I know the thought of a yogurt face mask might sound messy, maybe even gross if you’re not a big dairy fan, but hear me out. It seems like the older I get, the dryer my skin feelsโand looks! And if you’re stuck at home, now is the perfect time for a bit of skincare self-care.
Applying a yogurt face mask once or twice a week can do everything from restoring much-needed moisture [source] to lessening the effects of aging [source]. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Most of us are fairly familiar with the slew of benefits Greek yogurt contains for your body (if itโs not already a staple in your diet, you should consider adding it!). It contains a heaping amount of probiotics, tiny microorganisms (living cultures of bacteria and yeast) that are good for your gut, as well as double the amount of protein found in regular yogurt and half the sugar to boot.
Well, it turns out that the magic that yogurt works on the inside of your body actually extends to nourish your skin, too.
Benefits of Greek Yogurt for Skin
Given its extraordinary benefits for your body, you can only anticipate the wonders it can do for your face. Here are some of the ways yogurt can give you that fresh-from-the-spa glow:
Fights Acne
Fun fact: Greek yogurt has impressive acne-fighting abilities. That’s because it contains lactic acid [source], which is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that you can find in many of your store-bought cleansers, spot treatments, and acne products. It’s also loaded with probiotics, which may help restore your skin’s bacterial balance and keep acne-causing germs from getting out of hand.
Gently Exfoliates Dry Skin
Another perk of lactic acid is that itโs a gentle exfoliator, meaning it helps slough off dead skin cells [source] to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more youthful-appearing complexion underneath. One of the reasons your skin is drier and dulls with age is that those dead skin cells are sticking around too long.
Their presence even prevents moisturizers from penetrating. So, by gently and naturally exfoliating these dead skin cells, you can easily reclaim a more vibrant and dewy skin.
Boosts Moisture
Research has shown that yogurt may help replenish moisture in the skin, thus improving skin quality and elasticity [source].
Soothes Irritation
While the science on this one is limited, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that you can use Greek yogurt the same way you would aloeโit helps nourish sunburned skin, thanks to its cooling effects.
Tightens and Firms Skin
And lastly, using Greek yogurt can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, thanks to the fact that it naturally tightens and firms your skin (chalk it up to those AHA’s again [source]). An all-natural chemical-free solution that I can buy for a couple of bucks at my local grocery store instead of hauling to Sephora? Certainly worth a try if you ask me.
Greek Yogurt Face Mask Recipe
My go-to face mask recipe calls for just two ingredients: Greek yogurt and honey. But, different skin types often require certain additional ingredients. Here are a few things you can add to your mask to target your skin’s specific issues.
Optional add-ins:
Dry skin? Mash and add 1/2 of an avocado or 1 tablespoon of facial oil or 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
Oily skin? Add 1/2 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of green clay.
Acne-prone? Smash 1/2 banana until smooth, and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric or 1 drop of lavender or tea tree essential oil.
Dull skin? Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juiceโthe citric acid is another one of those AHAs that will also help brighten skin [source].
Aging skin? Blend in a few blueberries for an additional antioxidant boost.
Redness and irritation? Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
To make your yogurt face mask:
1. Combine 2 tablespoons of plain (unflavored) Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon of raw honey (use more for extra moisturizing benefits).
2. Add your optional ingredients, like banana, lemon juice, or blueberries, to the yogurt mixture, and stir well.
3. Apply a thin layer of mask evenly over your entire face.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing your face with cool water and applying moisturizer.
Yogurt Face Mask Tips and Tricks
Here’s how to make the most out of your Greek yogurt face mask regimen:
How long can I leave yogurt on my face?
We recommend wearing your yogurt mask for anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. It gives you enough time to let the moisture, AHA, and probiotics sink in, but not so long that it causes irritation.
Can I apply it to my face daily?
When used too often, yogurt may disrupt your skin’s microbiome and cause irritation. More isn’t always better.
So it’s best to use a yogurt face mask only 1โ2 times a week and to always keep a close eye on how your skin feels after using it. If you notice any redness or irritation, lay off the mask for a bit, and give your skin a break.
Can yogurt whiten skin or lighten dark spots?
Thanks to the lactic acid in yogurt, applying yogurt directly to skin may help fade dark spots and encourage cell turnover, leaving you with fresh-looking skin.
Which yogurt is best for face masks?
Any plain, sugar-free yogurt will work for face masksโmake sure there is no flavoring in the one you use. Organic is best. I prefer Greek yogurt because it’s thicker than regular yogurt, meaning it won’t melt off quite as easily. It’s also lower in sugar than other types of yogurt.
What else can I use in place of yogurt?
You can also use plain kefir or buttermilk since they both contain probiotics and share some of the same benefits as yogurt. I haven’t tested either of these myself, so you might need to play around with the recipe to find one that works for you. And always test it on a small area of skin first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
Will yogurt cause me to break out?
Everyone’s skin is different, so it might. If you have a dairy allergy, it’s best to opt for plant-based yogurt as opposed to traditional cow or goat milk yogurt (the bacteria can also ferment fructose to form lactic acid). And yogurt may sometimes clog pores, making things like acne and irritation worse. If you have acne-prone skin, spot test your yogurt face mask on an inconspicuous patch of skin to make sure you don’t have a reaction or breakout.
Looking for more kitchen beauty recipes?
If you’ve got some time on your hands, here some more beauty recipes you can whip up in minutes:
Kick age spots and discoloration to the curb with these 5 natural AHA face masks.
Soften fine lines and wrinkles with 10 natural moisturizers you can find in the kitchen.
Say yes to self-care and whip up these 5 honey face mask recipes to soothe dry, irritated skin.
No spa? No problem. Here’s how to give yourself a facial at home.
Moisturizing Greek Yogurt Face Mask
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Blender or food processor (optional)
Materials
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt โalways use plain (unflavored), and choose full fat for extra moisturizing benefits
- 1โ2 teaspoons raw honey
Instructions
- Blend yogurt, honey, and any optional ingredients (see notes below) together until you get a creamy paste.
- Then, apply to your face and neck liberally with a brush or your fingers.
- Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Apply moisturizer and enjoy your bright, glowing skin!
Notes
- Dry skin? Mash and add 1/2 of an avocado or 1 tablespoon of facial oil or 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Oily skin? Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of green clay.
- Acne prone? Smash 1/2 banana until smooth and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric or 1 drop of lavender or tea tree essential oil.
- Dull skin? Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juiceโthe citric acid will also help brighten skin.
- Aging skin? Blend in a few blueberries for a boost of additional antioxidants.
- Redness and irritation? Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glowโs medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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I totally added a little bit off oatmeal to this! But either way this is very helpful!
Is there a way to preserve masks with yogurt in them with some strong preservative?
So I Tried It And It Was Dripping Off My Face .. How Can I Thickin The Mixture ?
take a yogurt which is very thick and put less lemon and honey
Leave it in the fridge or add more of the Yogurt
Just did this and my face feels incredible! Thanks!
How long would this mixture last if I made it in bulk and didn’t keep it in the fridge?
My mother has actually been telling me about greek yogurt mask for years.. I never took it to heart. after reading this, I think i might have to try it. I’ll post results of my experience soon.
sohnds great m skin so messed up cn i put this on everyday
I’ve used greek yoghurt w/ honey as a facial mask — My aging skin loves it. I find I need to add more to my skin after a few minutes — because my skin soaks it in. It helps me to see the “hungry skin” places.
I heat water from my filter for the wash off — and follow that with a cold rinse. Skin GLOWS afterward…
Try red light therapy for aging skin– amazing stuff!!
I have Alot of honey flavored Greek yogurt can I use that instead of plain or does it have to be plain?
Flavoured yogurt could cause eritation
Confession: I hate the smell of yogurt. And the taste. Maybe if I hold my nose I could use this? Because my skin is so messed up. It’s super dry and flaky by my jawline, but my T-zone is always oily. :/
I love that you have strong opinions on so many foods! Don’t you hate avocados too? That cracks me up coming from a foodie :)
I’m picky about all the things everyone else loves. I will eat tofu, tempeh, dragonfruit and all the weird stuff, but I will not touch an avocado or raw tomato. :)
Really like washing my face with milk, honey and iced cubes for five minutes. You could try powdered milk or powdered buttermilk.
You can add lavender essential oil if you hate the smell of yogurt
Haha…..thank goodness our hubbies bring us back to reality sometimes. I eat greek yogurt every morning never thought of using it as a mask. Will have to give it go sometime.
seriously can’t wait to try this out
husband still thinks 4 people live in this house and bought the costco tub of greek yogurt
two people cannot eat that much yogurt
glad i now have a good use for it
brett
I always buy too much at Costco too! Glad you found a use for the extras :)
I don’t know if this would make it to my face, is sounds way too delicious!
It is Claire! I highly recommend eating the leftovers!
I have a friend who swears that washing her face with raw honey is the best thing that ever happened to her. Who knew food was so good for your skin?? I guess it nourishes the body wherever you put it. :)
Hmm, I’ve never heard of washing with raw honey – that stuff’s not cheap but I guess it might be worth it for great skin!
My friend says she found a really great deal on raw honey at her farmer’s market, so there must be deals out there, but I think you’re right… if it’s “life changing” it might be worth the price. Her skin does glow…
Man, I never get deals at the farmer’s market – what’s her secret for that, lol? But I think I’m going to have to try this….
I put raw honey on my face in the morning, I have done this for years. I love how it moisturizers and diesht irritate my face.
Let’s try that this weekend! :)
Sounds good, let’s do it! :)
I love the Greek yogurt mask and would definitely recommend it to others! Greek yogurt is also great for your tummy.
I’m not putting that on my face! That’s breakfast! LOL (Sounds great Stephanie!)
Anne xx
Haha! You can enjoy some for breakfast while wearing the mask – multitasking!
Hehe you can do them both, have your breakfast and put the left over on your face :)