Yoghurt - The very word cools you down, especially in the warm summer months, when the heat is full on. Yoghurt is yummy, thick and creamy. It is a virtual treasury of zinc, calcium, Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, protein and yeast. The wonderful nutrients and minerals in yoghurt protects your bones, fights off osteoporosis, battles cancer, cancer, diarrhoea, high blood pressure and yeast infection. It bolsters digestion, immune function and weight control. Besides, yoghurt adds enzymes and oils to the skin, working as a natural moisturiser. It can also reduce pore size, improve overall skin texture, and give you that healthy glow. Lets discover Yoghurts role in skin and hair care.

Follow these tried-and-tested yoghurt usage tips, and you'll glow!

- Got blemishes, acne? Slather yoghurt on your acne daily. The rich zinc content will help to clear your skin. Avoid the flavoured varieties and apply yoghurt only after you've removed all make-up.

- To stop pimples in their tracks, mix some brewer's yeast with plain yoghurt and apply it on your face. Let it sit a few minutes, and then wipe clean.

- Itchy scalp? Apply some yoghurt on your head, wrap your hair in a towel and then rinse after 15 minutes. The yoghurt will chase away dandruff, too!

- Your hands and nails can also benefit from yoghurt. Simply combine half a cup of plain yoghurt with the juice of one lemon. Refrigerate it for a few hours and then use it to massage your hands and nails. Rinse and pat your hands dry. Do this for a fortnight and you will notice how soft and supple your hands feel.

More Yoghurt Packs

Just Yoghurt - Apart from zinc, plain yoghurt contains lactic acid, a natural skin smoother that makes it a simple, yet effective facial mask. Just spread it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Protein Power Pack - 1 egg white, 1 tbsp yoghurt, 1 tsp fuller's earth and 1 tsp honey. Mix and apply on face and neck for cleansing, toning, moisturising and nourishing benefits all in one!

Nice and Zesty - 1 tsp yoghurt and ? orange or ? lemon juices. Mix together and smooth onto face. Allow to remain on for five minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Zesting up your yoghurt facial by adding a tablespoon of fresh citrus fruit gives the pack an extra refreshing punch. Besides, lemon and orange restore the skin's normal pH balance, making it look fresh and young again.

Feel-Fab Fruit Pack - ? cup plain yoghurt, 1 carrot (for soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits), ? peach (a natural emollient) and ? cucumbers (to refresh and soften the skin). Blend together. Apply and let sit on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse. Your skin will be left feeling renewed and moisturised.

Beat the Dry Daze - ? cup plain yoghurt, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 ? tsp fresh lemon juice. Mix all ingredients together. Apply on the face for five to 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Heal dry skin.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader and not the site and the writer.