Most of us grew up knowing the nutritional benefits of yogurt. You've probably incorporated it into your diet through smoothies or fruit-laden afternoon snacks. And that's great, but did you know that yogurt can also be applied topically as part of a skincare routine to help restore youthful skin? It's true!
In this article, the skincare experts at CAUDABIO will explain everything that makes yogurt so beneficial for your skin. They've even prepared seven yogurt face mask recipes to improve your skin's health... no matter your skin type. The best part is, they'll show you a simple yet effective method to smooth and plump your skin, reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, and prevent new ones while you sleep.
But first, let's focus on yogurt and see why it can be so beneficial for your skin.
What makes yogurt so great?
In simple terms, it is rich in vitamins and minerals such as:
- B12
- B2
- B5
- Calcium
- Lactic acid
- Zinc
- Alpha-hydroxy acids
When you eat yogurt, these vitamins and minerals are digested and used by your body to stay healthy. But your skin is often the last stop on the vitamins' journey through your body. This means your skin only receives a little of the leftovers.
The cool thing about yogurt, and the vitamins and minerals it contains, is that everything is water-soluble. “Water-soluble?!” you ask. Water-soluble. This means the ingredients are dissolved in water (the whey), and are therefore absorbed through your skin from the outside. It’s pretty awesome! By applying yogurt directly to your skin, you bypass the entire digestion and distribution process and place the vitamins and minerals right where you need them most.
Now that you know why yogurt is so beneficial, we're sure you're wondering, "How can I use it to get great skin?" Here are seven face mask recipes that the experts at CAUDABIO have prepared to help you harness the restorative power of yogurt.
1) Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask:
- Lightening and evening out of the complexion
- Fight against acne
- Elimination of bacteria from the skin
- Hydration
Ingredients of the Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Strawberries
- Honey
Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- In a small bowl, mash 2 ripe strawberries with a fork.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well.
- Measure 1 teaspoon of yogurt and stir it into the strawberries and honey.
How to Apply a Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Apply a thick layer of the mask.
- Let the mixture dry on your face for fifteen minutes.
- Gently remove the mask with lukewarm water.
- Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
2) Yogurt and Prickly Pear Seed Oil Face Mask
Uses of Yogurt and Prickly Pear Seed Oil Face Mask:
- Lightening and evening out of the complexion
- Intense hydration
- Nourishes and repairs the skin
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Ingredients of the Yogurt and Prickly Pear Seed Oil Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Prickly pear seed oil
Recipe for Yogurt and Prickly Pear Seed Oil Face Mask:
- In a small bowl, measure 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
- Add 1 teaspoon of prickly pear seed oil.
- Mix well until you get a smooth texture.
How to Apply a Yogurt and Prickly Pear Seed Oil Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and open pores.
- Apply an even layer of the mask to your face.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse gently with lukewarm water.
- Finish by splashing your face with cool water to close pores.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
3) Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Feeding
- Moisturizer
- Moisturizer
- Lubricant
Ingredients of the Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
- Lawyer
Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into a small bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of yogurt.
- Mash ¼ of an avocado with the back of a fork and add it to the bowl.
- Mix well until you get a smooth paste.
How to Apply an Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Spread the mask on your face, neck and décolleté.
- Let it sit on your skin for fifteen minutes.
- Remove the mask by wetting your face with warm water and gently rubbing with circular movements of your fingers.
- Once the mask is removed, rinse again with fresh water.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
4) Oatmeal and Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Oatmeal and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Softens the skin
- Prevents damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Exfoliates
- Nourishes
- Removes oil and dirt from deep pores
Ingredients of the Oat and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Oats
Oatmeal and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- Measure 1 teaspoon of yogurt into a bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of oats.
- Mix and let stand for two minutes to allow the oats to absorb the yogurt.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey. Make sure the honey is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
How to Apply an Oatmeal and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Apply a thick layer of the mixture to your face, neck and chest.
- Relax for fifteen minutes and let the mask dry.
- After fifteen minutes, remove the mask with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.
- Rub gently in circular motions to remove all sticky honey.
- Rinse your skin once more with cool water to tighten pores.
- Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
5) Rose and Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Rose and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Reduces inflammation
- Fights acne
- Removes oil and dirt
- Balances the skin's pH
- Tones the skin
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
Ingredients of the Rose and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Rose water
- Rose petals (optional)
Rose and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- Crush six or seven rose petals in a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of rose water and let it sit for two minutes so that the water extracts all the beneficial vitamins and minerals from the rose petals.
- Measure 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
- Mix well and let the ingredients sit for two minutes.
- Pour in 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- You can either leave the petals in the mixture or remove them. Most of the nutrients have been extracted, so they are now just decorative.
How to Apply a Rose and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Apply the mask to your skin and let it dry for ten minutes.
- Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water, followed by a cool water rinse to close pores.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel to complete the process.
6) Green Tea and Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Green Tea and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Reduces redness
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Keeps skin healthy during the cold winter months
- Tones
- Exfoliates
Ingredients of the Green Tea and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Yogurt
- Oats
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Green tea (strongly brewed)
Green Tea and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of dry oats to the bowl.
- Stir so that the vinegar coats all the oats.
- Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
- Mix well and let stand for two minutes.
- Pour in 1 teaspoon of honey and mix until the honey is evenly distributed.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of very strong green tea.
- Stir vigorously until you get a smooth paste.
How to Apply a Green Tea and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Using clean fingers, apply the paste to your face, neck and décolleté.
- Wait fifteen minutes for the mask to harden and work.
- Remove the mask with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.
- Finish the process by splashing your skin with cool water to close the pores.
- Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
7) Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask
Uses of Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Reduces redness and irritation
- Narrows dilated blood vessels (cause of swollen skin)
- Firms pores
Ingredients of Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Cucumber
- Yogurt
Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe:
- Place ½ cucumber in a food processor or blender. If you don't have these appliances, you can peel the cucumber and mash it with a fork.
- Transfer the cucumber pulp to a mixing bowl and add 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
- Mix well until the cucumber is evenly distributed.
How to Apply a Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
- Spread a thick, even layer of the preparation on your skin and let it dry for fifteen minutes.
- Remove the mask with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.
- Finish the process by splashing your skin with cool water to close the pores.
- Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
