Dairy for Skin Care

Liquid Gold: Yogurt, Kefir, and Plant-Based Dairy for Skin Care

Why use them for skin care?

Plant-based dairy, such as almond, coconut, and oat milk, offers several skin care benefits due to their unique nutrients and properties. They are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help hydrate, soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin. Plant-based milk can function as an effective cleanser on its own. Yogurt, kefir, aloe vera, hydrosols, and plant-based milks can be used to activate and enhance mud masks, providing benefits akin to your skin type.

A glass of plant-based milk sits on a wooden board, surrounded by raw almonds, which are suitable for skin care.

Plant-based milks are widely used in various cosmetic and self-care products as enriched substitutes to plain distilled water, thanks to their numerous advantages. These are most effective when refrigerated.

Listed below are the benefits of many such ingredients that we use regularly in our handcrafted products at The Hayagriva Spa.

Almond Milk

Almond milk gently cleanses the skin, leaving it smooth and nourished. It naturally hydrates dry skin, helping to maintain moisture. The Vitamin D in almond milk supports healthy cell growth, aiding faster healing of damaged skin. Additionally, the Vitamin E in almond milk acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage. Its rich Vitamin D & E content and hydrating properties make almond milk highly beneficial for the skin. It may also help improve acne by reducing inflammation and providing antioxidants. It can be used as a mild cleanser to remove dirt and impurities while maintaining skin moisture.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk provides numerous skin benefits thanks to its rich vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It deeply moisturizes, enhances skin elasticity, and alleviates irritation. It's high Vitamin C content supports maintaining skin's elasticity and flexibility. Moreover, the copper it contains helps slow down fine lines and age spots. Using coconut milk as a moisturizer leaves the skin soft and supple, while also smoothing and slowing the aging process. It can serve as a gentle cleanser, effectively removing makeup and impurities from pores. Applying coconut milk to irritated or sunburned skin can soothe and aid healing.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is excellent for reducing inflammation, cleansing gently, and hydrating the skin. It contains proteins and lipids that moisturize and soften, enhancing skin texture and appearance. Rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin B, it helps decrease inflammation and dryness. Its lactic acid acts as a natural exfoliant, while enzymes soothe the skin. Suitable for sensitive skin, oat milk is hypoallergenic and can be used as a mild cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without stripping natural oils. The natural enzymes and acids promote gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and giving the skin a brighter look.

Yogurt

Plain yogurt offers several skin benefits thanks to its natural components like lactic acid, prebiotics, and probiotics. It can moisturize, brighten, and exfoliate, and may help reduce acne and inflammation. Lactic acid in yogurt hydrates the skin, leaving it softer and smoother. This natural Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell renewal for a brighter appearance. Probiotics help maintain a healthy skin microbiome, possibly decreasing acne-causing bacteria, while zinc helps soothe inflammation. The exfoliating and brightening effects of yogurt can help lighten dark spots and promote an even skin tone. The proteins in yogurt are vital for producing collagen and elastin, which support skin firmness and elasticity. This is a power-packed ingredient that can be used to hydrate and activate any mud mask. Yogurt, when mixed with eggs and bentonite clay, provides a deep conditioning treatment for the scalp and hair. The lactic acid in yogurt can cleanse the scalp, minimize dandruff, and calm skin irritation. 

Kefir

Kefir, a fermented milk drink, provides several skin health benefits thanks to its probiotic and nutrient-rich profile. It can enhance skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and may help with skin issues such as acne and eczema. It's natural Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) encourage gentle exfoliation, resulting in a brighter complexion. Kefir has a high content of bacteria and yeasts, called probiotics, which support a balanced skin microbiome—a key factor in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing inflammation, acne, rosacea, and eczema. Lactic acid, formed during kefir fermentation, is naturally present in the skin and aids in maintaining the epidermal water balance. Additionally, kefir is a good source of vitamins A, D, B12, and calcium. It is highly recommended for smoothing the appearance of open pores.

Watch this space for our future blogs on various recipes for tried and tested mud masks, deep conditioning hair masks, and their benefits. Affordable hair and skin care is accessible; all you have to do is head to your pantry. If you found this blog educational and informative, feel free to share, like, or comment. You can check out our webiste to buy or subscribe to our range of handcrafted products.