Yogurt is an extremely popular product in every household, as you can do a lot of things with it: you can make (yogurt) smoothie, (yogurt) ice cream and (yogurt) desserts, you can add it to your oatmeal or breakfast. Moreover, you can incorporate it in (almost) every dish: sauces, adips, dressings, etc. On the other hand, it is widely used in homemade skincare cosmetics!

On the other hand, it is not a secret that the yogurt is a very healthy product, with amazing properties. In this post, we will share more information about its health and beauty benefits.

Let’s begin!

*Keep in mind that this article looks into the health and beauty benefits of regular diary yogurt, and not lactose-free alternatives. 

Why eating yogurt is good for you?

First, let me remind you of the fact that yogurt is a fermented dairy product. Its main ingredient is milk; thus it is rich in protein and offers you all the vitamins and minerals which the milk does: calcium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, C, as well as phosphorous and magnesium. [1]

Besides, during the fermentation process, yogurt becomes rich in probiotics. Those microorganisms are associated with the health-promoting effects of yogurt on your body!

Probiotics are live (good) bacteria, which contribute to a healthy and balanced gut microbiota. They are also responsible for other important body functions like supporting the immune system! [2]

The number of probiotic bacteria usually decreases after antibiotic treatment (that stop the reproduction of both bad and good bacteria in the body) or as a consequence of malnutrition.

Evidence suggests that such gut microbiota imbalance may make your body more prone to various health conditions, including inflammatory diseases, infections, depression, viruses, type 2 diabetes, obesity, IBD, eczemas, and allergies. [3]

What are the benefits of probiotics?

Two types of probiotic exist: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. You can find both of them the real, authentic yogurt, and they are the reason why this dairy product has so many health (and beauty) benefits [4] [5] :

• Keep the digestive system in balance.
• May support your immune function.
• Can prevent diarrhea and constipation.
• May relieve symptoms of internal and external (skin) inflammations and eczema.
• May relieve the symptoms of certain types of vaginal infections (including itchiness, flow, and odor.)
• May prevent hypertension.

Keep in mind that only yogurt with active cultures (real yogurt) has the beneficial properties presented above.

Find out how to recognize if the yogurt you buy is real! Quick and easy!

Why to put yogurt on your face?

The cosmetics industry does not use regular yogurt as an ingredient to skincare. Instead, the brands use “yogurt protein” and “yogurt whey.” The “yogurt protein” is used as a soothing and refreshing agent and the “yogurt whey” works to heal, moisturize, nourish, and cleanse the skin. [6]

At home, you can use the yogurt as an ingredient for your homemade face mask!

According to a cosmetology study that looked into the clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yogurt, this cosmetic ingredient is associated with improved skin condition. The results of the study showed that yogurt containing face masks may have positive effect on the epidermis, including improved moisture and water retention, as well as brightness, and elasticity. [7]

I, personally, use yogurt every time I get a sunburn, as it boosts the replenishment of the skin cells, makes it soft and reduces the pain.