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Sometimes skin care can be simpler than you might think. You are probably used to going to the shop for any skin care products. When you have skin conditions, then again, you will probably just go to the shop and buy something expensive without any guarantee that it will work.
I don’t want you to waste your time and money on that. Kefir is a probiotic that works.
The older I get, the more I believe, and see, the evidence of “beauty from within”.
I mean, what you feed your body will naturally reflect your health. But you would never think kefir has anything to do with your skin!
It does!
Kefir benefits for skin work from within and I’ll tell you how.
On this page you will find:
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What is kefir?
Kefir is fermented milk, usually cow’s. The milk is fermented using kefir grains, which are basically a whole host of complex bacteria. Kefir grains look a little like small heads of a cauliflower.
Kefir has a thicker consistency than milk and the same colour. I think kefir has a nice sour taste, but that might not be for everyone.
If you want my opinion (you're getting in anyway), the health promoting characteristics of kefir mean that you should drink it irrespective of the taste.
You'll get used to the taste.
Benefits of kefir for skin and health are numerous.
But first I want to talk about the interesting history of kefir. I love history!
History of kefir
Mysteriously, nobody knows how kefir appeared. I only know that kefir originated from the people living in the north Caucasus. The people of north Caucasus already used kefir for medicinal purposes. I was had such high medicinal value that people of the north Caucasus used kefir as currency!
The popularity of kefir soon spread and from 19th century onwards kefir use went beyond the borders and into other countries. Though kefir then was still rare and very expensive. How other countries obtained the recipe for kefir has gone into legend and there are many stories of how this happened.
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It was only in early 20th century in a factory in Moscow when kefir was first mass produced and distributed across the country.
Benefits of kefir for skin
We already know the famous saying that “beauty comes from within”. To me it means that how healthy you are inside, is reflected on how well you look on the outside. This includes your skin health.
In my experience, when my body was healthy on the inside, I found that my skin and hair look healthy too.
So if you are struggling with skin conditions, topical treatments can only go so far.
Look inside. Nourish your body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
I am sure you'll notice a difference!
Definitely include kefir in your diet.
Kefir health benefits are numerous. Kefir contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, B12 and vitamin D and also calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, antioxidants and potassium, selenium and iodine.
Antioxidants help your body fight off harmful free radicals that are linked to many health conditions. Antioxidants helps protect cells against damage. When I am talking about cells, I also mean skin cells. This means that your skin cells are less likely to be damaged for longer, keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy.
I talked a lot about the many benefits of the B vitamins here. I will highlight that B vitamins help maintain many bodily functions and so keep the body healthy.
Your skin will naturally reflect your health levels.
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and vitamin D helps calcium absorption. This means that by drinking kefir you are naturally nourishing your body with the minerals necessary for great bones and teeth well into old age.
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Phosphorus also helps to grow strong bones and teeth, but that is not the only function of phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential ingredient for the body to make protein for growth, maintenance and repair of cells.
Kefir's probiotics restore balance by strengthening the skin's protective barrier and reducing acne-causing bacteria.
Benefits of kefir for skin do not stop there.
Kefir improves skin hydration
A study shows that people who drank homemade kefir for at least 8 weeks experienced a significant increase in skin hydration. So If you are struggling with dry skin or eczema, have a go at drinking kefir. See for yourself! The research does suggest that you need to be consistent.
Kefir Improves digestion
Kefir has the ability to normalize the microflora of the digestive tract. Kefir has from 20 to 50 types of beneficial bacteria!
A lot of skin problems come from issues with the digestive tract. This is why when I am talking about benefits of kefir for skin I include the topic of digestion. Kefir helps keep your digestive system healthy, which will translate into you feeling and looking better – healthy skin from within.
Kefir may also improve metabolism helping your body burn calories faster. This contributes to normal and healthy weight.
Interestingly, some people who are lactose intolerant, can drink kefir because it helps normalize the process of this necessary carbohydrate. This is because kefir contains less lactose than milk. In any case, please take care if you are lactose intolerant.
You know yourself!
Kefir improves the immune system
The probiotics present in kefir regulate the immune system and suppress the development of harmful microorganisms.
I can't praise kefir enough!
How to make kefir at home
I used to buy kefir from Sainsbury’s. But shop bought kefir was expensive. Shop bought kefir was also not quite kefir anyway.
It was my wonderful mum (as usual) who gave me some homemade kefir to try. My mum also brought kefir grains, from which I now make kefir at home. You can do that, you know.
Making kefir at home is so easy! Visit my Instagram account to find a helpful video of making kefir at home.
Here’s the easiest method of making kefir at home:
- Take one 500 ml glass jar with lid. You can reuse a glass jam or pickle jar. Make sure the glass jar is clean and dry. Add your kefir grains. The kefir grains you can buy come with instructions anyway.
- Add milk. Make sure you don’t fill up the jar to the top. Leave 2-3cm free. You can use full far or semi skimmed cow’s milk.
- Cover the jar with lid and leave for 12-36 hours. How soon kefir will be ready will depend on how warm your house is. If the house is warm, kefir will be ready sooner and vice versa. What I do, is try the kefir with a teaspoon. If I don’t think it is sour enough for my taste, I leave it a little longer.
- When kefir is ready (should be a little lumpy and taste sour), then you can use a sieve to separate the kefir into a cup. Then you will be left with lovely, tasty kefir and the kefir grains in the sieve. You can then use the kefir grains to repeat the process.
Don’t leave kefir in the glass jar for more than 3 days. It will be too sour and can only be used for baking.
If you use a smaller glass jar, with less milk, then your kefir will be ready sooner.
You can use kefir in a smoothie for variety. Just add chopped bananas, berries or vanilla to kefir and blend.
How to use kefir for skin health
You can and should drink kefir regularly. But did you know you can use kefir topically for skin?
Include kefir in your DIY face mask
You can easily mix a teaspoon of kefir with honey, oats (for natural exfoliation) or oils. Apply and leave on face for 10 minutes. Rinse. Moisturise with your favourite natural moisturiser.
Kefir is excellent for acne treatment because it helps balance oil production and the lactic acid exfoliates the skin. This naturally reduces breakouts.
But I am underselling kefir. Kefir can be used to treat many skin conditions such as dry, sensitive skin and psoriasis.
Replace your toner with kefir
Apply a little kefir into a cotton pad and apply like a toner. You can dilute kefir with water, but I personally do not see the need. Its probiotics balance pH and prepare your skin for hydration.
Can I make kefir with coconut milk or almond milk?
Yes. But it is important to take turns with cow’s milk.
One day you can make kefir with coconut milk, the next – with cow’s milk. This is because kefir grains need the right nutrients to survive and continue making kefir. Lactose present in milk is milk sugars. It is these “sugars” that kefir grains feed on. It is not possible to replace milk sugars (lactose) with ordinary sugar.
Things to consider when making kefir at home
If you have high cholesterol or wish to lose weight then use semi skimmed milk when making kefir at home. Low fat kefir will lower cholesterol levels and contribute to the reduction in developing heart problems in the future.
Benefits of kefir include weight loss because drinking kefir before food or when feeling peckish because kefir reduces hunger levels. Kefir reduces hunger levels naturally, without any chemicals or medication.
In all other instances, fee free to use full fat milk when making kefir at home. Especially when giving kefir to children, who will benefit from full nutrition.
If you have too much stomach acid, then consider consulting your doctor before drinking kefir.
How often should I drink kefir for skin benefits?
You can drink up to 400ml of kefir per day. You don't have to drink all 400 ml in one go. Divide and drink throughout the day.
Conclusion: try this ancient drink and you won't look back
Kefir is a skincare game-changer, offering affordable, natural solutions for everything from acne to wrinkles. Its probiotics, vitamins, and exfoliating properties work together to nourish and transform your skin.
Why wait to see the results for yourself? Start by adding kefir to your daily diet or pampering your skin with a DIY mask. Buy some kefir grains online and make as much kefir as you want!
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Why trust The Clear Sky?
I am an educator and l am passionate about providing you with information about the beauty industry empowering you to make an informed choice when spending your money. I take time to research beauty products. I recommend beauty products that are non toxic, have natural ingredients and often plastic free.
With over a decade of personal experience using natural ingredients for skin, hair and body I also provide many beauty tips which are simple, innovative and sustainable.
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