Why Is Yogurt Good for Skin?

Yogurt is a popular natural beauty ingredient for the skin and offers cleansing as well as moisturizing properties. Plain yogurt aids in a healthy face and body, and purchasing "live" yogurt is ideal for acne prone skin because it contains enzymes that kill bacteria.

Age Spots

Beauty expert Diane Irons, author of "The World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets: What Really Works in Beauty, Diet & Fashion," suggests making a cream for the skin by combining two ounces of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of honey, the juice from one lime and the juice from one lemon. Spread over the face, neck and chest once a week for 20 minutes to lighten age spots.

Acne

To heal acne, make a facial mask by mixing together two tablespoons of yogurt and one egg white. Smooth over the face until dry, about 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse.

Sunburn

For sunburn relief, apply plain yogurt to skin for twenty minutes before showering. Janice Cox, natural beauty expert and author of "Natural Beauty for All Seasons", recommends to always keep plain yogurt handy when going on beach vacations.

Skin Balance

Plain yogurt is mildly acidic and perfect to restore skin's natural balance. Apply plain yogurt to the face for 15 minutes to revive skin's natural glow.

Rough Hands

Yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of vitamin E oil is a perfect hand-softening mask. After rubbing the ingredients into the hands, cover with cotton gloves for an hour and rinse with mild soap and warm water.

Resources

• Yogurt and Skin