Say Yo! to yoghurt's amazing beauty benefits

Yoghurt. The very word cools you down - especially in the warm summer months, when the heat is full on.

But if you've so far used your yoghurt only for churning up 'lassis' and 'raitas', it's time to discover its starring role in skin and hair care. The secret? Yoghurt is a virtual treasury of zinc, calcium, Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, protein and yeast. 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.

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

• Got blemishes? Slathering yoghurt on your ace every day will help clear your skin, thanks to its rich zinc content. Avoid the flavoured varieties, and apply yoghurt only after you've removed all make-up.

• Stop pimples in their tracks by mixing some brewer's yeast with plain yoghurt and apply it on your face. Let it sit a few minutes, then wipe clean.

• If you've got an itchy scalp, apply some yoghurt on your head, wrap your hair in a towel and then rinse after 15 minutes. Bonus: 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.