Buttermilk is a common ingredient in Indian kitchens and is widely consumed for its cooling and digestive benefits. It may also be used in simple skin-care preparations, as it contains lactic acid, beneficial bacteria and fats that can help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Its astringent properties are said to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, while its calcium and protein content may support collagen levels and help address fine lines and early signs of ageing. The following six home remedies combine buttermilk with other readily available ingredients to help improve the appearance of tanned, dry or uneven skin.
1. Buttermilk and Chickpea Flour Mask
Often referred to as ubtan, this combination can help reduce the appearance of scars and lighten the effects of tanning. It is also suitable for all skin types.
To prepare it, combine 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour, a pinch of turmeric and 2-3 tablespoons of buttermilk to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. The process can be repeated until the desired result is achieved.
2. Buttermilk and Tomato Juice Mask
Tomato juice and buttermilk can be used on skin affected by tanning or sunburn. Mix 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of tomato juice and apply the mixture to the affected areas with a cotton pad.
Allow it to remain for 30 minutes before washing the face with cool water. This remedy is intended to help reduce the appearance of sunburn and tanning while promoting a more even-looking skin tone.
3. Honey and Buttermilk Mask
Buttermilk and honey can provide moisture to dry and patchy skin. For this mask, mix 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with half a tablespoon of milk cream and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Massage the mixture onto a clean face and rinse it off with cold water. The combination helps hydrate the skin and may leave it looking brighter and naturally refreshed.
4. Mango and Buttermilk Mask
A mango-based buttermilk mask can be used for concerns such as pigmentation and dark spots. Blend a few pieces of ripe mango with 2-3 tablespoons of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of honey until a smooth paste is formed.
Spread a thin layer over the face and neck, leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with cool water. Continued use may help the appearance of marks and pigmentation fade.
5. Buttermilk Toning Mask
Buttermilk can also be used as a natural toning lotion to cleanse the pores. Mix 2 tablespoons of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of rose water and a few drops of tea tree oil.
Apply the mixture in circular motions and leave it on for 10 minutes. Use a damp cotton pad to remove impurities, then rinse the face thoroughly with water.
6. Buttermilk and Orange Peel Powder
Orange peel powder can be combined with buttermilk to prepare a face scrub aimed at reducing the appearance of tanning and promoting an even skin tone. Mix the two ingredients into a paste and gently massage it onto the face in circular motions.
Leave the application on for 30 minutes, scrub it off gently and rinse away the remaining mixture with cold water. For better results, the process can be repeated twice or thrice a week.
These six kitchen-based preparations offer simple ways to include buttermilk in a home skin-care routine while targeting concerns such as dryness, tanning, pigmentation and uneven tone.
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