Benefits of Yogurt for Hair & Skin

Yogurt is a delicious and healthy food, filled with the goodness of vital multi-vitamins.
Not just to eat, but this white and creamy wonder food is known for its beneficial properties for healthy skin and strong hair. Yogurt contains high levels of lactic acid which is beneficial to skin and hair care. Using yogurt for skin and hair dates back to ancient India, when it was used as an effective remedy to get rid of acne and pimples. In fact, Cleopatra from ancient Egypt was known to take yogurt baths to keep her skin youthful.

  Benefits of Yogurt for Hair

Yogurt has been used as a hair care ingredient since ancient times. It is a multi-vitamin rich food which contains high levels of lactic acid that is quite beneficial to treat dull and damaged hair. Skip all those expensive hair care products and try this effective home remedy-yogurt to treat your hair. 

Yogurt to get rid of dandruff:

Yogurt has anti-fungal properties that help fight dandruff. Take one cup of yogurt and stir it to smoothen out the lumps. Apply this yogurt on your scalp and leave it on for about 40 minutes before you rinse it off. This home remedy will help get rid of dandruff. 

Yogurt to tame hair frizz:

Frizzy hair is a common problem faced by many especially during summer. Use this soothing and cooling ingredient-yogurt to soften and calm that untamed mane. Take about three spoons of yogurt, two spoons of coconut oil and four spoons of aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to your hair and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes. Soon after, wash it with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. 

Yogurt to add shine to dull and dry hair:

Yogurt is quite an effective home remedy to add that lusterous sheen to dry and dull looking hair too. Mix together about half a cup of yogurt, two spoons of almond oil and two beaten eggs. Apply this paste on your scalp and cover your head with a shower cap. Wash your hair with a shampoo after about 30 minutes. 

Yogurt to reduce hair fall:

Using yogurt on your hair can also help reduce hair fall and hair loss over time. Mix together yogurt and some ground methi seeds and apply it on your scalp regularly. Leave it on for 45 minutes before you wash it off. This will help reduce hair fall significantly. 

    Yogurt for Skin

The zinc and lactic acid contained in yogurt is responsible for promoting healthy skin. A gentle massage with yogurt into the skin is sure to help remove dead skin cells, smooth out the fine lines, tighten pores, hydrate dry patches, give a much-required shine and glow. When buying yogurt for skin, do not forget to check the label for unsweetened or plain. Various yogurt flavours are available in the market and these can cause irritations, rashes and aggravate acne if present. In addition, yogurt with high levels of fat and live cultures promotes the best result for rejuvenated skin. Check out the following yogurt benefits for skin and various recipes of yogurt masks

Natural Moisturizer and Skin Brightener:

Revive a tired and dull complexion by gently massaging thick yogurt on damp skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash with tepid water. The lactic acid is a natural hydroxyl-acid that helps exfoliate, hydrate and sooth skin.

Add natural glow to the skin by making a homemade face pack using yogurt, masoor lentils and orange peel. Grind the ingredients together, apply the pack on the face and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing to reveal a fresher and brighter complexion. If you have dry skin, add some honey to provide the extra moisture required by the skin.

Another face pack can be made by blending 4 tbsp. yogurt with 1 tbsp. cocoa powder and 1 tbsp. honey. Apply the mask on the face for 20 minutes before washing with lukewarm water to get rid of dull and tired skin.

Fights Pimples and Acne:

You can include yogurt in your daily diet or make a nourishing face pack to cure acne. Due to its acidic nature, yogurt destroys various acne-causing bacteria, fungus and germs within the body.

Apply some creamy yogurt on the face and wash after 30 minutes with water to deep cleanse the skin and reduce breakouts.

Alternatively, you may make a paste of yogurt with some turmeric powder, sugar and sandalwood powder. Massage the paste on the skin and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.

Reduces Blemishes, Tanning, Under Eye Dark Circles and Skin Discoloration:

If you have skin blemishes caused by acne or insect bites, apply yogurt that is diluted with water. This will not only cool the area but also lighten the blemish. Yogurt contains zinc, which helps lighten blemishes and scar and prevents redness of the skin.

Regular sun exposure leaves a tanned appearance on the face. To get rid of one, make a paste using gram flour, yogurt and lime juice. Apply the paste on the affected area for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Alternatively, add few drops of chamomile essential oil to yogurt and apply the mixture over the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing.

To get rid of dark circles under the eye area, apply a thin layer of yogurt on the affected area and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the excess yogurt with a cotton ball and go to bed. Repeat the procedure for a week to notice a considerable difference.

To get rid of skin discoloration, mix 2 tbsp. yogurt with few drops of lemon juice and leave it on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Yogurt contains mild bleaching properties that help smoothen out discoloured skin when applied regularly.

Fights Skin Infections:

Fungal infections on the skin can be cured by applying a small amount of yogurt in a gauze and placing it on the affected area. This must be repeated 4-5 times a day for best results.