Many people desire to have a perfect skin. Nowadays, numerous skin whitening methods are used, and the latest is using raw milk.
However, is it safe to use raw milk directly on your skin? Does it really make your skin fairer? Let us find out if raw milk works for skin lightening.
What is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is unpasteurized milk from cows, goats, sheep, and other dairy animals. It retains all of the nutrients found in fresh milk since it is neither processed nor heated. This comprises milk’s naturally occurring proteins, enzymes, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.
Some proponents believe pasteurization destroys these “living” parts of dairy food, making raw milk more advantageous than pasteurized.
Nonetheless, public health agencies warn against taking raw and unpasteurized dairy products because they can spread dangerous bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella as well as E.coli.
How Raw Milk is Thought to Lighten Skin
The practice of using dairy products for the purpose of achieving lightened complexion has been passed down through generations. Cleopatra was known to bathe in milk to achieve glowing, fair skin. Here are some ways through which raw milk may lighten one’s complexion:
1. Lactic Acid: A product of lactose and enzymes in raw milk, this acid acts as a mild exfoliant that removes dead cells, ultimately leading to skin regrowth.
2. Fats & Vitamins: The emollient effect of milk fat and vitamins A, D, and E is known to hydrate and soften the skin. Processed milk contains lower amounts of these nutrients compared to raw milk.
3. Brightening Ingredients: Raw milk’s acidic nature, plus zinc, vitamin B12, and glutathione, are believed to hinder melanin synthesis, thus making it a potential skin lightener.
However, there is not enough scientific evidence yet supporting raw milk’s efficiency as a skin-whitening agent.
Is Applying Raw Milk Safe for Skin Whitening?
While it may be safe to use dairy on your face or body, applying unpasteurized milk directly has some dangers:
1. Bacterial Infections: Raw milk can infect open wounds or sores because it carries harmful bacteria like impetigo, folliculitis, eczema flares, and warts.
2. Allergies: Some people may develop an allergic reaction if they consume unpasteurized milk- they could get swollen lips or even hives; there might also be itching or red patches on their bodies.
3. Odor & Stains: Raw milk also smells undesirable and can be pretty offensive if kept out. This kind of milk can also leave behind stains, which are hard to remove after spilling or sprinkling on clothing.
Thus, raw milk without pasteurization presents a health hazard due to bacterial infections with few proven benefits.
Alternatives to Raw Milk for Skin Lightening
For natural ways of achieving a glowing complexion that is safe, consider these:
1. Ordinary products containing lactic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, and licorice root extract, among other synonyms, at controlled concentrations in non-irritating bases.
2. Gentle physical exfoliators such as ground oats/rice mentioned above and sugar scrubs prevent dead skin cells from piling up on the body.
3. To lighten skin internally, consume foods rich in vitamins, such as fruits, oranges, strawberries, and papaya.
Raw milk has become popular as a remedy for lightening the skin. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims yet.
It is better to avoid applying unprocessed milk topically since bacteria and pathogens present therein can cause skin infections, among other problems.
Instead, one could use conventional skincare routines or products with scientifically proven ingredients like AHAs, vitamin C lic,orice root extract, etc., which are gentler and safer options for getting perfect, smooth, radiant skin. Do consult your dermatologist before trying any new skincare method.
