Milk is considered a complete meal. But do you know that it can be applied on the face as a one-stop solution to all your skin problems and concerns? The richness of nourishing lactose, skin-strengthening essential amino acids, exfoliating lactic acid, hydrating water, moisturising fats, and anti-ageing essential minerals and vitamins makes raw milk a complete face product.
In this article, we will learn about the benefits of raw milk on the face and the different ways to use it on the face.
What is Raw Milk?
Milk that does not undergo the pasteurisation process is called raw milk. The pasteurisation process involves heating the milk obtained from animal sources at a particular temperature for a fixed time. When the milk obtained from animal sources is not heated and used directly, it is called raw milk.
As per research, raw milk contains infection-causing microorganisms and is not suitable for consumption. The public health organisations like Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised concerns over the consumption of raw milk. As per a study, the consumption of raw milk has led to disease outbreaks in the past.
However, there are claims that raw milk is a rich source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. As per a study, the nutritional content of raw milk is similar to or more than the pasteurised milk.
Let us find out the nutrients present in the raw milk and their benefits for the face when applied topically.
Raw Milk Nutrients
Milk from different animal sources may have different nutritional values and compositions. In this article, we are talking about cow milk.
As per a study, the essential nutrients in cow milk are:
- Water: More than 88 per cent of milk is water. Hence, raw milk on the face moisturises the skin and gives it a natural glow and smoothness.
- Carbohydrate: Lactose is the main carbohydrate content in milk. It is responsible for the nourishment of the skin.
- Proteins: Milk is an excellent source of proteins. All the essential amino acids are present in raw milk. Essential amino acids are proteins required by our body as they cannot be produced within our body. These proteins provide essential nourishment to the skin, prevent damage, and make your skin look younger.
- Fats: Milk contains essential fatty acids that act as a moisturising agent and balances the oil on the face. Fat content in raw milk benefits dry and dull skin types.
- Vitamin A: It provides skin healing properties to raw milk. Vitamin A hydrates the skin, prevents acne and scars, and moisturises the skin to give your face a natural glow.
- Minerals: Raw milk is rich in sodium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals tighten the skin, prevent skin cells damage, and keep the skin younger.
- Iron: Anti-ageing property of milk is due to its iron content. Iron prevents skin damage due to stressful lifestyles and extreme environmental conditions such as air pollution and heat, keeping the face young and glowing.
Benefits of Raw Milk on Face
With a rich content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, iron, and water, raw milk on the face provides the following benefits:
1. Raw Milk for Skin Whitening
Overexposure to the sun, stress at work, and inadequate sleep may contribute to uneven skin tone and unwanted face tan. Raw milk contains lactic acid, iron, and essential minerals that act as an exfoliating agent, removing the dead skin cells and thus lightening the skin tone.
2. Raw Milk on Face for Oily Skin
Raw milk is good for oily skin. Fatty acids present in the milk help balance the oil on the skin. Vitamin A hydrates and removes the excessive oil from the face skin.
3. Raw Milk on Face for Dark Spots
Dark spots are common among women. It is a cause of concern and anxiety among women, especially young girls. Raw milk is rich in lactic acid that helps lighten the skin and significantly reduce dark spots.
4. Raw Milk on Face for Dry Skin
Skin cell damage results in dead skin cells that give the face a dry and dull look. Raw milk is a rich source of fats, water, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamin A. When applied to the face, it acts as a moisturiser and helps eliminate dead skin cells, thus giving the face a natural glow.
5. Raw Milk on Face for Acne
Vitamin A in raw milk has skin healing properties and also the ability to increase the skin's immune response. Essential minerals, lactic acid, and water help clean the skin pores to prevent acne.
6. Raw Milk on Face for Infections
Face skin is exposed to bacterial and fungal infection-causing microbes. Raw milk application may help fight and prevent these infections. Essential minerals help in skin tightening, vitamin A provides immunity, and iron improves blood circulation to the skin resulting in increased protection against skin infections.
7. Raw Milk on Face for Anti-Ageing
Iron in raw milk has anti-ageing properties. Iron prevents skin damage due to stressful lifestyles and extreme environmental conditions such as air pollution and heat, keeping the face skin young and glowing. Essential proteins also contribute to anti-ageing properties by strengthening and nourishing the skin.
8. Raw Milk on Face for Natural Glowing Skin
A well-nourished and hydrated skin glows naturally. Milk is a rich source of nourishing vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Water in the milk hydrates the skin giving it a natural glow.
How To Use Raw Milk on Face
Now that you know the benefits of raw milk on the face let us learn how to use raw milk on the face skin to get the mentioned benefits.
The most common way of applying raw milk on the face is by preparing a face pack. Raw milk face packs are simple to prepare and easy to use. Let us take a look:
1. Raw Milk and Turmeric for Face
Benefit:
- Natural skin cleanser
- Lightens skin tone
Preparation:
- Mix raw milk and turmeric to make a paste
- Massage the paste prepared on the face in a circular motion for two to three minutes
- Wash with water at normal temperature
2. Raw Milk and Rose Water for Face
Benefit:
- Act as a skin toner and improves skin elasticity
- Tightens the skin and prevents sagging
- Anti-ageing
Preparation:
- Take two tablespoons of raw milk and add four to five drops of rose water
- Mix the ingredients
- Clean your face and apply the paste using a cotton ball
- Wash your face with normal or lukewarm water [Tip: You may leave the mix on your face and wash it in the morning. The benefits of applying raw milk on the face overnight are more as it nourishes the skin deeply.]
3. Raw Milk and Honey for Face
Benefit:
- Smoothens the skin
- Natural glowing skin
- Prevents or reduces acne and pimples
- Natural skin cleanser
Preparation:
- Mix raw milk, honey, and a few drops of lemon juice to make a paste
- Apply the paste in a circular motion
- Wash it with normal water after five minutes
4. Raw Milk and Rice flour for Face
Benefit:
- Anti-acne
- Prevent pimples or helps remove pimples
Preparation:
- Mix two tablespoons of raw milk and one tablespoon of rice flour to make a paste
- Apply and leave it overnight or wash it after the paste becomes dry
5. Raw Milk and Tomato Juice for Face
Benefit:
- Anti-tan (Lightens the skin tone)
- Skin whitening
Preparation:
- Mix two to three tablespoons of raw milk and two to three teaspoons of tomato juice
- Apply the mixture in a circular motion
- Wash after 20-30 minutes with normal water
6. Raw Milk and Carrot Juice for Face
Benefit:
- Skin moisturiser
- Tightening of the skin, giving it a younger and wrinkle-free appearance
- Natural skin cleanser
Preparation:
- Mix one teaspoon of carrot juice and two tablespoons of raw milk
- Apply the mixture in a circular motion and massage the face for two to three minutes
- Wash your face with normal water
7. Raw Milk and Yoghurt for Face
Benefit:
- Skin moisturiser
- Young skin with a natural glow
- Natural skin cleanser
Preparation:
- Mix two teaspoons of yoghurt and three tablespoons of raw milk
- Apply the mixture in a circular motion and massage the face for two to three minutes
- Wash your face with normal water after 30 minutes
Potential Side Effects
Using raw milk on the face may have some potential side effects such as:
1. Allergy
As per a study, almost 65 per cent of people around the globe are sensitive and allergic to milk. Hence, applying raw milk may irritate your face skin to cause soreness, redness, and discomfort.
You must perform a patch test before applying raw milk or raw milk face pack. To perform a patch test, apply the raw milk face pack on the small area of your hand and leave it for a few minutes. Do not apply it to your face if you notice any discomfort, such as swelling and redness.
2. May Cause Breakouts
Applying too much or not following appropriate techniques may cause a disbalance of oil on your skin, resulting in acne.
Summing Up on Raw Milk on Face
Acne, pimples, dark spots, face tan, dry and dull skin, oily skin, wrinkles, and skin sagging are a matter of concern and anxiety among women of all age groups. With its rich source of hydrating water, anti-ageing iron and essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids, raw milk is a one-stop solution to all those concerns. Apply raw milk face pack twice or thrice a week to get clean, healthy, young, and naturally glowing skin.
FAQs
Can We Use Raw Milk on Our Face Everyday?
Yes, raw milk can be used on the face every day. Raw milk is a rich source of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that provides complete nourishment to the skin and naturally cleanse the skin toxins to get rid of acne and pimples.
Can Milk Remove Dark Spots?
Yes, milk contains essential exfoliating minerals and lactic acid that help remove the dead skin cells and thus lightens the skin to remove dark spots.
Can We Leave Raw Milk on the Face Overnight?
Yes, raw milk can be left on the face overnight. The benefits of applying raw milk on the face overnight are many such as deep nourishment, complete hydration, and moisturised skin. Leaving raw milk on your face overnight helps you get fresh, hydrating, and naturally glowing smooth skin in the morning.
When Should I Put Raw Milk on My Face?
The best time to put raw milk on your face is the night before bedtime. Leaving it overnight gives deep nourishment to your skin and maximises the benefits. However, you may apply it during the day, massage in a circular motion for two to three minutes, and then leave it on your face for 30 minutes before washing.
References
- James Brett, David Kelton, November 2011; A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related outcomes - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22054181/
- Elisabeth A Mungai, Casey Barton Behravesh, January 2015; Increased outbreaks associated with nonpasteurized milk, United States, 2007-2012 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25531403/
- John A. Lucey, July 2015; Raw Milk Consumption, Risks and Benefits - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890836/