What does the research say?

Although there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence, there’s little clinical research to support the many benefits claimed.

According to a 2015 reviewTrusted Source published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, there’s limited evidence that the topical application of fermented dairy products may benefit the skin.

The review indicates, however, that there are few existing studies, and states that further studies are needed.

How might curd benefit your skin?

Advocates often attribute the potential skin care benefits of curd* to its lactic acid content.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s often found in nonprescription acne products.

Lactic acid and other AHAs are known to aid in exfoliation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the growth of smoother new skin.

This may minimize the appearance of:

large pores
acne scars
fine lines
sun damage
hyperpigmentation

Lactic acid, according to a 2019 studyTrusted Source published in the International Journal of Dermatology, can also help hydrate the skin and work as an antioxidant.

Use Curd in Your Facial Skin Care Routine

Many proponents of natural healing and natural cosmetics suggest using curd as a face mask.

They often suggest mixing the curd with other natural ingredients that have healing and restorative properties.

Popular recommendations include:

curd* and cucumber, used once weekly (all skin types)
curd* and tomato, used once weekly (all skin types)
curd* and turmeric, used once weekly (all skin types)
curd* and potato, used twice weekly (all skin types)
curd* and honey, used once weekly (normal to dry skin)
curd and besan (gram flour), used once weekly (normal to oily skin)
curd and lemon, used once weekly (normal to oily skin)
curd and oats, used once weekly (normal to oily skin)
curd and orange peel, used once or twice weekly (normal to oily skin)

Other combinations might include:

aloe vera
chamomile
coffee
rice powder
rose water

If you decide to use curd with other ingredients, make sure you use a recipe from a reputable source.

You should also do a patch test by applying the mixture to a small area of skin. If you develop any signs of irritation over the next 24 hours — such as redness, itchiness, and swelling — don’t apply the mixture to your face

Are curd and yogurt the same thing?

You might hear the words “curd” and “yogurt” used interchangeably.

Although they have a similar appearance and are both dairy-based, curd and yogurt are quite different.

Curd is made by curdling milk with an edible acidic substance, such as vinegar or lemon juice.

Yogurt is created with a yogurt culture, commonly Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The culture causes a bacterial fermentation of the milk.

Skincare Tips: How to Use Curd to Get a Glowing And Nourished Skin?

Pampering your skin is important if you wish to look attractive. Skincare is tricky but necessary. Everyone must take out some time out of their busy schedule to address the concerns related to their skin. For that, you do not need an array of expensive beauty products but just curd in your fridge. Yes, this cooling superfood is one of the most popular skincare kitchen ingredients that can improve the quality of your skin. It can moisturise your skin, improve its brightness, and elasticity. Also Read – Skincare Tips: How to Prepare Easy DIY Face Pack For Getting a Smooth And Glowing Skin

Curd contains lactic acid that helps in exfoliating skin cells and keeping the skin smooth. The fat content in curd removes bad tan and tackle dullness and pigmentation. Additionally, having cooling effects, curd can relieve inflammation and treat skin conditions like acne. To use curd for reaping most of its beauty benefits, here is how you need to use it. Also Read – Skincare Tips: Don’t Squeeze, Use These Simple Home Remedies to Get Rid of Blackheads

Curd And Honey Face Pack

Honey has strong therapeutic and moisturising properties. Therefore mixing it with curd will make it an excellent skincare ingredient. People with normal or dry skin can use the face pack. To prepare it, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of curd with 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl. Then apply the paste on your face and leave for 20 minutes. Then, wash your face using cold water. Also Read – Skincare Tips: How Castor Oil Helps in Reducing Appearance of Stretch Marks?

Curd And Besan Face Pack

Besan can exfoliate your skin and remove all the impurities. Also, it can make your skin look brighter. People with normal or oily skin types can use this face pack. Mix 2 tablespoons of curd with a tablespoon of besan in a bowl and prepare a thick paste. Apply this mixture on your face and wait for 10 minutes. Then, wash off using cold water.

Curd And Turmeric Face Pack

Being rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can clear your skin and bring a glow. This face pack can be applied by people with any skin type. To prepare the pack, you need to take 2 tablespoons of curd and mix half a teaspoon of turmeric in it. Apply this mixture on your face and leave for around 15 minutes. Then, rinse off using regular water.

Top 8 beauty benefits of curd:

You might be including protein, calcium and vitamin D and probiotics rich curd in your diet plan for various health benefits. But did you know that yogurt is also good for your skin and hair? The lactic acid in yogurt gets rid of the dead skin cells and tightens pores. It has anti-bacterial properties, thanks to which you can get rid of acne and it also works as a great anti-ageing beauty got-to ingredient. It is used as a key ingredient in many home remedies. Here are some of the beauty benefits of curd and how you can include it in your haircare, skincare routine and use it in different ways.

Fights dandruff

Curd is the go-to ingredient to get rid of dandruff, as it has natural anti-fungal agent, which helps to fight the fungus that results in flaky scalp. Using yogurt on your scalp relieves the itching and irritation. All you have to do is simply apply a mix of curd and lemon generously all over your scalp and massage it for 10 minutes. Post 45 minutes wash it with lukewarm water.

Another yogurt hair mask that you can use is it with fenugreek. To make it mix half cup of curd with 3 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds paste. Apply it on the scalp and leave it for an hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo after an hour. Repeat using this hair mask once a week to get rid of dandruff.

Lightens suntan and soothes sunburn

Curd has moisturizing effect and the zinc in it has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to heal the sun-damaged skin. So if you have suntan and sun-burnt skin after excessive sun exposure, you can use it to soothe your skin. Simply apply yogurt on the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes.

If you want to lighten the suntan, in a bowl mix half cup of curd with juice of one tomato and one cucumber. Apply it on affected area and rinse it off after 20 minutes.

Moisturizes skin

If you have dry facial skin, you can prepare a moisturizing mask using curd to get smooth and soft skin. Mix 4 tablespoon of it with one tablespoon of cocoa and one teaspoon of honey. Apply it evenly all over your face and neck. After 30 minutes rinse it off with cool water and then pat dry with a soft towel. Use this facial mask thrice a week to get better results.

Hydrates your skin

Yogurt prevents and treats dry and itchy skin. It acts as a natural mild exfoliant and gets rid of the dry skin and the moisturizing properties leave your skin soft and supple. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dry and itchy skin. Apply it on your face, hands, legs and any other are that is dry and itchy. Massage it into your skin and leave it for 10 minutes. Then take a shower to rinse it off.

Reduces blemishes

Since curd has a mild bleaching effect, you can get rid of blemishes and scars. The lactic acid works as a natural cleanser and exfoliator and lessens the appearance of any blemishes on your skin. Make a yogurt face pack by mixing 3 tablespoons with the juice of 1 lemon. Mix it well and apply it on your skin. After 20 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use this every day to get flawless skin.

Fights acne

The natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of curd can help fight acne. Also, the zinc in yogurt has anti-inflammatory properties. You can use acne face masks to prevent acne breakouts and reduce swelling and inflammation caused by acne. To make an anti-acne face mask, mix one tablespoon of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this on the affected area and after 20 minutes wash it off with cold water. Use it twice a day to notice the difference in your skin.

Conditions hair

If you want soft and shiny hair, you can use curd as a deep conditioner. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties keep your scalp clean, free from infections and also moisturized. To whip up a hair mask, mix 4 tablespoon of yogurt with 2 tablespoon of aloe vera and 2 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix this well and apply it on your scalp and hair. Leave it for an hour and then wash it off using a mild shampoo. Use this deep conditioning hair mask once a week to get gorgeous and strong hair.

Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

The lactic acid in curd makes it the best anti-ageing ingredient to be included in your skincare regime. It helps prevent wrinkles and the appearance of fine lines. Also, it tightens your pores and makes your skin radiant. To make an anti-ageing yogurt mask take one fourth cup of yogurt and add a mashed banana to it. Add one teaspoon honey to the banana and yogurt paste. Mix well and apply it on your face and neck. Post 20 minutes rinse it off. Use this mask thrice a week to see noticeable difference.