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 be talking about the skin benefits of curd and 10 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, which is also popularly known as ‘dahi’. The dairy product is prepared from milk through a process called ‘curdling’ in which the milk is allowed to coagulate by increasing its acidity so that the proteins (caseins) in it tangle into solid masses. Typically, the process of coagulation is carried out either by adding any kind of 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 absolutely lactose-free. But in the second method, the lactose remains attached to the solid coagulated proteins. Hence, the derived product is not suitable for conditions like lactose intolerance. Curd is full of essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes it a great 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 as well as the recipes of curd face packs, here is a much-needed piece of information. These days, the terms ‘yogurt’ and ‘curd’ are used interchangeably. Though both are dairy products and hold tons of similarities, there are differences that mostly revolve around the process of production.
The production of yogurt is basically 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 while the opaque liquid is discarded completely. Otherwise, the milk is boiled to 30-40°C and a spoonful of the remnant is added so that the lactobacillus in it 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.
Amazing Benefits Of Curd For Skin
Curd is one of the best foods for our skin. If you keep feeding curd to your skin regularly, it will not only get nourished from the inside but also look healthy and beautiful from the outside. We have listed here a number of skin benefits offered 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 get rid of the layers of dead cells gently 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 nutrients present in the ingredient also help in nourishing dry and dull skin beautifully.
3. Wards Off Aging
It also contains lots of healthy fats, which provide enough moisture to the skin and gives 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 that fights against free radical damages, thereby protecting the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
5. Lightens MarksAnd Tone
Being acidic in nature and loaded with zinc, it works as a strong bleaching agent that removes spots, marks, blemishes, suntans, and pigmentation effectively.
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 the presence of lactic acid, which helps in clearing out pores and keeping breakouts at bay.
8. Combats Infections
Curd has amazing 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 to major 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 absolutely inexpensive curd face packs that you can try at home:
1. Raw Sour Curd Face Pack
Raw sour curd itself works as a wonderful face cleansing as well as 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
A mixture of 2 tablespoons of fresh curd and 1 tablespoon of olive oil can help you get rid of 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 2 teaspoons of orange peel powder with 2 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. Just 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 having dry skin with an oily T-zone can opt for this amazing face pack made of 2 tablespoons of curd, 1 tablespoon of organic honey, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. The smooth paste can be spread all over the face and rinsed after 15 minutes upon drying.
6. Curd, Banana, And Rose Water Pack
Treat your sensitive skin with a healthful curd face pack containing 2 tablespoons of fresh curd, one small mashed banana, and 1 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. Just blend 2 tablespoons of curd, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of mustard oil together and apply 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 1 teaspoon of gram flour and 2 teaspoons of oatmeal powder with 2 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 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of gram flour, and 1 small mashed banana with 2 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 1 tablespoon of curd, 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey, and 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour together and pour 5 to 6 drops of fresh rose water into it. Apply onto your skin, wait for 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 To Choose The Right Curd For 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 yogurt that comes loaded 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 the type and unique requirements of your skin.
Is There Any Side Effect Of Using Curd?
Curd is a natural ingredient, which is completely 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 Face Overnight?
Curd is an acidic substance. It contains a very high level of lactic acid, which helps in lightening and brightening our skin while keeping it blemish-free and youthful. But the same lactic acid can be damaging for 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
