Whilst dairy and beauty don’t typically go together, introducing milk into your skincare regime can do wonders for your skin’s health. As opposed to consuming milk, when raw or pasteurised milk is introduced into your skincare regime you do not experience glycation- a process where digested sugar attaches to the collagen in your skin, increasing skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and ageing. Lead product developer and skincare specialist, Patricia Boland from Colorescience UK, details the numerous benefits raw milk can have on your skin such as hydrating dry skin, soothing irritated skin and exfoliating mature skin. Outlining how to safely implement milk into your skincare regime, she whittles it down to 5 beauty benefits of milk for our skin.
1. IT’S THE PERFECT MOISTURISER
Raw milk is one of the richest sources of moisturising ingredients for all skin types. The lactic acid in raw milk moisturises, hydrates and nourishes dry and flaky skin. The Vitamin A present is also essential for new cell division and repairing your dry skin in a healthy, soothing manner. No more going through bottles of expensive moisturiser, simply take a cotton ball and dip it into the raw milk. Leave it on the face for 15-20 minutes and wash it off for supple, hydrated skin.
2. A SOOTHING TONER
When using milk as a toner, raw is better than pasteurised as heating of the milk can destroy healthy enzymes that can benefit your skin. The calcium in milk not only boosts collagen production which provides structure for your skin but improves skin elasticity too. This is particularly beneficial for mature skin, making skin appear more youthful, taunt and supple. Simply mix rose water, a few drops of lemon juice and raw milk together and leave on the face for 15 minutes before washing off.
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3. HEALS CRACKED HEELS
There is no better feeling than soft, smooth heels! Not only does biotin in milk eliminate dryness, help repair cracks in the heels and aid smoother feeling skin, but it is the perfect addition to a foot soak when gently exfoliating the skin. Heat milk on the stove until it becomes warm, take it off the heat and shake some baking soda in. Soak your feet in the mixture for 5-10 minutes and then take a pumice stone to slowly exfoliate the heel. Apply a moisturising foot cream to finish and you’re left with silky soft heels.
4. LIGHTENS ACNE SCARS AND DARK SPOTS
Many people who have experienced acne problems will have been told to stay away from dairy. That’s because drinking too much skimmed milk can cause a hormone imbalance. And, in some cases, make people more liable to acne breakouts. However, this does not mean milk cannot be used in your pastes and face masks to reduce acne scars and dark spots. The vitamin b12 present has skin lightening properties which are useful for evening out rough skin, skin discolouration’s or scarring on the face. Mix nutmeg and milk into a paste and leave overnight on the face for a cheap, antiseptic acne fighting mask.
5. IT GIVES YOU THAT RADIANT GLOW
Who would have thought milk was the answer to that effortless, dewy and glowing look? The magnesium in milk helps slough away dead skin cells, revealing gorgeous, radiant skin underneath! You can make a paste using turmeric, milk and a pinch of saffron and cleanse the skin for 3 minutes before washing off for immediate results. Or, you can try an ancient favourite by try Cleopatra’s milk and honey bath. Fill a jar with milk and two tablespoons of honey and pour into your bath, alongside some lavender and rose petals.
