10 Amazing Benefits Of Yogurt For Skin And Hair

Yogurt is enjoyed for its refreshing flavor and is known as a natural probiotic that helps improve your digestive health.

However, the benefits of yogurt span much beyond that. Yogurt is commonly known as ‘Dahi’ in Hindi and Gujarati, ‘Doyi’ in Bengali, ‘Perugu’ in Telugu, ‘Thairu‘ in Malayalam, and ‘Thayir‘ in Tamil.

This magic potion is derived from thick fatty milk and works wonders for your skin and hair health. Continue reading to know more about the several key benefits of yogurt and how you can incorporate it into your diet.

Know Your Ingredient: Yogurt

What Is It?
A slightly sour and thick liquid prepared from fermented milk.

What Are Its Benefits?
It moisturizes your skin and hair, soothes sunburned skin, reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles, and treats dandruff, acne, and pigmentation.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone with skin and hair problems.

How Often?
Regularly, but in moderation as part of a daily diet. Topically, once or twice a week.

Caution
Avoid it if you are lactose intolerant.

Beauty Benefits Of Yogurt

Skin Benefits

1. Moisturizes Skin
2. Reduces Wrinkles And Fine Lines
3. Fights Acne
4. Fades Blemishes And Pigmentation
5. Reduces Dark Circles
6. Treats Skin Infections
7. Soothes Sunburns

Hair Benefits

8. Conditions Hair
9. Reduces Hair Fall
10. Treats Dandruff

Skin Benefits Of Yogurt

1. Moisturizes Skin

If your skin needs a boost of moisture, you can try using a yogurt face mask to rejuvenate your skin.

What You Need

• 4 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add all the ingredients to a bowl, and mix till the consistency is more or less even.
2. Apply the mask to your face and neck, and keep it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse with cold water and pat your skin dry.

Why This Works

When yogurt is applied topically, it increases the moisture content of the treated area (1). This makes skin more elastic and improves brightness.

2. Reduces Wrinkles And Fine Lines

As time goes on, your skin starts to show signs of aging. You can combat the wrinkles and fine lines by using a yogurt scrub on a weekly basis.

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon oats

What You Have To Do

1. Add the oats to the yogurt, and wait for it to get mushy. Stir to get an even consistency.

2. Apply it all over your face and neck, and massage using gentle, circular motions.

3. Keep the scrub on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

Why This Works

Yogurt has lactic acid, which works well as an exfoliator (2). It removes the topmost layer of dead cells, revealing brighter and younger skin. Plus it has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and benefit skin health.

Rafaela Sadeth, a blogger, discusses the benefits of using a yogurt and oat face mask. She writes, “I noticed that when I use this mask, my skin is brighter and fresher. Don’t hesitate to make a mask for yourself, if not the same one. I guarantee you won’t regret it (i)”.

3. Fights Acne

Yogurt is considered to be an effective home remedy for fighting acne and inflammation. Using plain yogurt on a regular basis can help you get rid of pimples.What You Need

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the cotton balls in the yogurt and apply it to the affected areas. Once you use a cotton ball on an acne, dispose of it. Don’t use it for application over another area. This may cause your acne to spread.

2. Keep it overnight and wash your face with cold water in the morning.

Why This Works

The high amounts of zinc and lactic acid present in yogurt make it a potent cure for acne (3).

4. Fades Blemishes And Pigmentation

Acne and pimples can leave behind scars that take a long time to fade. Using a combination of yogurt and lemon juice can help to get rid of them faster.

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Combine the yogurt and the lemon juice in a bowl.

2. Apply the mixture to the affected areas. Avoid getting it in your eyes, for it might sting.

3. Keep it on for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Why This Works

The reason yogurt helps fade blemishes and corrects uneven pigmentation is because of its lactic acid content (4). Lactic acid removes the topmost layer of skin, which promotes the growth of new skin cells. This effectively reduces the appearance of pigmentation.

5. Reduces Dark Circles

A sleepless night and good old genetics are the reasons behind dark circles. Using yogurt can help reduce them.

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the cotton balls in the yogurt.

2. Gently dab it under your eyes.

3. Keep it on for 10 minutes and rinse.

Why This Works

Yogurt helps reduce dark circles because it has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduces puffiness. The lactic acid in it also reduces persistent dark circles (5).

6. Treats Skin Infections

Skin infections such as ringworm or athletes’ foot plague a number of people. If you are looking for an all-natural remedy, then you can give yogurt a try.

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• gauze

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the yogurt over the infected area and warp it with the gauze.
2. Repeat this procedure twice a day till the infection goes away.

Why This Works

Yogurt has probiotics that help get rid of skin infections caused by pathogens such as yeast and improve immunity (6).

7. Soothes Sunburns

Sunburns are caused by the UV rays of the sun. It damages the skin, resulting in redness and sometimes, blisters. Using yogurt topically can help heal the sunburned areas.

Why This Works

Applying yogurt to sunburned areas cools it down (7). This is because it is rich in zinc and has anti-inflammatory properties (8).

Hair Benefits Of Yogurt

8. Conditions Hair

If you are tired of the chemicals found in store-bought conditioners and are looking for a natural alternative, yogurt can help condition your hair and make it more manageable.

What You Need

• 4 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.

2. Apply the hair pack to your strands, and let it stay for an hour.

3. Rinse thoroughly using a mild shampoo.

Why This Works

Because yogurt has moisturizing properties, it helps repair dry and damaged hair (9). It leaves your hair conditioned and makes it more manageable.

9. Reduces Hair Damage

Hair fall happens for a number of reasons. One of which is the hair follicles not receiving proper nourishment. Using yogurt, which is full of nutrients that are good for your hair, can help stop hair fall.

What You Need

• ½ cup yogurt
• 3 tablespoons ground fenugreek seeds

What You Have To Do

1. Combine the yogurt and the fenugreek seeds together.

2. Using a brush, apply it to your strands.

3. Keep for an hour, then rinse with a mild shampoo.

Why This Works

Applying yogurt can nourish the hair shafts and reduce signs of damage like split ends, dryness, and other signs of damage (10).

10. Treats Dandruff

Dandruff is a common problem, but which can be avoided with the topical use of yogurt.

• What You Need
• ½ cup yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Massage the yogurt into your scalp.

2. Let it rest for 20 minutes, and rinse with a mild shampoo

Why This Works

One of the main causes of dandruff is fungus. A fungal infection can make the scalp produce flaky skin. Yogurt, which is a natural anti-fungal, helps removes all signs of dandruff (11).

You may also use yogurt for hair growth, as it may help maintain your scalp health, which may help nourish hair and promote hair density. Moreover, yogurt can also be a part of your daily skin care routine. Keep reading to learn how to use it for other beauty purposes.

Other Ways Yogurt Can Be Used In Your Beauty Regimen

1. Yogurt makes an excellent moisturizer for dry hands.

2. Using yogurt on your nails can make them look more polished.

3. Cracked heels can benefit from a yogurt massage.

4. Massaging your teeth with yogurt can help whiten them.

5. You can add yogurt to any hair/face pack to take advantage of its benefits.

How To Choose The Best Yogurt

Choosing the best yogurt can be a tad confusing with the variety available on the shelves. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:

• Check The Ingredients: Look for plain yogurt with milk and live and active cultures. Avoid those with artificial flavors or colors.
• Sugar Content: Go for yogurts with low or no added sugars.
• Fat Content: Choose yogurts based on your dietary preferences. While full-fat yogurt offers more satiety, low-fat or fat-free options are lower in calories.
• Protein Content: Opt for Greek yogurt if you are consuming yogurt as a protein source. It has a higher protein content than regular yogurt.
• Expiration Date: Always check the expiration or ‘best by’ date to ensure you get maximum benefits from the product.

Tips For Cooking/Usage

A 2021 study in Journal of Nutritional Science to understand the benefits of yogurt consumption on diet quality conducted with 1912 children (aged 1⋅5–18 years) and 2064 adults (19 years or older) found that it contributed to overall 6–7 % of calories as well as 19.9 % and 4.7% of vitamin D intake in children and adults, respectively.

It is not just an important component of your meal but is equally good for your health. Milk yogurt has several health benefits that will help you live a healthier life if you make it a part of your daily diet! It is nutrient-dense, especially with vitamins, minerals, calcium, and protein that benefits your bone health, gut health, heart health and helps in blood sugar control as well. Plus, it is a great satiety agent to reduce your hunger pangs. The good thing about this is that you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money buying it. Yes, yogurt is easily available in stores at affordable prices. However, you could still save on that money and prepare milk yogurt at home. Believe me, it is easy to prepare and doesn’t even require too much effort!

Ingredients

The ingredients required to prepare milk yogurt are listed below:

• The ingredients required to prepare milk yogurt are enlisted below:
• One cup of milk
• One tablespoon of sugar for the bacteria to feed upon
• A pinch of salt
• A few tablespoons of yogurt.

If you have lactose intolerance, we recommend not to consume it, but you can always try its topical benefits.

Trivia

National Greek Yogurt Day is celebrated on November 9, and National Frozen Yogurt Day is celebrated on February 6.

Method Of Preparation

Here are the steps you need to follow to make fresh and edible milk yogurt at home.

1. You will begin your preparation by heating the milk. Get hold of two large pots and fit one inside the other. This will help you make a double boiler, which actually prevents the milk from getting burnt. Remember to stir a couple of times. Feel free to use any kind of milk you prefer.

2. Once the milk has been heated, you will have to cool it down to 43 degrees Celsius. This will help in lowering the temperature. In case you are using the fridge to cool it down, please remember to stir it a few times again.

3. Next, you will need to warm the starter. When we use the term starter, we are basically speaking about the bacteria that are required to prepare the milk.

4. Next, you will have to add half a cup of nonfat dry milk that will help in increasing the natural content of the yogurt. This will make the yogurt thick.

5. Now, add the starter to the milk. You could add the yogurt that is already there or the bacteria that has been dried.

6. It’s time to pour all the milk into a container. You will have to cover it well with a plastic wrap.

7. Now, you will have to keep the bacteria warm so that it incubates. The temperature has to be close to 100 degrees F. The more you will encourage the growth of bacteria, the better the flavor and taste of the bacteria will be.

8. Take the thermometer to make sure that the temperature is the same throughout. Next, you have to place it under the sun. A fine place would be your window sill where the rays of the sun will be able to reach the yogurt.

9. Now, you will have to use the yogurt maker. Place the containers of milk that have been cooled along with the starter inside the yogurt maker. Make sure that there is enough space between each of them.

10. Now, supply a good plastic over in the heat. This will help in maintaining the temperature inside the containers and encourage growth in the bacteria.

11. Check and see whether the yogurt has become firm. Once you notice a consistency throughout the yogurt, you can easily remove all the containers.

12. Now, jiggle the containers gently. If the yogurt has been prepared, it will not show any movement. After this, you have to place the containers in the fridge. Wait for 12 hours before you can use it.

And your homemade yogurt is ready! Savor it as it is or mix it with rice for some mouth-watering ‘curd-rice’ – the choice is yours!

Quick Tip

Cow’s milk is most frequently utilized when making yogurt. It is also made with milk from yaks, camels, ewes, goats, mares, and water buffalo. However, if you are vegan, you may also look for yogurt made from soy, coconut, cashew, oat, or almond milk.

The global yogurt market was valued at more than 107 billion US dollars in 2021 and is expected to reach approximately 154 billion US dollars by 2027. The graph below shows the global yogurt market value between 2021 and 2027.

Use Of Piroctone Olamine-Containing Shampoo To Reduce Hair Fall

Infographic: DIY Yogurt Masks For Your Skin And Hair

This dairy product has been frequently used as a beauty treatment and to promote gorgeous, lush, soft hair in various ways. Yogurt is a readily available natural ingredient that has lactic acid and zinc and can combat many issues in our bodies. In the infographic below, we’ve provided you with a list of a few DIY skin and hair care remedies. Look it up!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you eat yogurt every day?

It is healthy and safe to consume up to 3 cups of plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt daily. It is incredibly nutritious, and eating it daily can help with various health issues, like minimizing the risk of heart disease and weight management.

What is the right time to eat yogurt?

Eating yogurt in the morning on an empty stomach is the right approach. The reason is yogurt’s healthy bacteria (probiotics) must reach the big intestine alive in order to improve your digestion and health.

Is yogurt veg or non-veg?

Yogurt is considered a vegetarian dairy product as there is no meat in it.

Is Greek yogurt healthier than regular yogurt?

While both are healthy options to add to your diet, Greek yogurt has less sugar compared to regular yogurt. Therefore, it is the healthier option out of the two.

Is it safe to consume yogurt if lactose intolerant?

Anecdotal evidence says that people with lactose intolerance find it easier to digest yogurt than milk. Full-fat, probiotic yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures might be a safe option for lactose-intolerant people. However, please consult a doctor beforehand to avoid any adverse reactions.

Is it better to consume dairy or non-dairy yogurt for health benefits?

Though both are good for health, consuming non-dairy yogurt might not give you all the nutrients you can get with dairy yogurt. Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 content are not supplied in non-dairy yogurt (12).

Are there any nutritional differences between flavored and plain yogurt?

No, they both have similar nutritional profiles. However, flavored yogurt may contain added sugars.

Illustration: Amazing Benefits Of Yogurt For Skin And Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The benefits of yogurt for skin and hair are plenty! Click on this video to learn about them and find out how this ingredient can help improve your skin and hair health.

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Mayuri AavulaNutritionist

   

Mayuri Aavula is one of the top nutritionists in Hyderabad, India, and has won several awards and accolades. She has 6 years of experience and started TruDiet in 2016 to provide diet care services to popular film and TV personalities.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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