Raw milk benefits: Wellness miracle or just hype?

Milk has recently been in the limelight as more than just a beverage. The natural drink is sworn on by celebrities who claim that raw milk has innumerable benefits for skin, be it as a toner or hydrator.They suggest using raw milk as a toner with cotton pads, as a moisturiser and as a part of a face pack. But is it really a wellness miracle or another beauty fad that is currently having the time of its life?Celebrities across the globe have recommended raw milk as the ultimate toner and acne treatment. Celebrities, social media influencers and even America's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are staunch promoters of the use of raw milk for health. In June 2024, Kennedy said he "only drinks raw milk." Gwyneth Paltrow said on the popular "Skinny Confidential" podcast that she added Raw Farm cream in her coffee every morning. Additionally, influencers such as Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm have also promoted the consumption of raw milk.While raw milk has its own set of benefits, according to studies and experts, it may cause serious infections and must be used with caution.Surveys from various countries have found the presence of different types of pathogens in raw milk, with prevalence levels as high as 13% for bacteria. If the pathogens contact the skin, they can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling and pain, as mentioned in a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Since it is unpasteurised, it can contain live bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria, which can cause skin irritation. Also, its creamy texture could clog pores.Those who have been consuming raw milk for other health benefits also need to think twice, as it has led to a lot of foodborne illness outbreaks, due to pathogens entering the body, as mentioned by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Additionally, an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu led to over 500 California dairy farms being quarantined as they tested positive for the virus. This included the brand Raw Farm (which Paltrow uses) whose distribution of products was halted as bird flu was found in its unpasteurised milk.According to Dr Meghan Davis, as associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, "Milk is actually the most infectious thing that comes out of an infected cow." "Now I don't even think that farmers who farm dairy cows should be drinking raw milk from their dairy cows," she said to USA Today.Thus, while using raw milk on the skin may feel hydrating, it has more disadvantages than advantages, and thus one should beware of using it regularly.