Milk for hair and skin

Shahnaz Husain *

Milk, a common household item, has been used for many centuries as a natural beauty product. Its benefits for skin have endured the test of time. Milk consists of nourishing and moisturising pro- perties. It helps in maintaining the health of your skin. It also helps in treating most of your skin concerns.

It’s packed with vitamins A and D, as well as lactic acid. Some of these components are popular skin care additives. Drinking milk can also contribute to healthy, radiant skin.

Milk is considered a miracle drink to control melanin production and to achieve a fair, glowing and flawless complexion. It is one of the most nutrient-rich foods which is packed with proteins, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and lactic acid that works effectively for ligh-ter, blemish and acne-free skin. Milk helps to nourish and soften the skin.

It contains many Vitamins and minerals which are very necessary for healthy skin. Milk also contains alpha hydroxy acid, which actually helps to reduce blemishes and has an anti-tan effect on the skin.

Cotton wool soaked in cold milk can be used to wipe the skin to remove tan and soothe the skin. Cold milk applied daily, using cotton wool, not only helps to soothe the skin but also keeps it soft. It also makes the skin colour lighter over a period of time, if used daily. It would suit normal to dry skin.

If you have a sunburn, applying milk to your skin can provide relief. The proteins in milk form a pro- tective layer on the skin, reducing pain and redness associated with sunburn.

Turmeric and Raw Milk Face Pack ----Take 2 tablespoons of raw milk and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture on the face and wash it after 15 minutes. Use it twice a week, It will lighten your skin and give radiant look.

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. When combined with the moisturizing effect of raw milk, this face pack becomes a potent solution for reducing blemishes and dark spots.

Take two to three tablespoons of cold raw milk, add half a tablespoon of glycerine into it and mix it up. Apply on the face and lips with a cotton ball, and let it dry for 30 minutes. wash your face with fresh water. It will result in smooth and glowing skin and your skin will remain moisturised throughout the day.

Milk also contains lactic acid, which nourishes and moisturises the skin and helps to delay the visible signs of ageing. Milk can be added to face packs very easily. However, it suits normal to dry skin more. Soak Lotus flowers in 3 to 4 tablespoons of warm milk for an hour. Crush the flowers with your fingers. Add three teaspoons of gram flour (besan) and mix it with the milk and crushed flowers into a paste.

Apply on the face, avoiding the lips and area around the eyes. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. Raw milk should be used on the face for beauty care. Boiling the milk destroys several nutrients. For a face pack. Add 2/3rd tsp of gram flour to raw milk and mix well. Add very little honey and rose to the mixture. Apply on the face and wash off with water after 10 minutes.

It contains different kinds of proteins.

How to Apply Milk on the Face? ---- Start with cleansing your skin using a face wash. Dip a cotton ball o into milk and apply it gently to your face. Gently massage the milk into your skin in circular motions. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Milk for Hair ----- Hair is also made up of a protein matter called keratin. Therefore, protein in milk is beneficial for the hair, in terms of adding strength and body. Milk also contains fats, which help to soften and smoothen the hair.

It is of particular benefit to dry hair, as well as hair that has been subjected to chemical treatments. Milk also contains vitamins and minerals, which are nourishing for the hair. Many of them are powerful antioxidants and nourish the hair follicles.

Milk can be applied on the hair to nourish and soften it and also to give it a healthy lustre. If the hair has been subjected to sun-damage, applying milk would help to nourish, soften and restore health to it. After your shampoo, rinse the hair with milk and leave on for 5 minutes. Then rinse off with plain water. It would help to add body and shine to the hair.

For extremely dry hair, add a little milk to egg yolk and apply on the hair half an hour before shampoo. This is a wonderful nourishing treatment for dry hair. The hair looks soft, smooth and shiny.

A pre-shampoo treatment can also be done with a hair pack containing powdered milk. Add a little water to make a thick paste. Apply it on the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the pack better.