A common ingredient in ancient India, it has been offering respite from several skin problems, shares Manasvini Pant
Applying chemical-laden tan removal creams or lotions might help your dry and dull skin in the short run but what about the long run? It’s a big no! We adopt and do what serves us in the long run. So, why not go natural and what better than buttermilk (chaas)? Here is a list of skin benefits of buttermilk that will, by the end of this article, leave you yearning for a glass of it. And this time not just for drinking but for treating your skin to its many useful properties.
For a glowing skin
Do not picture fair skin. Please don’t be blinded by vacuous advertisements of fairness creams that instill an inferiority complex in your psyche in the name of pampering oneself. Glowing skin refers to the skin that is cleansed deeply and has a natural luster of its own regardless of the skin tone. As far as buttermilk is concerned, it is rich in lactic acid and is a natural pro-biotic too. Lactic acid is found in most of the beauty products on the market. Additionally, being a rich source of natural astringents, the acidic properties of buttermilk help tone your skin to keep it looking clear and youthful.
Deep cleanser
Just forget all your chemical-laden cleansers as we have a pocket-friendly way to solve this problem. No points for guessing because its the good old buttermilk. It works as an excellent cleanser for the skin. It is used to cleanse and nourish skin deeply. Its lactic acid content drives out all the dirt, dust, grime and muck embedded in the innermost pores of your skin. Regular use will give you optimum skin benefits.
For 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 it in your skincare routine eventually has an effect on existing scars as well and delivers absolutely clear and spotless skin.
Say goodbye to sunburns
No matter how much sunscreen you apply on your face, the threat of getting burnt or tanned by the sun always stays. If you stayed out in the sun for long, grab a glass of buttermilk and treat your sunburnt skin. It works to cool, relax and soothe your skin. In fact, it works wonders as an anti-tanning agent too. To augment its efficacy, add a sufficient quantity of tomato puree to it.
Skin tightener
Mix adequate quantity of buttermilk into besan (gram flour), turmeric, sandalwood powder and egg white (from an egg) and orange rinds’ powder. Keep it on for at least 15 minutes. Your skin will feel tightened (naturally, because the mask is getting dried) but deep inside, not only is your skin’s radiance being worked upon to be bright to the forefront but also it is being tightened. Repeat every alternate day for a month and brace yourself for a younger you.
(The writer is the fashion and beauty creator at Trell.)