Yoghurt: A natural remedy for healthy skin and hair

Yoghurt is considered a wonderful food for our health, as it provides protein and helps regulate our digestion because it is a pro-biotic food, ie it contains beneficial micro-organisms.

However, as well as being an appreciated food source, it has been used since ancient times for natural beauty care as it is said that the lactic acid content is an excellent ingredient for aiding healthy skin. Nowadays, it is also used to combat acne, revitalise skin and give new life to dull hair.

Proper Yoghurt

Not all yoghurt is as beneficial for the skin, in fact some flavours can irritate sensitive skin, so it is recommended to choose one with no sugar or reduced sugar and a completely neutral taste. Try to avoid those containing fruit or flavourings.

Seek to use yoghurt with live bio-cultures: This means that it has not been pasteurised.

Yoghurt for healthy skin

Yoghurt Exfoliant

Natural yoghurt is excellent for keeping our skin clean and removing dead skin cells. Furthermore, it can be used on sensitive or dry skin.
A simple way to use it for this purpose is by preparing a mixture of 1 teaspoon of rice flour with two tablespoons of plain yoghurt. Mix well and spread over your face with your fingertips in a circular motion without app
lying pressure. Rinse with warm water to remove and gently pat your face dry.

As a skin moisturiser

Yoghurt can help us achieve a bright and hydrated complexion. To unlock its moisturising powers, wash your face with warm water without rubbing it. Dry your skin with a clean towel, gently pat without completely drying it, put some yoghurt on your hands and place on your skin, spreading it gently with the help of your fingertips. Leave on for 10 minutes and then remove with warm water.

To combat acne

This tasty dairy food source can also be a useful mask to fight acne: If applied frequently, it can help reduce acne breakouts and blackheads. It is believed that these properties are thanks to its content of zinc and acid pH.

This is a simple remedy: Spread a little on your face and leave for 20 minutes. Later remove with warm water and repeat 3-5 times per week. Another way to take advantage to this end is to add a teaspoon of turmeric in two tablespoons of plain yoghurt and apply the mixture on the skin, massaging gently in circles to distribute it. Be sure not to apply around the eyes, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.

For skin lightening

In addition to moisturising and fighting acne, it can help lighten the skin, for example if your skin has been darkened by sun exposure or tanning. Prepare a mixture with a tablespoon of chickpea flour and the necessary amount of yoghurt to thicken it. Add lemon juice and apply the paste on the area you want to clarify, leave on for 15 minutes and remove with warm water. Try to do this procedure at night before going to sleep.

For our hair

The composition of yoghurt can help strengthen and give life to our hair as the content of lactic acid and zinc promotes blood circulation, enabling the natural stimulation of hair growth.

Yoghurt Conditioner

While we can use it to moisturise our skin, it is also excellent when it comes to hair moisturisation and is a good ingredient to repair dry or damaged hair.
Before bathing, apply half a cup of plain yoghurt to your hair, spreading from root to tip. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave on for 20 minutes, then proceed to wash normally. If more moisture is desired, you can add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera. Mix well and apply in the same way.

To combat hair loss

A recipe to use against hair loss is as follows: Make a mixture of yoghurt and crushed fenugreek seeds, apply the mixture on your hair, cover with a shower cap and leave on for half an hour before washing normally.

As a remedy against dandruff

Yoghurt can also be used an effective relief remedy for the itching that accompanies dandruff, as it also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, preventing the development of such organisms and as a result, we can take advantage to prevent dandruff.

To fight dandruff, use a little yoghurt to massage the scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Later wash off with warm water. Apply this treatment daily until the dandruff is gone.

You may experience better results if you add a little black pepper to the yoghurt, rubbing the mixture on the scalp. Leave on for 45 minutes then wash with a mild shampoo immediately afterwards.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 08/29/2018

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