. This is a great addition to the yogurt if you have oily or dull skin. It will help clear clogged pores and exfoliate your skin. The lemon juice helps to even out skin tone and make the skin look brighter.
Honey. To make your skin supple, add some honey to the yogurt face mask and apply on your face. Honey is a natural humectant and will lock the moisture within your skin and prevent it from getting dry. This reduces the chances of wrinkle formation. Also, honey has antibacterial properties that will help to fight pimples and acne.
While yogurt is somewhat of a natural moisturizer and exfoliate that is quite affordable compared to the more pricey lotions and serums sold commercially, there are still important things to remember, such as:
While yogurt for your face mask is great for your skin, there are a few precautions you need to take. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when you apply the face mask. However, if your skin is ultra-sensitive, you could experience a stinging and burning sensation. If such a reaction occurs, wash off the face mask immediately with water. Get an allergy test done. You could be allergic to the lactic acid or probiotics present in natural yogurt.
In case you are allergic to dairy products or alpha- and/or beta- hydroxyl acid, unfortunately you will not be able to use yogurt face mask. Try searching for an affordable moisturizer or exfoliate with exactly or almost the same ingredients found in yogurt.
When buying yogurt to use as a face mask, make sure you choose one that is plain, organically produced, and replete with fat. You definitely want a full-fat yogurt to ensure your skin gets all the moisturizing and nourishment it deserves.
As an addition, yogurt isn’t just used for the face. This is another most noteworthy function of yogurt for other parts of the body. The skin infections like athletes’ foot or ringworm can be soothed and removed if yogurt is applied to the place of infection. This is the best natural solution of yogurt since the probiotics in yogurt can actually help for this purpose. There is no denying the fact that the best natural friend of infected skin is yogurt. After this detailed discussion, there should be no doubt in your mind about the usefulness of yogurt for the skin. So try it at home and enjoy the great effects in your skin. You can buy yogurt at your local supermarket or find it at the grocery section at a nearby mall.
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