Is Buttermilk Good For The Skin?
Buttermilk has become popular as a natural remedy for skin care. It is said to reduce blemishes and help achieve a smoother complexion. Is this true?
Whey is an ingredient used in natural cosmetics as an ally for skin care. Due to its nutritional composition, it is believed to help reduce blemishes, wrinkles and a variety of other blemishes. In addition, it is used to clean the impurities that accumulate in the pores.
What does the evidence say about it? Does this product actually help skin beautification? In this regard, it is important to make some clarifications. Therefore, below we will tell you more about its properties and the benefits attributed to it. Keep reading!
What is buttermilk?
Whey is the product that is obtained from the separation of butter from milk. According to an article published in the Journal of Dairy Science , it is one of the most widely used dairy ingredients in the food industry, as it has emulsifying qualities and has a positive impact on taste.
On the other hand, it is light on the stomach and has relevant nutritional properties. In particular, it contains the following:
- Vitamins B, C, E and D.
- Minerals such as phosphorus, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
- Fatty acids.
- Proteins of high biological value.
However, although it is often used to supplement the diet, it has also gained popularity as an adjunct to keep skin healthy and radiant. In fact, there are those who use it in their daily routine in order to correct skin changes or reduce the risk of aging.
Is it good to apply buttermilk on the skin?
In natural cosmetics, whey has been used as a base to prepare home remedies against spots, wrinkles, acne and dermatitis. Its nutritional composition is said to help maintain a healthy, blemish-free complexion. However, the evidence in this regard is still limited.
To date there are no scientific studies confirming that topical application of buttermilk improves such skin conditions. Despite this, its regular use is considered safe for most people. In fact, it can be combined with other ingredients, such as honey or oatmeal, to make homemade face masks.
The benefits attributed to it are the following:
- It is considered a whitening agent, ideal for reducing the presence of spots on the skin.
- It has soothing properties that reduce the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis.
- Its lactic acid content contributes to the treatment of acne.
- Due to its nutrients, it helps protect the skin barrier and mitigates sun damage.
- Softens the skin.
- Helps remove dead cells.
What does the research say?
As we have mentioned, there are no clinical studies or evidence to prove the effects of whey on the skin. Still, there is research to support its nutrient and antioxidant content. The latter, in particular, are associated with the prevention of premature aging.
A review article published in The Journal of Dermatological Science states that antioxidants are critical to preventing photoinduced aging. In other words, they help protect cells from the effects of radiation and free radicals that appear from exposure to the sun.
On the other hand, lactic acid, one of the compounds in whey, seems to take care of the skin. In a review published in the International Journal of Dermatology it was determined that this substance helps protect the skin barrier and has moisturizing qualities. In turn, it reduces the risk of aging.
Other elements such as proteins, vitamins and minerals are also positively associated with the aforementioned effects. Therefore, despite the lack of studies, it appears that whey does have a positive impact when applied to the skin. Do you dare to try it?
How to use buttermilk for skin?
One of the great benefits of buttermilk for skin is that it is versatile and can be added to many home treatments. Of course, it can also be applied on its own, with the help of a cotton pad. If so, it is recommended to put it in the refrigerator to apply it very cold.
One of the favorite ingredients to combine buttermilk is rose water. This is considered a natural toner, ideal for refreshing the face and minimizing the production of fat. It can also be mixed with oatmeal or any granular ingredient to make a scrub. Let’s see a simple mask below.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk (59 milliliters)
- 1 tablespoon of rolled oats (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (15 grams)
Preparation
- Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them until you get a paste. If you feel it too runny, add more oatmeal.
Application mode
- Once you get the paste, clean your face with a damp cloth and spread the mask.
- Leave it to act for 15 or 20 minutes and remove it using gentle circular massages.
- Repeat its application 2 or 3 times a week.
Remember to consult the dermatologist
Despite the potential benefits that whey appears to have for skin care, it is always best to consult a dermatologist before using these types of ingredients. Although it is considered safe, it should not be a first-line treatment for dermatological problems.
The professional, among other things, can guide you towards other ways to use buttermilk as part of the beauty routine. You can even suggest the use of some products that have this ingredient in their composition.
