Can Raw Milk Replace Your Toner? Here's What An Expert Has To Say

Roughly two weeks ago, Mira Kapoor spoke about her tried and tested DIY recipes for radiant skin. She mentioned a bunch of ingredients found in Indian kitchens such as haldi, masoor dal, besan, dahi, honey, and of course, raw milk. In fact, she and her mother are both big fans of raw milk, and she often uses it as a natural toner. 

According to Mira, raw milk works wonders for dry skin and hydrates and brightens the complexion. Come to think of it, dairy milk has lactic acid, and that helps to stimulate cell turnover and naturally buffs away dead skin cells. It also mildly exfoliates the skin and moisturises it too. While all that sounds wonderful, how safe is dairy milk for the skin? Does it have to be boiled first before use, or are there any side effects to it? To answer these questions, I looped in Dermatologist and Skin Specialist, Dr. Soma Sarkar. Here's hoping that she can throw some light on the subject.

Can Raw Milk Be Used In Skincare?

Dr. Soma Sarkar pointed out that in the past, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk and honey. The reason for raw milk's popularity is that it contains lactic acid, which acts as an excellent cleanser. It also helps to peel the superficial layer of the skin and offers deep hydration to the skin. It's best for someone who has dry and sensitive skin.

Besides, raw milk from soy and almond will also do as they contain vitamin A, D, E . These can help to cleanse, and moisturise the skin at the same time.

Does milk need to go through a quality check before using it on your skin?

Dr. Soma Sarkar believes that applying raw milk directly to the skin is safe, but the source has to be known. She has hardly seen any complications in patients because of using cow milk. Her advice is simple - know your skin type first. People who have abraded skin, acne-prone skin, or dermatitis skin should avoid applying raw milk directly to the skin.

Final thoughts, raw milk is safe to use as a skincare product on both the body and face. However, to be safe, it's always better to do a patch test first. If you experience any mild irritation or burning sensation, wash the milk off with plain water immediately. 

Tip: If you can't tolerate the smell of raw milk, mix it with rose water. Both rosewater and milk have hydrating properties which are good for the skin. 

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