Curd is a simple and healthy food ingredient that many Indians swear by. It comes with tons of nutrients as well as gut-friendly probiotics, which cumulatively give our internal health a significant boost. But what we often ignore is that curd is just equally beneficial for our skin. Yes, it contributes heavily to our external beauty. If you include curd in your daily skincare regimen, you can experience its magic easily. So, in this article, we will discuss the skin benefits of curd and ten curd face packs that will give your skin a complete natural makeover. Keep reading.
What Is Curd?
According to Indian English, ‘curd’ is the traditional homemade yogurt known as ‘dahi.’ Dairy products are prepared from milk through ‘curdling,’ in which the milk can solidify by increasing its acidity so that its proteins (caseins) tangle into solid masses. Typically, the coagulation process is carried out either by adding any edible acidic substance (lemon juice/lime juice/vinegar) to the milk or using the remnant of the product itself. In the first method, the lactose in the milk is released into the water, and the curd remains separate as a solid mass. This is good for people with lactose intolerance as the derived product becomes lactose-free. However, the second method’s lactose remains attached to the stable coagulated proteins. Hence, the derived product is not suitable for conditions like lactose intolerance. Curd contains essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for both health and beauty (1).
If left alone to sour, raw milk can produce curd naturally. Likewise, pasteurized milk with added lactic acid bacteria also produces yogurt over time.
Differences Between Curd And Yogurt
Before proceeding with the skin benefits of curd and the recipes for curd face packs, here is a much-needed piece of information. These days, the terms ‘yogurt’ and ‘curd’ are used interchangeably. Though dairy products have many similarities, some differences mostly revolve around production.
The production of yogurt is the ‘bacterial fermentation of milk‘ in which ‘yogurt cultures are used to ferment the lactose into lactic acid. Though two specific strains of bacteria, i.e., Lactobacillus Bulgaris and Streptococcus Thermophilus, are used for this purpose, other strains of lactic acid bacteria may also be added to make the product standardized and homogenous. On the other hand, the curd is produced by the method of ‘curdling’ in which an edible substance of acidic nature (lemon/lime juice or vinegar) is used to curdle the milk. At the same time, the opaque liquid is discarded entirely. Otherwise, the milk is boiled to 30-40°C, and a spoonful of the remnant is added so that the lactobacillus multiplies itself and the fermented milk turns into curd in a few hours (2).
Probiotic yogurt is the type of yogurt that contains specific amounts of ‘probiotics’ or live microorganisms that are resistant to gastric acid, bile and pancreatic juices. It allows the bacteria to reach the intestines alive and provides exceellent health benefits.
Excellent Benefits Of Curd For Skin
Curd stands out as an excellent food for the skin. Regular consumption nourishes the skin from within and contributes to its external radiance. Discover numerous skin benefits provided by this ‘holy grail’ kitchen ingredient.
1. Exfoliates Deeply
Curd is rich in a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) called ‘lactic acid,’ which makes it a great natural exfoliating agent. It can help you gently remove the layers of dead cells from the surface of your skin, revealing a fresh, smooth layer of cells underneath.
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2. Nourishes Dry Skin
The lactic acid in curd can make dry skin softer, smoother, and suppler. The ingredients’ nutrients also help beautifully nourish dry and dull skin.
3. Wards Off Aging
It also contains lots of healthy fats, which provide enough moisture to the skin and give it a healthy, youthful look by preventing premature aging and its signs (fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, etc.).
4. Protects From Sun
Curd is high in antioxidant vitamin C, which protects against free radical damage and protects the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. Lightens MarksAnd Tone
Being acidic and loaded with zinc, it effectively works as a potent bleaching agent that removes spots, marks, blemishes, suntans, and pigmentation.
6. Soothes Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of curd help in soothing the skin, thereby relieving sunburns and other inflammations.
7. Prevents Breakouts
It possesses excellent cleansing properties due to lactic acid, which helps clear pores and keep breakouts at bay.
8. Combats Infections
Curd has terrific anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which keep the skin free from germs, bacteria, and fungi. As a result, you can stay away from acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and several minor central skin infections.
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10 DIY Curd Face Packs For Healthy Skin
Now, as you already know how curd can benefit the health and appearance of your skin, here are some easy, simple, and inexpensive curd face packs that you can try at home:
1. Raw Sour Curd Face Pack
Raw sour curd itself works as a beautiful face-cleansing and nourishing pack. Massaging your face with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh curd will remove dead cells, cleanse the skin perfectly and reduce acne problems.
2. Curd And Olive Oil Pack
Mixing two tablespoons of fresh curd and one tablespoon of olive oil can help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Let it sit on your skin for half an hour. Then, wash off with lukewarm water.
3. Curd And Orange Peel Powder Pack
Prepare a skin-brightening face pack by blending two teaspoons of orange peel powder with two tablespoons of curd. Using it thrice a week on your skin will make your complexion fairer gradually.
4. Curd And Chamomile Essential Oil Pack
If you are dying to eliminate those ugly sunburns, go for this soothing face pack. Add 4-5 drops of chamomile essential oil to 3 tablespoons of curd and apply on the affected areas of the skin. Rub a little and rinse away after 15 minutes.
5. Curd, Honey, And Lemon Juice Pack
Women with dry skin with an oily T-zone can opt for this excellent face pack with two tablespoons of curd, one tablespoon of organic honey, and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. The smooth paste can be spread over the face and rinsed after 15 minutes of drying.
6. Curd, Banana, And Rose Water Pack
Treat your sensitive skin with a healthful curd face pack containing two tablespoons of fresh curd, one small mashed banana, and one teaspoon of rose water. Regular application of this can make your skin naturally beautiful.
7. Curd, Turmeric Powder, And Mustard Oil Pack
Curd can also give you blemish-free, clear skin. Combine two tablespoons of curd, one tablespoon of turmeric powder, and a few drops of mustard oil and apply it all over your face uniformly. Do it at least twice a week.
8. Curd, Gram Flour, And Oatmeal Powder Pack
Here is a tan-removing curd face pack for you. Mix one teaspoon of gram flour, two teaspoons of oatmeal powder, and two tablespoons of curd. Massage your face with this pack and rinse after 15 minutes.
9. Curd, Banana, Gram Flour, And Egg White Pack
Prepare a thick and smooth paste by combining one egg white, one teaspoon of gram flour, and one small mashed banana with two tablespoons of curd. Regular application of it can give you healthy and soft skin.
10. Curd, Honey, Chickpea Flour, And Rose Water Pack
Induce moisture into your dry and dull skin with this effective curd face pack. Just blend one tablespoon of curd, one tablespoon of raw organic honey, and one tablespoon of chickpea flour and pour 5 to 6 drops of fresh rose water into it. Apply it to your skin, wait 20-25 minutes, and then wash off with cold water.
Adding curd to your regular diet will also help you cleanse, nourish, and condition your internal organs in such a way that your overall health will be improved and your skin will reflect it beautifully.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you choose the proper curd for your skin?
It is always better to use homemade fresh curd for consumption or topical application instead of store-bought yogurt. However, if you can avail yourself of yogurt with extra probiotics, go for it.
How Frequently Should I Use Curd Face Packs?
You can massage your facial skin with plain homemade curd every day. For packs including other ingredients, you should limit it to once or twice every week. Also, make sure that you pick face pack recipes based on your skin’s type and unique requirements.
Is There Any Side Effect Of Using Curd?
Curd is a natural ingredient that is entirely safe for your skin. Neither the topical application nor the oral usage of this food has been reported to be harmful.
Can I Leave Curd On the Face Overnight?
Curd is an acidic substance. It contains a very high level of lactic acid, which helps lighten and brighten our skin while keeping it blemish-free and youthful. But the same lactic acid can damage your delicate facial skin if left overnight. Hence, it is better to avoid the overnight application of curd on the face.
Also Read – 8 Quick and Effective Homemade Papaya Face Packs for Flawless, Glowing Skin
References:
- “Curd“, Wikipedia.org
- “Curd vs. Yogurt Nutritional Facts,” livestrong.com
