6 Best Ways to Use Beer for Skin and Hair

Today, we'll talk about 6 ways to use beer for your skin and talk about the truth behind the supposed claims regarding this product's benefits.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Beer’s one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. While its consumption -even in moderation- is harmful to health, it’s said that it can have certain cosmetic uses. But, is it really advisable to use beer for your skin and hair?

When it comes to listing the properties of beer to enhance the beauty of skin and hair, there are those who claim that nutrients such as proteins and vitamins could contribute to improving their appearance.

In addition, according to traditional medicine, many of its properties can be combined with other household ingredients to obtain 100% natural beauty products. But what does science say about these uses of beer?

6 potential uses of beer for your skin and hair

Before listing its alleged properties, it’s worth delving deeper into the ingredients of this beverage and its applications. First of all, the compounds in beer include proteins, vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates.

Mention is also often made of its antioxidant content in the form of polyphenols. According to a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, this may confer certain benefits for the condition of the skin and the treatment of certain conditions. However, more evidence is still needed to confirm this.

Besides these two components, the truth is that there’s still much to be discovered and confirmed regarding the use of beer to improve the skin’s condition. In fact, most of its applications are mainly based on popular recipes or traditional medicine.

1. Hair rinse

The proteins and antioxidants contained in beer could help strengthen your hair’s roots to fight hair loss and dryness. As a result, your hair may be stronger and shinier.

A study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirms the importance of antioxidants in maintaining healthy skin and attenuating damage caused by aging. However, no details are provided on the possible usefulness of beer for the condition of the scalp.

Here is a recipe for a popular conditioner. It’s advisable to consult a dermatologist before applying it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of beer (100 mL)
• Scented conditioner

Directions

• First, moisten your hair and apply the beer using a spray bottle.
• Then, allow it to set for 10 minutes. Next, rinse your hair with plenty of warm water.
• Finally, apply a bit of scented conditioner so that your hair doesn’t smell bad.

2. Beer and yogurt mask

Another theory, which has yet to be scientifically proven, is that barley and the nutrients in beer help control excessive oil production in addition to blemishes.

In fact, according to this traditional recipe, when combined with yogurt and a bit of olive oil, you could use beer to create a natural face peel to give your skin a renewed look.

Ingredients

• 5 Tbsp. of beer (50 mL)
• 2 Tbsp. of plain yogurt (20 grams)
• 1 Tbsp. of olive oil (14 grams)
• 1 egg white

Of these ingredients, the only one with skin benefits that are confirmed by science is the egg. Research published by Nutrients in 2015 highlights the importance of the antioxidants in this food for skin health.

However, as it’s a food that causes allergies in many people, caution is recommended before using it. It’s also preferable to consult a dermatologist before use.

Directions

• First, add all the ingredients to a bowl and beat them into a smooth mixture.
• Then, clean your face and spread a thin layer of the product over your face using a soft brush.
• Next, allow to dry.
• Finally, rinse off with warm water.

3. Beer and strawberry exfoliant

This exfoliating beer mask for your skin could have the property of helping to remove dead skin. At the same time, it could be useful to remove blackheads, thus giving a better appearance to the “T” zone of the face.

Regarding strawberries, a study published by Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition talks about the benefits of its antioxidants and vitamins for people’s health. Like with the ingredients listed above, these compounds can support dermal and hair health.

Ingredients

• 3 strawberries
• 1 Tbsp. of beer (10 mL)

Directions

• First, crush the strawberries using a fork and mix them with the beer.
• Then, gently massage this mixture into your face, allowing it to set for a few minutes.
• Next, rinse with warm water. Finally, finish the application by using a moisturizing tonic.

4. Milk and beer treatment for hair

Popular beliefs claim that the combination of these two ingredients helps to combat dandruff, dry scalp, and dull appearance. However, it’s important to note that there’s no evidence in this regard and its use isn’t recommended without the approval of a specialist.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. of milk (20 mL)
• 2 Tbsp. of beer (20 mL)

Directions

• First, combine the two ingredients and rub them into your hair and scalp.
• Then, allow the mixture to set for a few minutes.
• Finally, wash your hair using your normal shampoo.

5. Remedy for calluses

Traditionally, it’s also been thought that some of its qualities make beer suitable for the skin; in theory, it could serve to soften the hard skin that forms calluses on the feet.

The most popular recipes, such as the one described below, advise combining it with a little bit of mint infusion. In fact, research published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition confirms that mint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, although its application to treat skin calluses was not analyzed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of mint tea (400 mL)
• 1/2 cup of beer (100 mL)

Directions

• First, mix the hot mint tea with the beer.
• Then, soak your feet for a few minutes, gently massaging them.
• After this time has passed, use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.
• Finally, rinse your feet and dry them well.

6. Beer conditioner

Other traditional medicine beliefs hold that beer and a little jojoba oil could replace conventional conditioners. With this combination, we could achieve shiny, healthy, and beautiful hair.

Indeed, jojoba oil has antioxidant properties, which we already know contribute to the health of the dermis. However, there isn’t enough evidence regarding its application on the hair, and that’s why caution is recommended when using this preparation.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of beer (100 mL)
• 1 Tbsp. of jojoba oil (15 grams)

Directions

• First, add the jojoba oil to the beer.
• Then, apply the mixture to your hair after shampooing.
• Finally, rinse your hair with plenty of water and comb it.

Beer for your skin and hair: be careful when using it

All these virtues of beer for skin and hair became popular over time. Today, there are many women who’ve dared to use it as a cosmetic product.

Remember, however, that you must be very careful when applying products that you’ve never used on your skin. Before doing so, consult your dermatologist. Also, try small amounts first to avoid allergic reactions that can affect your health in various ways.