8 Beauty Benefits Of Using Yogurt

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.

# 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.