Why Milk Powder?

Milk itself has been used as a powerful skin cleanser and beauty enhancer since ancient times – Cleopatra was known for her infamous milk baths that kept her looking youthful and captivatingly beautiful. Today, not all of us have the time or luxury to fill up an entire bathtub with milk and have a deep relaxing soak. But what we can do is to atleast treat our faces to some milky goodness. Now why milk powder rather than milk itself? Well, the thing about milk powder is that it all its water content is completely evaporated and only the solid material is left behind. This means that milk powder is more potent, powerful and effective than liquid milk which may be diluted with water! Milk powder will have a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than liquid milk since it is in a concentrated solid form. Here are the nutrients in milk powder that make it effective as a homemade skin remedy:

Nutrients in Milk Powder & their Benefits for Skin:

Lactic Acid – Smooths, tones, tightens & lightens skin

Vitamin A – Essential for healthy cell division, heals dull skin

Vitamin C – Highly antiaging, promotes youthful, radiant skin

Vitamin B6 – Necessary for new skin cell formation. Keeps skin moisturized and healthy.

Calcium – Boosts collagen production, maintains skin elasticity

Potassium – Hydrates and moisturizes. Heals dry itchy skin

Magnesium – Promotes youthful radiant skin, anti-aging effects

Now let’s look at three amazing face masks with powdered milk that will serve to brighten your skin and more!

1.     Powdered Milk Mask for Lightening

The lactic acid in milk powder works wonders for gentle skin bleaching and whitening. It works by peeling off the dull dark skin on top that may have resulted from sun exposure or pollution. Add to this orange juice, which is also rich in Vitamin C and has skin lightening effects, too; as well as gram flour, which will act as a gentle exfoliator that will help get rid of dead cells that make the face look dull – and voila, you have a potent face mask that will leave you with smooth radiant skin!

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of Powdered Milk (get it here)
• 1 – 2 tsp Orange Juice
• 1 tsp of Colloidal Oatmeal (get it here)

Directions

In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients, milk powder and gram flour evenly. Then squeeze in about 1 – 2 tsp of orange juice. Please make sure you use fresh orange juice and not store-bought synthetic orange juice. Now mix everything together and make a thick paste. Add more orange juice if necessary. Using clean fingers, apply this paste onto your already cleaned face and allow it to work its magic for 10 – 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Your skin should be fresh and radiant!

 

2.     Milk Powder Face Mask for Acne & Acne Scars

Acne and pimples are a huge problem faced by people today and one of the main reasons is because our food habits have changed a lot. We eat a lot more processed foods and lead more sedentary lives and these contribute greatly to acne. Do check out my posts called the Good Skin Diet foods, Water Therapy and the Practical Guide to Detox for more lifestyle-based changes you can make to permanently clear acne. Alongside lifestyle changes, use this amazing milk powder, turmeric and honey face mask that has antimicrobial properties to cure acne as well as lighten unsightly acne scars.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of Powdered Milk (get it here)
• ¼ tsp of Turmeric (get it here)
• 1 tsp of Organic Liquid Honey (get it here)

Directions

In a small bowl, measure out and put in your milk powder, turmeric and honey and mix it thoroughly with a spoon. If you have fair skin, you may want to use a little less turmeric. Now apply this thick paste onto your clean face with the back of the spoon itself. Allow the mask to settle for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water and pat dry with face tissues.

 

3.     Milk Powder Face Mask for Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where by a person has uneven skin tone in various parts of the body. Most people with hyperpigmentation may find themselves with a darker coloured forehead, darkness around the mouth area, a darker neck or even dark knees and elbows. Milk powder, combined with yogurt and lemon is very effective in treating such hyperpigmentation issues by lightening the dark toned areas and evening out the skin tone.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of Powdered Milk (get it here)
• ½ medium Lemon
• 1 tsp of Yogurt

Directions

Put all the ingredients into a bowl, squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon and mix thoroughly. You should get a thick paste that will be easy to apply onto your face. Prepare your face by facial steaming for 5 minutes to open up your pores. Pat your face dry to remove the moisture and then apply this face mask with clean fingers. Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes or until it gets dried up. Now wash your face with cold water and pat dry. Do this treatment once every 2 days and moisturize with almond oil before bed as almond oil is effective for hyperpigmentation as well.