Say Goodbye to Acne and Tan: The Benefits of Curd For Skin

Curd is considered beneficial for the skin due to the element called lactic acid present in it. Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly found in non-prescription acne products. Lactic acid and other such AHAs are known to remove the layer of dirt or scale accumulated on the skin (exfoliation), reduce inflammation and irritation, and reveal new and smooth skin. In this way, the lactic acid present in curd helps in removing these skin problems:

• Closing large pores
• Reducing acne marks
• Reducing fine lines on the face
• Reducing sun damage or suntan caused by sunlight
• Reducing hyperpigmentation

According to a study published in the year 2019 in the International Journal of Dermatology, the lactic acid present in curd also works to hydrate the skin and it is also an excellent antioxidant.

(Read more: Glow Up: Effective Ways to Lighten Dark Skin Tone)

Often the spots on the face, signs of aging, acne or acne marks - such problems take away the glow of your face and it also takes a lot of time to fix these skin related problems. But curd is a completely natural product without any side effects, which works to improve the complexion of the skin as well as nourish it. So, know how many benefits there are of applying curd on the face:

Although, if you want, you can apply curd directly on the face in its natural form. But according to experts, if some other natural ingredients are also mixed in curd and applied on the face, it can be more beneficial for the face. If you want, you can mix curd with cucumber, curd with tomato, curd with turmeric or even curd with honey or gram flour and apply it. Know which curd mixture is best for which type of skin and what benefits can be derived from it:

Curd and honey for dry skin
If your skin lacks moisture and the skin has become dry, then mix 1 teaspoon of honey in 4 teaspoons of curd and apply this curd face mask thoroughly on the face and neck and leave it for 30 minutes. Then wash the face with cold water and dry the face thoroughly. This mixture of curd and honey should be used once a week only by those people whose skin is dry or normal. People with oily skin should not use it. In a few days you will start seeing a glow on your face.

(Read more: Top Beauty Tips from Shahnaz Husain)

Yogurt and oats to remove wrinkles and fine lines
If you are seeing signs of premature aging like wrinkles and fine lines on your face, then to get rid of this premature aging problem, you should mix oats with yogurt and use it. You can use this scrub of yogurt and oats once a week. Add 1 teaspoon of oats in 2 teaspoons of yogurt and when this mixture becomes pulpy, apply it on your face and neck and massage the face in circular motion with light hands. Leave the scrub on the face for 15 minutes and then wash it with cold water.

Yogurt and lemon juice to remove blemishes
If you have marks of cured acne on your face or if spots are visible on the face due to some other reason, then a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice can help you in removing these spots. Mix half a teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of curd in a bowl and then apply this mixture on the blemished part of the face. Be careful that this mixture does not go into the eyes or else it can cause irritation. Leave the mixture on the face for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water.

Curd and gram flour to remove sunburn or tanning
If the skin has tanned or sunburn due to bright sunlight and UV rays, then mix a little gram flour in curd or buttermilk and mix it well and apply this mixture on the affected part. Leave it on for about 1 hour and then wash it off with water. The mixture of curd and gram flour will remove sunburn and tanning as well as provide relief from irritation.

(Read more: Home remedies for face skin tightening)

Curd and turmeric to improve skin complexion
Curd and turmeric are both natural ingredients rich in medicinal properties which are very beneficial for your skin. People with all skin types can use this mixture once a week. To improve the complexion of the skin, mix a pinch of turmeric powder in 2 teaspoons of curd and mix the mixture well and apply it on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Then wash it with water. This mixture of curd and turmeric helps in making the skin shiny as well as soft.

Curd and potato to reduce tanning and improve complexion
This face pack of curd and potato is considered suitable for all types of skin. For this, peel and mix raw potato in curd and then apply this mixture on the face and leave it for some time. When this mixture dries, wash the face with water. This face pack of curd and potato helps in improving the complexion of the skin, improving complexion and reducing tanning.

Curd and cucumber to cleanse and relax the skin
Add half a cucumber to a three-fourth cup of plain curd and grind it in a mixer to make a fine paste. Now massage your face with this mixture with light hands for 15 minutes and then wash the face with cold water. This mixture is perfect for all skin types and you can use it daily. This moisture-rich face pack helps in hydrating, cleansing and relaxing the skin.

(Read more: Natural Ways to Heal Sunburn)

Although curd is very healthy and there are no side effects of eating it or applying it on the face. But just like excess of anything is bad, similarly if too much curd is applied on the face, then it can also have some side effects. Apart from this, it is very important to know what to mix in curd and apply according to your skin type. Therefore, before applying curd on the face, consult your skin specialist once.

(Read more: Tips for glowing skin and healthy hair)

Applying curd on the face is very beneficial for the skin. The lactic acid present in curd makes the skin soft and helps in removing dead skin. It moisturizes the skin and retains natural moisture, which makes the skin glow. The antibacterial properties of yogurt reduce pimples and acne. Its regular use provides relief from tanning, blemishes and wrinkles. Yogurt acts as a natural cleanser and makes the skin clean, smooth and glowing.