11 best milk face mask recipes

Milk has been considered a very beneficial product for the skin since the times of ancient Egypt. Cleopatra not only washed her face with milk, but also took milk baths with the addition of herbal extracts and essential oils. The journalists asked the experts what the benefits of this product for the skin are, what aesthetic defects milk masks help to cope with, and what reliable, effective recipes are available that can be used to make homemade face preparations.

Who needs to make face masks with milk

Milk masks are useful for women with any type of epidermis and at any age. They help fight such aesthetic defects:

1. Wrinkles, decreased elasticity and firmness due to age-related changes.

2. Violation of the structure of the skin due to the negative effects of external factors – frost, wind, ultraviolet rays.

3. Dryness and the appearance of areas of desquamation of the dermis.

4. The appearance of irritation and redness.

5. Enlarged pores, comedones, blackheads, acne, oily sheen.

6. Abnormal sallow or yellowish, greenish complexion.

Of course, positive changes in the state of the epidermis will not come immediately after you make a mask with milk. Although there will still be a short-term effect – the face will noticeably freshen up, the skin will become soft and silky. But a significant result can be obtained only after completing a course of such cosmetic procedures. The duration of the course depends on the condition of the skin – from 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, the so-called cumulative effect will take effect, and the condition of the epidermis will noticeably improve, the result will be long-lasting.

Benefits of milk for facial skin

The composition of cow or goat milk contains many biologically active substances that have a positive effect on the dermis. These are carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids, fats, trace elements such as fluorine, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. A large amount of vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, retinol acetate, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, etc.). Naturally, this is a natural and unprocessed product that can be bought in farm stores or at the market. If this is not possible, milk can be bought at the store, it must be pasteurized and have a minimum shelf life. Powdered milk, as well as long-term storage products, are not suitable for the preparation of cosmetic preparations, since the thorough processing of milk has destroyed almost all biologically active components in it. Such products may also contain preservatives that are difficult to predict on the skin.

Beneficial substances contained in milk and their effect on the skin of the face:

1. Vitamins, in particular vitamins of youth A and E – remove decay products, slags, toxins, and other harmful substances from the epidermis; slow down the aging and decay of the dermis; stimulate recovery processes. Vitamin C cleanses the skin, improves and strengthens the structure of the dermis, maintaining its turgor and elasticity, whitens the skin. Vitamin B3 is responsible for ensuring that the dermis receives a sufficient amount of oxygen, vitamin B9, known as folic acid, triggers the development of new cells in the epidermis, thereby renewing and rejuvenating the skin. And vitamin B1 helps to increase the protective properties, under its influence the epidermis better resists negative environmental factors. Vitamin B2 and lactic enzymes help fight various rashes, minor foci of inflammation and irritation, and redness.

2. Fats in milk are easily absorbed into the epidermis and are well absorbed by the cells, the dermis receives nutrition, becomes moisturized and elastic. Thanks to their effect, the skin softens, the degree of dryness and flaking is reduced.

3. The sugar in milk also helps moisturize the dermis and helps it retain moisture.

4. Biologically active substances in milk help to lighten the skin. Pigmentation gradually disappears, freckles become less noticeable

5. Tocopherol increases the local immunity of the skin.

Milk is good for the dermis even in its pure form, you can just wash it. And if you make masks from milk and other available ingredients, you can get a simply amazing effect, preserve the youth and beauty of the skin for a long time. The mask forms a breathable and moisture-retaining layer on the epidermis surface, which has plasticizing (i.e. smoothing) properties.

In addition to milk for the manufacture of cosmetic products, you can use cream, butter, sour cream (for dry dermis), as well as kefir, reverse, whey, sour milk, cottage cheese (for a fatty type of epidermis).

Milk-based home remedies recipes

One of the most effective and simple face masks is made from milk and gelatin. Gelatin is a product of collagen denaturation, therefore it is very beneficial for the epidermis. Milk-based gelatin mask is an excellent tool for maintaining and prolonging the youthfulness of the skin. The preparation is simple – you need to take 5 tablespoons of gelatin and mix with 2 tablespoons of milk, add 1 crushed tablet of activated carbon to the mixture. The mass must be heated in a water bath until the gelatin is completely dissolved and swollen. The resulting mixture should have the consistency of liquid sour cream. If it is too dense, dilute the mixture with warm milk. If desired, you can add one ampoule of vitamins A and E to the mixture. Apply the mask with a cosmetic brush in 3-4 layers. Each new layer is applied after the previous one has set. After 30 minutes, the mask can be removed by gently pulling on the gelatinous film.

Here are some more recipes for proven masks with milk for the face, under the chin, décolleté and back of the palms:

1. Recipe number 1 – take 1 tablespoon of whole milk, heat to a temperature of 36-37 degrees, mix with 1 tablespoon of natural liquid honey. Add to the mixture 1 tablespoon of any starch, for example, potato or corn, and half a teaspoon of table, or preferably sea salt.

2. Recipe number 2 – take 2 tablespoons of homemade fatty milk, cream and ground (or whole) oatmeal. You can add vitamins A and E in capsules to the mixture (open and pour the liquid into the milk-oatmeal).

3. Recipe number 3 – take 2 tablespoons of milk, mix with the raw yolk of one egg (you can use several quail eggs). Grate half an apple or quince on a fine grater, mix all the ingredients.

4. Recipe number 4 – take 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk, add 1-2 tablespoons of natural honey, mix well. Add 2 teaspoons of dry or compressed yeast to the liquid. After 10-15 minutes, when the yeast begins to act, you need to add 1 tablespoon of any flour to the mixture, you can take wheat, corn or oatmeal. Mix all components until a homogeneous mass without lumps is formed.

5. Recipe number 5 – take a quarter of a glass of milk, preferably goat milk, warm up a little, add a teaspoon of citric acid, leave for 3 hours. Pour the curdled milk into a gauze bag and hang it over a container so that excess liquid is glass. After 20-30 minutes, add a few tablespoons of cocoa, a tablespoon of liquid glycerin to the mass.

6. Recipe number 6 – take 50 grams of rye or black bread, soak the crumb in 50 milliliters of warm milk. After 10 minutes, add one egg to the raw yolk mass.

7. Recipe number 7 – 3 tablespoons of wheat bran, pour 4 tablespoons of sour milk. The mixture should be allowed to infuse for 20-25 minutes. After that, you need to mix the gruel thoroughly so that it is homogeneous.

8. Recipe number 8 – pour 3 tablespoons of cosmetic clay with several tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Clay can be any – black, green, blue, milk – cow or goat. After 10 minutes, the composition can be applied to the face.

9. Recipe number 9 – mix 2-3 tablespoons of milk with the pulp of half a lemon or any other citrus fruit. For thickening, you can add flour or starch.

10. Recipe number 10 – grind almond kernels on a coffee grinder or food processor, measure out 1 tablespoon, mix with sour milk or yogurt until the consistency of a thick gruel.

These are recipes for milk masks tested by time and the experience of many women, which you can modify to your liking. Add products that your skin reacts best to, and you will increase the effectiveness of beauty masks. The main condition for the preparation of masks is not to include ingredients in the recipe to which you may be allergic. Consult a dermatologist to make sure you are free of allergies. Or half an hour before making the mask, apply a small amount of the mixture to the surface on the inside of the elbow fold. The lack of individual sensitivity is evidenced by the absence of symptoms such as redness, itching, irritation, rashes.

The correct preparation of the mask with milk

For the product to be effective and useful, it must be prepared from fresh and high-quality products. It is better to take homemade milk and not skimmed milk. The utensils used to mix the ingredients in the recipe must be glass or plastic. It is advisable not to use iron containers, as metal can react with food.

If the mask is too liquid and runs off the face – thicken it with the pulp of brown bread, starch, flour. To make the mask more flexible and pliable, on the contrary, add an extra spoonful of milk or water to the composition.

The ingredients are mixed right before the cosmetic procedure, on the assumption that the mixture will be fully used. It cannot be stored for more than a few hours, even in the refrigerator. Therefore, if you did not calculate with the amount of ingredients, and the composition came out more than necessary, use the leftovers with benefit – make a mask on the skin in the neckline or on the hands.

Skin preparation and application of the milk mask

In order for the skin of the face to be most susceptible to the effects of the nutrients of the mask with milk, it must be properly prepared for the procedure:

1. Remove makeup and any impurities from the face, wash with warm water.

2. Do a light home exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.

3. Massage your face by running your fingers over the massage lines several times. These lines run from the bridge of the nose to the forehead and up to the sides; from the nose to the cheeks and up; from the chin to the earlobes.

4. Steam your face over steam by brewing any medicinal herb, such as chamomile. There is also a second way to open the pores – to make a compress from gauze (or a small terry towel) soaked in hot water or a decoction of medicinal plants.

5. Whatever mask you prepare, you need to apply it for about 15-20 minutes. If a feeling of tightness occurs, this is normal, many components of milk masks work in a similar way. If there is a burning sensation or itching, it is better to wash off the mask without waiting for the end of the procedure. And no longer use a product with a similar component composition. It is advisable not to apply the formula with your fingers, using cosmetic brushes, sponges or cotton wool.

6. At the end of the procedure, the drug must be removed from the skin with a cotton pad or a piece of cotton wool, and then rinse your face first with warm, then cold water.

Skin care after the procedure

Cosmetologists recommend applying a moisturizer or nourishing cream to the face after the mask is made. The cream will not only fix, prolong the result and enhance the effect of the mask, but will also act as a protective layer between the epidermis and the external environment. You can use cream or sour cream as a face cream. But only if you are not going to apply makeup after the cosmetic procedure. If you've done a milk mask before bed, you don't need to apply the cream.

How often do you need to do face masks with milk

Milk masks can be done as needed or regularly (take a course). If you need to look good at some important event, do the cosmetic procedure 1.5-2 hours before it starts.

If you want to significantly improve the condition of the skin and get rid of some aesthetic problems, take a course of cosmetic procedures. As part of the course, you can do from 2 to 7 masks per week. The number of procedures depends on the condition of the skin and the severity of the problems. For young girls and women who just want to maintain the freshness and youthfulness of their facial skin, it is enough to do a mask with milk 1 time in 3 or 4 days. Women over the age of 40-45 are advised to make masks with milk every day during the rejuvenation course.

In principle, there are no particular restrictions on the use of home remedies. Experts recommend consulting a dermatologist or cosmetologist, and then making masks as often as required by the condition of the skin of the face.

Other cosmetic products from milk for facial skin

We have already found out that you can wash your face with milk and make face masks on its basis. However, experts shared with reporters several more ways to use milk in home cosmetology:

1. Tonic for wiping the skin. This tool is also very useful and can be used when there is no time for a mask and other long-term cosmetic procedures, and you need to refresh your face. The tonic is prepared from milk and juice or water infusion of aloe. To make a tonic, you need to mix these ingredients in a 3: 1 ratio, and then wipe your face with a cotton pad moistened with this liquid. It is recommended not to store the mixture in the refrigerator. In advance, you can only prepare the infusion (or squeeze the juice) – it can be kept in a cold place for 2-3 days, if necessary, used for quick preparation of the tonic.

2. Milk ice. If you regularly wipe your face with ice, you can stimulate the natural production of collagen and intensify regenerative processes. Exposure to cold acts on the epidermis as a stress factor, so the skin reacts accordingly – it tries to strengthen, producing collagen (the process of fibrillogenesis is intensified) and to defend itself by producing new cells. However, this method of skin stimulation is recommended for women over the age of 30-35, when the natural processes of collagen synthesis slow down. If you use this method at a younger age, the epidermis can get used to producing fibrillar protein only forcibly, which will negatively affect the condition of the skin. Milk ice is very easy to prepare – pour the milk into special molds and put it in the freezer for several hours.

3. Curd mass for eye fatigue and dark circles. Milk that has not been used in the face mask and is sour does not need to be disposed of or used in cooking. You can make curd mass from it by heating sour in a water bath. The cottage cheese cooled down to room temperature can be spread out in gauze bags and put on the eyelids, on the skin under the eyes. After 15 minutes, fatigue will pass, the skin will look fresh and toned, bags and dark circles will disappear.

Advantages of homemade milk masks over purchased cosmetics

Milk is a product that can be found in the refrigerator of any housewife. Therefore, it is a readily available component for making homemade masks, which have many advantages over other methods of skin care.

First, versatility and minimum application restrictions. Masks can be done by both young girls and women at an older age. There can be no side effects after the mask with milk, so it can be done even by pregnant and breastfeeding women. The main contraindications are poor health, the presence of foci of infectious and inflammatory processes on the face or deep damage to the skin.

Secondly, it is economical – all components of the face milk mask are cheap, so this is an excellent alternative to salon procedures and purchased cosmetic products, especially if there is no money to visit a specialist.

Thirdly, simplicity and ease of use. Mask preparation is a matter of a few minutes. And you are sure that the composition will not contain components harmful to the skin – dyes, fragrances, preservatives. During the procedure, you can relax and unwind in the comfort of your own home. The mask can be done at any free time, there is no need to adjust to the cosmetologist's schedule and spend time on trips to the salon.

Fourth, efficiency. Of course, it is difficult to achieve such a result as after salon procedures. But if we compare masks with home-made milk and purchased cosmetic products of the mass market and even luxury level, then their effectiveness is about the same.

Can the effectiveness of homemade milk face masks be improved?

Skin health depends on the overall health of the human body. The skin is just another organ of our body, which is connected with other organs and systems, and can reflect their condition. Therefore, any cosmetic masks will be effective only if a woman leads a correct lifestyle:

1. Sleeps well at night. A healthy eight-hour sleep is the key to skin beauty.

2. Eats right. Vitamins, micro- and macroelements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates should enter the epidermis not only from external sources, which are masks, but also from food.

3. Drinks a sufficient amount of pure water (boiled, artesian, bottled) without impurities. If the body is deficient in fluid, this is reflected in the skin of the face. She becomes dry and her sensitivity to the nutrients of the masks is reduced. The norm of clean water for an active young woman is 2-2.5 liters per day. Women with minimal physical activity can consume 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

4. Playing sports. Physical activity improves blood flow, which has a positive effect on tissue trophism.

5. Does not consume large amounts of alcoholic beverages and does not smoke.

6. He buys only high-quality decorative cosmetics of proven brands without components harmful to the skin.

7. Masks will be even more effective if a woman uses other means of beauty cosmetics – creams, milk, lotions, tonics, etc.

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