Drink your milk for strong bones and teeth. We have all heard this line for as long as we can remember. Milk is a powerhouse of nutrients, but drinking milk isn't the only way we can extract its benefits. You may use it for enhancing your skin and hair care routines, and you will not be disappointed.
Milk recipes for your face
- Cleanser: Raw milk is amazing as a moisturising food for your skin. B vitamins in raw milk are necessary for new skin cell formation. Vitamin A treats flaky, dry and peeling skin. Vitamin D boosts collagen production, slows down those wrinkles and helps fade dark spots. Dab some raw milk all over your face. Use a cotton ball gently rub in circular motions to clean all the gunk from your face. You'll be surprised to see the smooth and clean results!
- Exfoliator: Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in milk which combats free radicals that cause skin ageing. Add two tablespoons of milk and oatmeal with half tablespoon of honey. Apply evenly all over your face and gently scrub to get that dead skin off and reveal a fresh glow!
- Toner: The calcium in milk makes this superfood an excellent toner for your face. Make a natural toner with a tablespoon of milk and a tablespoon of herbal tea. Apply with a cotton ball onto a clean face for a dose of antioxidant-packed toning!
- Yoghurt mask for sunburn: Yogurt is a natural alternative treatment for sunburns. It soothes the skin after UV exposure and gently exfoliates to reduce any blemishes. Apply a layer of plain yoghurt and sugar to make a scrub-cleanser mixture. The live probiotics in the yoghurt also improve hydration to the deeper epidermal layers.
- Anti-ageing milk mask: Along with the hydrating power of milk, bananas and flaxseeds in this facial mask help bring to life dead and dull skin. Combine one teaspoon of ground flax seeds, half of mashed banana and two tablespoons of milk to make a thick paste. Apply all over your face and rinse after 15 minutes. Follow this regimen regularly each week to control sebum and enjoy wrinkle-free skin.
Milk recipes for your hair
- Moisturising hair mask: Milk is rich in protein and biotin. Both protein and biotin are necessary for strengthening roots and keeping the hair from splitting at the ends. Milk is also rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps soothe dry and irritated scalp. Combine three tablespoons of milk, a mashed banana, one tablespoon olive oil and one tablespoon honey. Apply all over the scalp and hair like a mask and keep it on for an hour. Rinse thoroughly for instantly softer hair!
- Conditioning hair mask: The fat in milk works wonderfully as a natural conditioning agent. Giving the hair the right amount of conditioning and not leaving it too greasy, this hair pack will keep your hair shining for days. Mix a tablespoon of full-fat milk, a tablespoon of heavy cream, and a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply only onto the scalp and leave in for 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and continue your shampoo routine. Add an egg for that extra dose of nutrients!
- Cleansing tonic for dandruff: Mix baking soda with milk and apply to your scalp. Massage your scalp to exfoliate and wash thoroughly. Repeat once a week to reduce overall dandruff.
- Replenishing yoghurt hair mask: Yoghurt goes a step ahead and provides those anti-bacterial agents that work to rid your scalp of any infection. Take about three inches of aloe vera stalk. Blend the pulp together with a cup of yoghurt. Apply generously from scalp to tip and leave on for 30 minutes. Repeat weekly to get thicker and voluminous hair.
Milk recipes for your body
- Moisturising milk cream lotion: Milk cream has all the goodness of selenium and potassium that is in milk but in a concentrated form! Both these minerals are helpful in keeping the skin firm and elastic. A cup of thick cream with two tablespoons of honey makes a hydrating body lotion. Apply evenly all over and leave for at least 20 minutes. Begin your shower with rubbing in the applied cream, so you get the most out of it!
- Elbow and knee scrub: Don't we all hate those dry, pigmented patches of hard skin on our elbows and knees? Mix two tablespoons of heavy cream with two tablespoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of chickpea flour. This makes a great scrub for that flaky skin and leaves it supple and soft.
- Revitalising milk bath: Feel luxurious and rested, as you deserve, by soaking yourself in a milk bath. To a warm bath, add two cups of full cream milk, one cup honey, the juice from one lemon and some drops of lavender oil. Stir it in and relax for a full 40 minutes. The collagen from the milk is extracted by the acids from the lemon juice, and the warm water opens your skin pores which improve nutrient absorption. Step into a quick shower once you are done.
- Milk and Epsom salt foot soak: Being on our feet all day and wearing those high heels can really tire out our feet. Give your feet a pamper by soaking them in a foot bath of four cups of warm water and milk, a teaspoon of lemon juice and four tablespoons of Epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes and scrub on a pumice stone. Rinse off and experience destressed and relaxed feet.
Remember that any beauty regimen needs to be practised religiously for at least six weeks to experience the best results!
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