Milk really does condition skin.

FORBES: Getting Milked

Many of the faithful carry offerings of milk in paal kudam (milk pots) often connected to their skin by hooks.

BBC: Malaysia's Thaipusam festival

But milk is being hyped as a key ingredient in some new fast-selling skin and bath products from Caswell-Massey, Avon, Almay and other companies.

FORBES: Getting Milked

Drinking raw milk, they say, confers numerous health benefits vitality, digestive vigor, strong teeth, clear skin and even has the power to treat serious ailments, such as diabetes, cancer, and autism.

NEWYORKER: Raw Deal