There’s a legend about Cleopatra indulging in milk baths and although there is no scientific research about the effectiveness of milk baths for skincare, milk as a dairy product contains lactic acid (1). Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is a common ingredient in a lot of skin care products because not only does it improve fine lines and wrinkles, it gets rid of dead skin cells and brightens dark spots. (2)
What is Raw Milk?
Unpasteurized milk, raw milk, contains nutrients that pasteurised milk doesn’t contain. It is claimed that raw milk has more vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antimicrobials, and fatty-acids in comparison to pasteurized milk. Although raw milk is not safe for consumption, raw milk can be used as a face cleanser because of its various beauty benefits. (3)
Benefits of Raw milk on face
There are various benefits of applying raw milk on your face, from its anti-ageing properties to its de-tanning properties and we’re going to be looking at each of them.
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Raw Milk As Face Cleanser:
Raw milk can be used as a makeup remover, cleaning out your clogged pores (4) as it gets rid of oil, dirt and dead-skin cells as well as other impurities. Clogged pores can cause acne, blackhead and whiteheads. (5)
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As a Toner:
Toners are meant to gently remove oil and dirt, but some toners are very stripping, that is, they get rid of your skin’s natural moisture leaving your skin completely dry.
Which isn’t what you want.
Raw milk gets rid of excess oil and sebum, leaving your skin’s natural moisture.
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As a Moisturiser:
Dry skin which may lead to a plethora of skin problems (6) can be resolved by applying raw milk which nourishes the skin as well as improves and restores the skin’s natural moisture.
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Treats Acne:
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions which a lot of people still battle with today. As previously mentioned, raw milk cleanses the pores, getting rid of excess oil and other impurities that fights off microbes that cause acne.
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For pigmentation:
The presence of Lactic acid doesn’t just help with de-tanning and pigmentation by brightening the skin and evening out the skin tone but protects the skin from direct sunlight and UV rays.
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Anti-Ageing:
Raw milk, although low in quantity; has Vitamin D (7) promotes skin elasticity that helps with anti-ageing (8). That combined with the presence of Lactic acid which stimulates collagen renewal also helps with anti-ageing.
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As a Mild Exfoliator:
Beta Hydroxy, a form of Alpha Hydroxy which is found in raw milk (9), gets rid of dead-skin cells leaving the skin fresh, smooth and soft. It is advised to exfoliate at least two-three times weekly and once a week for beginners. (10)
These are the benefits of applying raw milk on your face daily. But then this question comes up: How do you apply it?
How to Apply Raw Milk on Face?
There are various ways of raw milk application like making milk cleansers for face, face toner, face packs and even face scrubs all with ingredients you can easily find in your home.
Face cleanser:
Milk:
- 2-3 tbsp of Raw milk.
- Apply with a cotton pad on a clean face.
- Rub it into your face for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
Milk and Turmeric:
This mixture cleanses as well as brightens your skin.
- Make a paste of milk and turmeric.
- Apply on a clean face.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes or till it dries out.
- Wet your fingertips and use it to cleanse your face in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse it off with cold water.
Face Moisturiser:
Milk and Glycerin:
- 2-3 tbsp of cold raw milk.
- ½ tbsp of glycerin. (11)
- Apply with a cotton pad to your face and lips.
- Leave for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water.
Milk, Yoghurt and Carrot Juice:
This mixture is a good cleanser and moisturiser that can be used to promote anti-ageing.
- 2-3 tbsp of Raw Milk.
- 1 tbsp of Yoghurt.
- 2 tbsp of Carrot Juice.
- Apply mixture on a clean face in circular motion.
- Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off gently.
- If your skin feels oily after this, feel free to use a mild face wash.
Also learn about the natural ways to wash your face without soap.
Face Toner:
Milk and Rose Water:
- 2 tbsp of raw milk.
- 4-5 drops of rose water.
- Using a cotton pad, apply on a clean face.
- Leave overnight or wash off if desired.
Face Masks:
Milk and Tomato:
This is a detanning mask which helps reduce pigmentation.
- 2-3 tbsp of Raw milk.
- 2-3 tbsp of Tomato juice.
- Apply evenly on a clean face.
- Leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water.
Milk, Honey and Cinnamon:
This is a detanning mask which helps reduce pigmentation.
- 2-3 tbsp of Raw milk.
- 2-3 tbsp of Honey.
- A dash of cinnamon.
- Lie back and apply on a clean face avoiding the sensitive area around your eyes.
- Leave for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
Milk, Besan, Turmeric And Honey:
Raw milk cleanses and brightens the skin, besan detans and brightens, turmeric brightens and honey has antibacterial properties that treats acne. (12)
- A pinch of turmeric.
- 1 tbsp of honey.
- Add raw milk to the mixture and make a paste.
- Apply on a clean face.
- Leave for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse out.
Milk, Honey and Lemon Juice:
Milk and Honey have antimicrobial properties and are good cleansers. Lemon juice brightens the face and cleanses the skin of any impurities.
- 1 tbsp of raw milk.
- ½ tbsp of honey.
- ½ tbsp of lemon juice.
- Apply on a clean face.
- Rinse off after 10 minutes.
Face Scrub:
Milk, Sugar and Flour:
Raw Milk helps remove dead-skin cells, blackheads and whiteheads, as well as hydrates your skin.
- 2 tbsp of Raw milk.
- 1 tbsp of Sugar.
- 1 tbsp of gram flour.
- Make a paste.
- Massage into your face for 10 minutes.
- Leave for another 10 minutes.
- Wash off with water.
While applying Raw Milk for face has its benefits, it is important to take care of your skin in other ways like adhering to using a clean face towel at all times. Have a separate towel for just your face.
Also read about the ayurvedic approach to cleansing your skin the natural way.
FAQs
Q: Can we use raw milk on our face everyday?
A: Yes. Raw milk can be used in different ways in DIY recipes.
Q: How long does it take for milk to lighten skin?
A: You can begin to see changes after 3 weeks of consistently applying it.
Q: Can milk remove dark spots?
A: Yes. Milk has lactic acid which exfoliates the skin removing spots and pigmentation.
Q: Can I apply raw milk on oily skin?
A: Raw milk is great for oily skin as it unclogs your pores getting rid of dirt. It also removes the excess oil from your skin leaving your natural moisture in place to prevent dryness.
Q: Can I leave raw milk on my face overnight?
A: Yes. Raw milk softens and hydrates the skin overnight.
Q: Is raw milk good for sensitive skin?
A: Raw milk gently cleanses the skin without stripping it. But if you’re lactose intolerant, avoid the use of milk for your skin or hair. (13)
Q: Can raw milk remove blackheads?
A: Lactic acid, present in Raw milk, acts as an exfoliator getting rid of dead-skin cells, blackheads and whiteheads.