Being an Indian, there is no way you haven’t heard of the innumerable benefits of having buttermilk post your meals. From aiding digestion to improving metabolism, a tall glass of buttermilk is a staple in most households. But did you know that this cooling beverage also has a lot of beauty benefits?
A very common beauty ingredient in ancient India, buttermilk has been known to provide respite to a lot of common skin problems for centuries. From acne and acne scars to premature ageing, this highly nutritious drink is a quick and simple answer to many pressing beauty-related problems. If you want to be aware of the many benefits of buttermilk for skin and hair, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a complete guide on everything you need to know about buttermilk; from the benefits to how to whip up this beverage in no time.
- 1. Benefits of buttermilk for skin
- - Reduces acne scars
- - Promotes glowing skin
- - Deep cleanses your skin
- - Heals sunburn
- - Prevents premature ageing
- 2. How to make buttermilk at home
- 3. FAQs about benefits of buttermilk
1. Benefits of buttermilk for skin
- Reduces acne scars
One of the biggest reasons why buttermilk is an excellent remedy against a number of skin problems is due to the presence of natural alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs in it. This ingredient helps exfoliate and brighten your skin, boosts circulation, and prevents acne by eliminating the top layer of dead skin. Regularly using buttermilk in your skincare routine eventually has an effect on existing scars as well and delivers absolutely clear and spotless skin.
BB pro tip: Take about a tablespoon of orange peel powder in a mixing bowl and enough buttermilk to form a thick paste. Apply this mixture onto your face and neck area and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. While rinsing, massage the skin in circular motions to boost blood circulation and exfoliate dead skin and eliminate acne scars, spots and marks in just a few days. Always apply a rich moisturiser after using this skin treatment.
- Promotes glowing skin
One of the most important benefits of buttermilk is its ability to deliver clear, glowing and radiant skin. Brimming with lactic acid, buttermilk helps eliminate dead skin and other impurities from the topmost layer of the skin to reveal a fresh and glowing complexion that’s hidden underneath. Additionally, being a rich source of natural astringents, the acidic properties of buttermilk help tone your skin, to keep it looking clear and youthful.
BB pro tip: Mix together about two tablespoons of gram flour with two to three tablespoons of buttermilk to form a thick, smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric to this mixture and apply it all over your face to promote healthy and glowing skin.
- Deep cleanses your skin
If you have oily skin and clogged pores, then regularly using buttermilk in your skincare routine will benefit your skin greatly. The lactic acid in buttermilk helps draw out deep-set impurities, dirt, makeup, oil and sweat that clog your pores and lead to problems like acne and dullness. This helps unclog pores and deliver bright and radiant skin.
BB pro tip: In a bowl, take about three tablespoons of buttermilk and add an equal amount of rose water to it. Next, add about a teaspoon of any carrier oil such as almond, olive or jojoba (avoid coconut oil if you have oily skin) and mix it all together. Dip a cotton pad in this mixture and apply it to your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes and follow it up with a moisturiser.
- Heals sunburn
Does your skin look sunburnt, heavily tanned and damaged after a beach holiday? Well, fret not, because the many benefits of buttermilk are here to help. Lactic acid and AHAs present in buttermilk help exfoliate your skin, eliminate dead skin and speed up the healing process. Additionally, as it has high moisture content, buttermilk heals, rejuvenates and repairs sun damage faster than most other natural skin treatments.
BB pro tip: Blend together some fresh buttermilk and tomato juice in a mixture. Dip a clean cotton pad in this mixture and apply it to the affected area twice a day. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes or until the mixture is completely dry and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Apply your moisturiser and sunscreen to prevent any further damage.
- Prevents premature ageing
The antioxidants present in buttermilk help protect your skin against free radical damage. Drinking buttermilk is a great way to cool your system and flush out toxins in your body a lot faster. With lactic acid, AHAs and deeply moisturising benefits, buttermilk is the cheapest and easiest source of anti-ageing benefits for your skin.
BB pro tip: Mix together two to three tablespoons of buttermilk with about two teaspoons of honey. Stir well to blend them thoroughly. Apply this mixture to your face and neck area before going to bed. Once the mixture is completely dry, rinse it off using a gentle face wash and lukewarm water. Apply a night cream after rinsing to seal in the benefits and wake up to soft and youthful skin.
2. How to make buttermilk at home
Making buttermilk at home is extremely simple. For beauty benefits, it is recommended to use natural and fresh homemade buttermilk instead of store-bought ones as the latter is loaded with preservatives and may harm your skin in the long run. Let’s look at how to make buttermilk at home:
Step 01: Take about two tablespoons of full-fat curd or plain yogurt in a mixer jar.
Step 02: Add about half a glass of water to it and blend both the ingredients together.
Step 03: If it feels too thick, then add more water and blend again.
Your fresh homemade chaas or buttermilk is ready to be used.
3. FAQs about benefits of buttermilk
Q. Can we drink buttermilk daily?
A. Yes, absolutely. Buttermilk is an incredible source of protein, vitamins and minerals, making it an extremely healthy beverage to be consumed daily. Additionally, the moisturising and detoxifying properties of buttermilk make it even more beneficial to be had every single day. Consuming this healthy beverage post-lunch every single day aids digestion keeps your system clean, which in turn makes your skin look clear and glowing.
Q. Is buttermilk good for pimples?
A. Buttermilk is made from curds or yogurt, which is one of the richest natural sources of probiotics found in food. These probiotics deliver a healthy gut by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic activity. A healthy gut is extremely important to flush out toxins and make your skin free of pimples and make it appear radiant and clear.
Q. Does buttermilk remove dark spots?
A. As discussed earlier, buttermilk is a rich source of lactic acid and AHAs, both of which work really well to eliminate dead skin and other surface impurities. This is why it works really well to reduce dark spots and reveal clear, glowing skin hidden underneath. To eliminate dark spots, simply apply buttermilk directly onto your face using a clean cotton pad and wash it off after 20 minutes. Repeat this twice a day for quick and effective results.
