Can milk that has expired by one month be used for washing the face?
The milk at my home has expired for one month. I heard that milk can be used to wash the face. I was wondering if this expired milk is still usable?
Doctor's answer (1)
It is not recommended to use milk that has expired by one month for facial cleansing.
After milk expires, its nutritional components such as proteins and fats rapidly deteriorate, breeding large amounts of bacteria (e.g., E. coli, lactic acid bacteria), and may even produce toxins. When used on the face, these microorganisms and their metabolic products can directly contact the skin, damaging the skin barrier and causing irritation symptoms such as sensitivity, redness, and itching. This is especially problematic for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it may trigger or worsen inflammation.
The pH level of expired milk may change. Fresh milk typically has a pH of about 6.5-6.7, but spoiled milk may become more acidic or alkaline. Prolonged contact with such milk can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance (normally about 5.5-7.0), weakening the skin's self-protective abilities. Spoiled fats may produce rancid substances that cause contact dermatitis, leading to symptoms such as swelling and rashes.
For regular exfoliation, consider using mild salicylic acid or fruit acid products, and rely on reputable skincare products for moisturizing. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to the expiration date of milk and consume fresh milk promptly to ensure its nutritional value and safety.
