Yogurt is a powerhouse food containing lactic acid and zinc, both beneficial for our internal and external health. Plain, unflavored yogurt that is high in fat is the ideal type of yogurt that keeps skin glowing and helps fight acne.
Why is zinc so beneficial? Zinc is anti-inflammatory making it an essential mineral to help calm acne inflammation. Studies have demonstrated its benefit in the treatment of inflammatory acne when taken orally and when used topically. Zinc is also found in the epidermis with concentrated amounts present in the top layers of the skin. Topical zinc has also been shown to reduce oil production and as a result, prevent acne-causing bacteria from surviving.
Flaxseed is both high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory, and when combined with honey’s antibacterial properties, it’s a winning combination. Containing fatty acids, flaxseed also helps to quench the skin and maintain a protective skin barrier which is key to keeping our skin soft and youthful.
These at-home treatments make use of these various beneficial ingredients and can be a wonderful weekly addition to your skin regimen. The next time you reach for your breakfast yogurt consider its versatility. Be sure to choose a plain, organic yogurt that is not sweetened.
Cinnamon Flax Exfoliating Face Mask Recipe
Cinnamon Flax Exfoliating Face Mask RecipeThis exfoliating mask is perfect for fighting acne or for those wanting a deep exfoliation.
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey
Make sure your face in cleansed to begin this treatment. Combine all ingredients and apply to face for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Follow with usual moisturizer and skincare routing.
Yogurt and Oatmeal Scrub for Sensitive Skin
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon oats
Mix together and gently massage in circular motions on clean skin, rinse with warm water. Follow with usual skincare routine.
Yogurt Treatment for Aging Skin
This simple mask can be done weekly as an added anti-aging treatment for the face and neck. Using 2 tablespoons of plain, organic yogurt, apply and leave on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing and then follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Sun Relief Yogurt Mask
People sometimes reason that winter is the season to ditch their sunscreen because it’s cold out. However, temperature has nothing to do with the sun’s powerful effects. For instance, take a day on the ski slopes without sun protection and you’ll be reminded how potent the winter sun can be (sunburns are just as prevalent if not more when on the slopes as a result of the reflection of the sun on the snow/ice). Daily use of sunscreen is essential and is our best defense to preventing skin aging changes (dyspigmentation, textural changes and fine lines/wrinkles, loss of collagen and elastin).
This mask gives the sun relief needed after too much exposure and can be applied to any area of the body or face that may been sunburned. Roman chamomile essential oil is anti-inflammatory like yogurt and also provides pain relief. It has been proven to ease the discomfort of sunburns, and also is commonly used to help people sleep, which for those of us who have experienced a sunburn know sleep is difficult to enjoy. So whether you experience a sunburn in summer OR winter, or any season for that matter, this mask is not only easy to make but just the gentle relief you’ll be needing.
- Plain organic unsweetened yogurt (amount will vary on how large an area you are applying)
- Roman Chamomile essential oil
For every 1/2 cup of yogurt, apply a drop or two of roman chamomile essential oil. The zinc in the yogurt will cool the sunburn, while the oil soothes. Leave on for several minutes before rinsing off. Can be applied daily until relief is experienced.
Have you found any beneficial uses of yogurt for your skin?
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who performs adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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The cinnamon-flax-yogurt mask is the second face mask I’ve used from your website, and I loved the other one. I just used this mask and it caused my face to burn and become really red and splotchy. I didn’t realize the damage until I had washed it off 10 minutes after applying.
I just wanted to let you know that from my research I learned that cinnamon can be an irritant and cause light burns. Combining the cinnamon with an exfoliant like ground flax can help the cinnamon to penetrate the pores and results in greater discomfort and damage. Especially to someone with sensitive skin. The superficial burns can be beneficial if that’s your goal, but I think it’s fair to add some sort of a warning to this recipe.
As of now, I am attempting to soothe my skin with organic cold pressed coconut oil.
yes..it happened to me too! burning face. thank you for the idea with coconat oil.
but this beaing told, i love your beauty and cleaning ideas. thank you:)
ramona