And here’s the beef… errr… the milk. In essence, our skin needs a healthy dose of vitamin A for optimum skin cell health. In fact, our skin cells are heavily dependent on this particular vitamin as explained in my previous article. The great thing about most dairy products, yogurt included, is that they are good sources of vitamin A. There are other sources of vitamin A, of course: carrots, parsley, and oranges among others. But according to WebMD people who have diabetes or thyroid conditions can get more vitamin A through yogurt than through any other type of food. People who have such health problems are sometimes unable to convert the beta carotene found in carrots and parsley into vitamin A. The type of vitamin A present in dairy instead, is ideal for almost everyone. And one additional benefit is that those who are somewhat intolerant to lactose can get all the benefits of whole milk without any of the side effects. Just remember that this article stresses skin care factors over weight issues. Otherwise, I would have written in length about the low fat varieties.

In a prior paragraph I mentioned the vitamin B complex. This is because there is one B that pertains to the subject of this article and that is Riboflavin, commonly known as vitamin B2. This micronutrient appears to play a key role in the health of our cells. Its deficiency, for example, produces symptoms that can range from cracked and red lips, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth and also dry and scaling skin. So in this case, the benefits to our skin are not so much dependent on its ingestion but on its deficiency. Or better put, in NOT having a deficiency.

Time for my awaited infomercial tip “but wait, there’s more!!” And there certainly is. Many of the benefits that come from yogurt, do so in an indirect fashion. Let me explain: the live bacteria -Lactobacillus acidophilus among others- found in yogurt are also among the reasons this delectable treat helps you achieve better skin. A good digestive system almost always translates into healthier skin by way of our system getting rid of toxic elements that would otherwise make their way to our most external tissue. A diet rich in trans fats, indigestible starches, and preservatives can wreak havoc inside our little bodies. Since yogurt strengthens and promotes proper digestion, the end result is that your skin benefits from this sort of detoxification.

Last but not least, yogurt also adds essential enzymes and healthy oils that are necessary to our skin, keeping it well moisturized. In fact, making a yogurt facial mask helps free your skin from blemishes and even acne. Call it anecdotal evidence, if you will. The zinc content in the yogurt helps clear the skin faster, and the lactic acid acts as a natural and rich skin moisturizer. Whether you choose to eat yogurt or apply it unto your skin, you will be able to benefit either way!

Now, a few words for the weight conscious crowd who is reading this piece. And that would mean almost all of us. Yogurt is essentially classified under dairy, and almost all forms of dairy can be fattening. To avoid gaining weight, it is best to choose low fat yogurt and definitely avoid the flavored ones or even those mixed in with dried fruits. But the caveat remains that only whole milk yogurt will derive all the benefits to our skin. So now we are back to our old tug-of-war… Do I worry about my love handles or is my skin ever more important? I think this weekend I will be checking at my local store some of the yogurt makers that are available and get started with some experimentation. Maybe I stumble upon that perfect, balanced yogurt recipe that will clear my skin AND keep my midsection at bay!