The benefits of kefir for facial skin
This drink is a universal facial skin care product. It is suitable for owners of any skin type. What is so good about this fermented milk drink?
- Kefir perfectly cleanses the skin, removes excess fat and combats facial shine. That is why people with oily skin types like to use this product as a cosmetic product.
- If you want to whiten your skin or slightly tone down the color of your freckles, don't rush into buying expensive creams and lotions. Regular kefir will help whiten and even out your skin tone. Just apply kefir to your face and the effect will not take long to appear.
- Fans of cleansing masks should definitely try a kefir face mask. Kefir has an excellent cleansing effect, cleanses and tightens pores, and lactic acid also moisturizes the skin.
- This product can also be used as a cleanser by wiping the skin with a cotton pad. This procedure does not take much time, but has an excellent effect.
- Kefir for skin after 50 years can be used as a tonic. The skin tightens and becomes more elastic.
How to whiten skin at home
Dear ladies, the beneficial properties of kefir do not end there. If you have age spots or freckles on your face, then this drink is your salvation. It whitens the skin perfectly. If you don't know how to deal with dark circles under your eyes, then read this article.
And we are starting to whiten our skin!
Lemon mask
Ingredients:
- cosmetic clay (1 tbsp);
- lemon juice (2 tbsp);
- kefir (2 tbsp).
How to prepare: pour clay into a glass container. Pour kefir and juice into it. Mash the mixture thoroughly so that there are no lumps.
How to use: the mask has an elastic texture, so it fits perfectly on the dermis. After applying it to your face, leave it to dry for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
Result: this mask perfectly lightens age spots and freckles. Clay removes toxins, dead cells, and evens out skin tone. If you regularly use this mask, you will get rid of oily shine and fine wrinkles.
In order for the procedures to give the expected effect, make masks twice a week. If you use good quality kefir to prepare them, you will be very pleased with the result.
Washing with kefir
Have you ever heard of washing with kefir? Cleansing the skin with kefir is a very common procedure. However, you should remember that such manipulations are best done if you have combination or oily skin. Kefir has an anti-inflammatory effect, dries the skin perfectly, kills bacteria and germs. Simply apply the product to your face with light massage movements. The lactic acid contained in kefir will quickly remove dirt and sebum.
But for those with dry and sensitive skin, it is better not to resort to such a procedure. Kefir dries out the skin and can cause irritation.
DIY kefir masks: composition and properties
Kefir contains milk protein, fatty and organic acids, carbohydrates, vitamins B, C, A, PP, minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, etc.). Here is the effect they have on the skin150:
- Vitamin A. Antioxidant effect, slowing down skin aging processes, accelerating regeneration.
- Niacin (RR). Protection from the harmful effects of the environment, improving complexion, increasing skin immunity.
- Vitamin C. Strengthens blood vessels, stimulates collagen production, increases skin elasticity,
- Biotin. Preventing moisture loss, increasing elasticity and smoothness.
- Thiamine. Relieves inflammation, has a calming effect.
- Riboflavin. Increasing skin firmness and elasticity, smoothing wrinkles.
- Vitamin B12. Enrichment of skin cells with oxygen.
- Vitamin E. Prevention of the aging process, premature appearance of wrinkles.
It would seem that such a killer composition should heal the skin, so why doesn’t this happen? Firstly, during industrial processing of milk, some of its beneficial properties may be lost. Secondly, kefir can only affect the top layer of skin without penetrating into the deeper layers, so the effect of the mask is superficial and does not last long.
Kefir for acne on the face
Does kefir help with acne? Let's figure it out. Kefir is a product with a slightly acidic pH, and as you know, with such an acid-base balance, the proliferation of harmful microbes and bacteria is impossible. It is for this reason that kefir is great for fighting acne. In addition, regular use of kefir removes blackheads on the face and regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. You can use kefir for acne in the form of cleansing masks or regular washing. For greater effect, you can add herbal tinctures to kefir. For example, tincture of calendula and sage together with kefir has a good anti-inflammatory effect. If you want to make a kefir mask for acne, just add a little flour or starch to the mixture.
Microcurrents for the face - what is it?
Recipes for the best homemade masks
Let's look at the most popular recipes for masks with kefir, which are suitable for home use:
For dry epidermis
Improves overall tone, evens out relief, nourishes. Take a spoonful of honey or olive oil, 3 tablespoons of full-fat kefir and a couple of pinches of cinnamon (you can use more cinnamon, but only after you are sure of the normal individual tolerance of the components). Apply to the skin, gently massaging, leave for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
For acne
Made from kefir, wheat and oatmeal. For 100 g of kefir, it is also recommended to add a few drops of lemon juice and a couple of pinches of soda. Take flour in equal proportions and mix with the rest of the ingredients to make a paste. To apply the mask, use cotton pads or cosmetic spatulas. To achieve maximum results, it is recommended to keep the composition on the skin for about half an hour.
For fatty
In this case, the main thing is to normalize the secretion of the sebaceous glands. You can take regular kefir, or even better, sour kefir (the drink is kept in a warm place for 1-2 days). Apply the product to the skin for half an hour and wash off. It is useful to add lemon juice, aloe, and clay.
With oatmeal
A very simple and effective cleansing mask. For 100 ml of the main ingredient, take 2 tablespoons of flakes, previously crushed in a blender. Pour kefir into the oatmeal and wait until it swells. Apply the mixture with light massaging movements. Rinse off the composition after 20 minutes with strictly cool water.
For wrinkles
Dry, aging skin requires careful handling. Add honey to kefir, oils - for 3 tablespoons of kefir, a spoonful of honey, two olive oils, 20 g of parsley. It is recommended to warm the oil with honey slightly first, and only then combine it with other ingredients. For maximum nutrition, keep the mask for up to half an hour.
With egg
Kefir and egg perfectly eliminate pigmentation. Take 1 egg for 3 tablespoons of kefir; you can flavor the mixture with fresh cucumber (peel it and grind it in a blender). It is enough to keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
With lemon
An effective remedy for acne, oiliness, pigmentation. For a standard serving of kefir (3 tablespoons) you need a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly and apply for half an hour. Rinse off with cool water. Kefir can be taken not fresh, but sour.
From yeast
An effective remedy for acne and dryness. Mix 3 tablespoons of yogurt with a bar of yeast about 15 g, pour in peroxide. Apply the mixture to your face and wait until it dries. You can wash your face with water or chamomile decoction.
With aspirin
For a couple of tablespoons of kefir, take 2 aspirin tablets (they must be crushed first). Pour the mixture with a teaspoon of mineral water, apply the ingredients to your face and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off and wipe with lotion.
With berries
3 tablespoons of kefir, a spoonful of cottage cheese, the same amount of almond or olive oil. Choose berries according to your taste or according to the season - raspberries, currants, cranberries. They will need to be chopped, then mixed with other ingredients. Action time – from 40 minutes.
With cottage cheese, butter and berries
You will need 3 tbsp. l kefir, 1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese, olive or any other oil and berries (cranberries, currants or raspberries). Grind the berries, take 2 tbsp. l. the resulting slurry and mix it with the remaining ingredients. Keep this mask on your face for at least 40 minutes.
With honey and bran
To 3 tablespoons of kefir add a small spoon of honey, a chicken egg white, 5 drops of lemon juice, a few pinches of potato flour, oatmeal, and a tablespoon of bran. The recipe is simple, inexpensive, and works great against excess oiliness and acne. Keep the mask on for 30 minutes.
For skin 40+
The secret of this formula is as simple as the milk and honey that it contains. A couple of spoons of kefir, a spoonful of cottage cheese and milk, and a teaspoon of liquid honey will be enough. Keep the resulting nutrient mixture for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
With cucumber juice
Lazy effective recipe. Mix the sour ingredient with cucumber juice in a ratio of 3 to 1, apply clockwise with gentle movements. Rinse off as absorbed.
Kefir for tanning on the face
Another wonderful property of kefir is its calming effect on sunburn. If you need to get rid of a red and painful tan on your face, then kefir will provide you with first aid. This drink will quickly relieve pain and itching of the layers of the epidermis, accelerate regeneration processes and soften the skin. Simply apply kefir to damaged areas of the skin and leave until it dries. Remove the remains with a cotton pad. You need to repeat this procedure at least 5 times a day.
How to clean pores
Contraindications for use
Key contraindications to the use of kefir usually relate to its ingestion:
- Hypersensitivity to the constituent components;
- Gastritis, ulcers and pancreatitis in the acute stage;
- Increased stomach acidity;
- Disorders of intestinal motility;
- Epilepsy.
If you are prone to diarrhea, you should drink kefir that has been standing for at least 3 days. For constipation, it is important to drink a fresh drink.
The use has no other contraindications. If there is an allergic response, local intolerance to other components should be clarified, especially for honey or citrus fruits.
Folk recipes
Face mask kefir starch and protein
This mask nourishes and tones the skin. It is good to do before any events, as it has a good lifting effect. To prepare, mix 1 tbsp. l. kefir, 1 tbsp. l. starch and 1 beaten egg white.
Kefir mask for face brightening
The combination of kefir and cucumber will perfectly whiten your face and improve your skin turgor. Simply mix kefir with chopped cucumber and apply to skin for 15 minutes.
Parsley and kefir also give good results. Finely chop the parsley, mix with kefir and apply to the face. Rinse off with warm water.
Remember that if you have dry skin, then it is better to apply such masks to areas of pigmentation or freckles.
Acetylsalicylic acid for acne
Kefir facial serum
Kefir facial serum also has a good effect. V can buy a ready-made product at the store or make the serum yourself. Freeze the kefir package. After complete freezing, remove the kefir and place it on cheesecloth. The kefir will slowly melt and you will get natural kefir serum, which can be used as a lotion to cleanse and whiten the skin.
Kefir and soda for face
If you want a gentle facial exfoliation, try this gentle scrub. Take the required amount of kefir and add soda to it until you obtain a homogeneous thick mass. Apply the scrub to your face and cleanse your skin with gentle movements.
Question answer
- Is it possible to apply kefir to your face at night? You can do this procedure at night, but only for those with oily skin or combination skin. It is best to apply to individual areas of the skin so as not to dry out the entire face.
- Can kefir cause acne? They can only if you have an allergic reaction to this fermented milk product. Those with delicate and sensitive skin should carefully handle various manipulations with this drink.
- Is it possible to wash your face with kefir every day? If you do not have an allergic reaction and your skin is prone to oily skin, then you can perform this procedure every day.
- How to relieve facial swelling with kefir? In order to quickly remove excess liquid from the layers of the epidermis, you can make any mask from this dairy product. It’s good to add dill to such a mask; it perfectly removes excess liquid.
As you can see, there are many simple and proven recipes with kefir that will help you take care of your skin at home. Be sure to try our recommendations and share your results .
Whitening mask
Kefir has a whitening property due to the acid it contains. This quality is used to lighten freckles and whiten age spots at home. When combined with cucumber, it turns out to be a very effective remedy. Mix kefir and cucumber in equal proportions and apply to face, neck, and décolleté for 15 minutes. An additional advantage will be a slight refreshing and tonic effect.
The second recipe for whitening: add a little finely chopped parsley root (about 1 tablespoon) to 2 tablespoons of kefir; you can also add chopped parsley leaves. This mask can be kept on for 15–20 minutes.
Preparation for kefir procedures
The application of the mask is preceded by a cleansing process. In order for the product to increase its penetrating properties for healing effects, adhere to the following recommendations:
- wash your face with a cleanser;
- rinse your face with acidified water (lemon or vinegar);
- for intensive cleansing, wipe the skin with toner;
- It is recommended to steam the skin, then the pores will expand and the beneficial ingredients of the mask will penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis. Aromatic oils, herbs or black tea are added to the water for spa treatments.
Preliminary preparation significantly improves the effectiveness of cosmetic procedures.
How to choose the right one
In order for kefir to truly bring benefits and not turn into a regular food product to fill the stomach, a reasonable approach to purchasing is required. Every detail plays a role:
- Package. It is better to take fermented milk drink in glass containers or Tetra Pak, as they provide 100% tightness. Plastic bags are not so promising; they are often damaged during transportation, and pathogenic microorganisms can get inside. Any container is checked for integrity before purchase. If the packaging is swollen, this indicates fermentation processes; such kefir cannot be used.
- Best before date. A drink that is stored for more than a month contains enough preservatives that it is difficult to call it a “live” product. Choose a product with a shelf life of 5-7 days.
- Date of manufacture. Every day the beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria decrease. The maximum therapeutic effect of kefir is on the first day of production. That is why it is important to take the drink no later than the third day from the date of release.
- Taste. Fresh kefir gives off a slight sourness. Bitterness or a strong sour taste are signs of fermentation. There should also be no sweetness, this indicates the presence of fillers and sugars.
- Compound. 100 g of healthy lactic acid drink contains at least three grams of protein, as well as bifidobacteria and a certain type of yeast. Read the information on the packaging carefully.
It is fresh kefir without additives that has a healing effect on the body - both on the skin and on the functioning of the digestive organs.
Good to know
To choose an individual recipe, it is important to know what type of epithelium on your face belongs to.
The skin is divided into several types:
- Oily - enlarged pores, excessive shine;
- Dry - thin and often peels off;
- Combined – healthy skin color, no excessive shine;
- Problematic - the epithelium in the mouth area is highly oily, while the rest of the face is dominated by dry skin. This type is prone to acne.
In addition to the fermented milk product, the composition also contains other components, so pay attention to the composition when choosing. Some tips will help you make your choice:
- If your skin is oily, you should use more acidic kefir;
- For dry skin, use kefir with high fat content. After use, the skin should be treated with an ice cube to avoid possible redness.
With green tea
An effective remedy for pigmentation. For a quarter glass of kefir, take a tablespoon of ground green tea, a few pinches of oatmeal, and a spoonful of olive oil. It is recommended to apply the composition at night and wash off in the morning.
With carrot juice
A few tablespoons of 2% kefir are mixed with a tablespoon of carrot juice and the same amount of olive oil. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes. You can use grated fresh carrots instead of juice.
The mask is washed off with water or a decoction of herbs. You can wash your face first and then wipe your skin with the same chamomile infusion.
Masks in the form of a paste are convenient to use; the main thing is to lie down during the procedure.
Homemade fermented milk drink
It is quite possible to prepare a real live product at home. To do this, you need sterilized milk and a starter culture with bacteria, which is sold in pharmacies or supermarkets. Prepare the drink for 10-12 hours in a yogurt maker or multicooker (bread maker) equipped with the “Yogurt” function.
In the absence of appropriate technology, the grandmother's method is used. A thermos or clay (glass) container with future kefir is placed under the radiator overnight, wrapped in a towel to retain heat.
A homemade fermented milk drink will not contain harmful additives or preservatives, therefore it will bring maximum benefits for internal and external use. But you can’t store it for a long time - only 2-3 days.
For wrinkles
By combining components with a lifting effect with a healthy fermented milk product, it is possible to significantly smooth out wrinkles, making the skin tightened, refreshed, and younger.
Kefir + banana
Cut off a quarter of a large banana of high ripeness. Remove the skin and mash the pulp. Place banana puree in a cup and grind until smooth with the kefir product, taking about 2 tbsp. l
It is important that the mass is not too liquid. Hold for 15 minutes
Kefir + gelatin
Powdered gelatin - 1 tsp - is poured into an enamel mug. Pour in 50 ml of cool water. After 30 minutes, place the container with the swollen mass in a water bath, heating until the grains dissolve.
The gelatin mixture is cooled and mixed with kefir, adding such a volume to obtain a mass of thick sour cream. Spread it evenly on your face, removing it after 20 minutes.
With strawberries
Grind ripe strawberries into a paste, after washing them first (you can take currants, raspberries, or combine different fruits in equal parts). Place 2 tbsp in a cup. l. berry puree and knead with olive (linseed or sunflower) oil and soft, lump-free cottage cheese, measuring 1 tbsp. l.
Kefir is gradually added, trying to obtain a mass identical to thick sour cream, which is kept for about 40 minutes.
Rules for preparation and use
In order for a kefir face mask at home to have the maximum beneficial effect, you must follow a number of rules. For example, all foods, including the main ingredient, must be warm. Kefir can be kept at room temperature for several hours or slightly warmed up. You need to act carefully so that it does not curl up. It is better to use a microwave or water bath. What else should you consider?
- Dishes. For cooking, you cannot use uncoated metal utensils - you need enameled or glass or earthenware. The same applies to the stirring device: spoons, spatula.
- Preparation. Before applying, you need to wash your face. It would be a good idea to steam it a little by standing over the steam or placing a napkin soaked in hot water.
- Application. Usually the kefir-based product is kept on the lyceum for 20-30 minutes. Some recipes require up to an hour. There are options where the mask can be left on even overnight. However, before keeping it for a long time, you need to do a test for five to ten minutes. To be sure of safety.
- Storage. These masks must be used immediately and cannot be stored.
Apply kefir cosmetics with a brush or spatula. If the mask is quite liquid, you can soak gauze pads and place them on your face.