Simple but effective cosmetics to take care of the real needs of the skin. And what could be simpler than the ingredients found in the fridge of your kitchen? Like, for example, brewer’s yeast...
Brewer's yeast, what it is and how you can use it
When we talk about brewer's yeast we mean a fungus, in particular Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This fungus is the main yeast of the alcoholic fermentation of wine and beer but it is used also for the bakery, in fact, all of us have certainly prepared a nice loaf of bread using brewer’s yeast. Moreover, brewer's yeast is also a powerful supplement, able to support the immune system, to counteract tiredness, to improve the functioning of the intestine and to fight inflammation (Moyad et al, Urol Nurs, 2008 - Moslehi-Jenabian et al, Nutrients , 2010). In this article, however, we will talk about another use of brewer’s yeast, as an ingredient for cosmetics!
Brewer's yeast in cosmetics
Scientific studies have observed that creams containing brewer’s yeast extracts have proven to be useful to counteract aging of the tissues, to improve skin hydration, to smooth out small wrinkles and expression lines (Gaspar et al, Food Chem Toxicol, 2008). Not only that, this yeast is able to accelerate wound healing (Bentley et al, Arch Surg, 1990). Finally, brewer's yeast can be used for topical applications in case of acne. In fact, it has been observed that lotions containing extracts of this yeast have been able to improve, if not even heal, this skin condition in 80% of cases by fighting inflammation, promoting a healing action and reconstituting the damaged bacterial flora of the skin (Weber et al, Fortschr Med., 1989).
Brewer's yeast, masks for skin and hair
In case of dull skin, stressed by external agents and smog, or mature skin with wrinkles or an acne prone skin you can prepare a face mask with brewer's yeast. Dissolve 10 grams of fresh brewer's yeast in 3 tablespoons of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, blend and apply on a clean face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Brewer’s yeast can also help the hair, by nourishing and strengthening it. Dissolve 1 cube of yeast in 1 glass of lukewarm water, pour onto the hair, massage and leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Brewer's yeast, warnings
Do not use brewer’s yeast for topical applications in case of atopic dermatitis since it could cause allergic reactions (Kortekangas-Savolainen et al, Allergy, 1993). In any case, since there is a small possibility of reactions even in case of skin without dermatitis it is always good to first do a test on a small portion of skin.
