Sour cream, like all fermented milk products, contains lactic acid, which is a key skin-enhancing ingredient, says the Anti Aging Skin Care Guide website. This is because it helps the skin retain moisture, it is a natural exfoliator and it boosts the production of collagen, which forms the connective tissue that supports the skin. Lactic acid is used in many beauty and skincare products, such as moisturizers, shampoos and soaps, but you can also get the benefits of this ingredient by using it in your own home treatments.
Precautions
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The active ingredient in sour cream--that is, lactic acid--is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid, which naturally removes dead skin to promote new skin cell generation, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines, says the Pharmacy Mix skincare website. However, as with all alpha-hydroxy agents, it can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so be sure to use sunscreen when using sour cream in your beauty routine.
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Sour Cream Facial Mask for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, a weekly sour cream mask can help your skin lock in moisture. WomenFitness.net recommends mixing together two tablespoons of sour cream, half a banana and one tablespoon of honey. Apply a thick layer of this mixture to your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Banana pulp is three-quarters water so it works well with sour cream and honey to moisturize and plump the skin, says the Beautiful Skin Blog.
Sour Cream Facial Mask to Lighten or Exfoliate the Skin
This mask can be used to improve blotchy, red and/or irritated skin, says Green Beauty Guide website. Mix three tablespoons of sour cream, two tablespoons of fresh, chopped parsley and half of a mashed cucumber in a bowl. Apply liberally to your skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Parsley is a natural whitening agent, while the cucumber has a cooling, calming effect on the skin. This mixture can be stored in the fridge for about two days. The Green Beauty Guide says this treatment is not suitable for pregnant women because parsley is high in estrogen and may cause an hormonal imbalance.