'Black Milk' Trend Goes Viral: Dermat Tells Whether This Drink for Glowing Skin is a Pass or Fail

Social media is full of food and drink trends promising glowing skin, and black milk is the latest to catch attention. Made using black sesame seeds blended with milk or water, this dark-coloured drink is being promoted as a natural way to improve skin brightness, reduce pigmentation and support collagen production. But can drinking black sesame seed milk really give you radiant skin?

According to Dr Chandni Jain Gupta, Dermatologist at Elantis Healthcare, Lajpat Nagar, the drink may offer nutritional benefits, but there is limited scientific evidence that it can directly brighten the skin, fade dark spots or boost collagen production. While a balanced diet is important for healthy skin, a single drink is unlikely to deliver dramatic changes.

What Is Black Milk and Why Is It Trending?

Black milk, commonly prepared using black sesame seeds, has gained popularity among people looking for natural ways to improve their skin. The seeds are blended with milk or water, sometimes with dates or other ingredients for sweetness.

Black sesame seeds contain nutrients such as healthy fats, protein and minerals. According to a study published in the journal 'Food Bioscience', they also provide antioxidant compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. These nutritional qualities have contributed to claims that the drink can improve skin texture, brightness and overall appearance.

However, the presence of beneficial nutrients does not automatically mean that a food or drink can treat specific skin concerns.

Can Black Milk Brighten Your Skin?

Black milk is often promoted as a natural skin-brightening drink, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support this claim.

Dr Gupta explains that skin pigmentation is influenced by several factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics and inflammation. Dark spots and uneven skin tone can also develop due to conditions such as acne, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Drinking black sesame seed milk cannot directly address all these underlying causes. Although a nutrient-rich diet can support normal skin function, it cannot replace treatments designed to manage pigmentation.

For people hoping to achieve brighter skin, daily sun protection and appropriate skincare are more reliable approaches than depending on a trending drink.

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Does Black Sesame Milk Boost Collagen Production?

Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin. Its production naturally declines with age, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles and changes in skin firmness.

Black sesame seeds contain protein and other nutrients that can contribute to a balanced diet. However, there is no strong clinical evidence that drinking black sesame seed milk directly increases collagen production in the skin.

According to Dr Gupta, collagen production depends on adequate protein intake, vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Vitamin C is particularly important because the body needs it to make and maintain collagen.

Instead of relying on one food, people should aim to eat a varied diet that includes protein sources, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This helps provide the nutrients required for normal skin function.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Black Sesame Milk?

Although its skin-brightening claims remain unproven, black sesame seed milk can still be part of a balanced diet.

Black sesame seeds provide healthy fats, some protein and minerals. They also contain antioxidant compounds that may help protect cells from oxidative damage. Depending on how it is prepared, the drink may provide additional nutrients from milk or other ingredients.

However, its nutritional value depends on the recipe and portion size. Adding large amounts of sugar or sweeteners can increase its calorie content without offering additional skin benefits.

People with sesame allergies should avoid the drink. Those who are lactose intolerant can consider suitable alternatives, depending on their dietary needs.

What Actually Works for Healthy, Glowing Skin?

Rather than depending on viral drinks, Dr Gupta recommends focusing on established skincare practices and a balanced diet.

• Use sunscreen daily: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure can worsen pigmentation and contribute to premature skin ageing. Reapply sunscreen as directed, particularly when outdoors.
• Eat a balanced diet: Include adequate protein, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. These provide nutrients needed for normal skin function and collagen production.
• Follow a suitable skincare routine: Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser suited to your skin type. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and retinoids may help with certain pigmentation concerns, but the right choice depends on the cause of the problem and individual skin needs.
• Consult a dermatologist: Persistent pigmentation, melasma or dark spots may require specific treatment. A dermatologist can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate options.

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Black Milk for Glowing Skin: Pass or Fail?

Black sesame seed milk can be a nutritious addition to your diet, but it is not a proven treatment for pigmentation or a guaranteed route to glowing skin. Its nutritional benefits should not be confused with evidence of direct skin-brightening or collagen-boosting effects.

As Dr Gupta highlights, healthy-looking skin depends on several factors, including sun protection, adequate nutrition and appropriate skincare. If pigmentation persists, professional advice is more useful than relying on social media trends.

Final Word

Black milk is a pass as a dietary option, but a fail as a scientifically proven skin-brightening solution. We urge you to not fall for any viral trend just because someone has promoted it. Experts suggest verifying the claims and speaking to a concerned expert before trying out anything new for your own safety.