How to Make Yogurt Facial Masks

Yogurt brightens and softens the complexion.

Yogurt contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid found in fermented milk products. Alpha hydroxy acid gently sloughs off dead surface skin cells while protecting the deeper layers of skin. The exfoliating properties of lactic acid make yogurt a great skin renewal facial mask. When combined with honey, yogurt becomes extra moisturizing, and is especially beneficial for dry skin. Adding blueberries, which are loaded with antioxidants, to a yogurt mask helps to combat signs of aging.

Things You'll Need

• Yogurt Honey Mask Recipe:
• 1/2 cup plain, whole-milk yogurt
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 small bowls
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Elastic hair band
• Yogurt Blueberry Mask Recipe:
• 1 tbsp. plain, whole-milk yogurt
• 8 to 10 blueberries
• Blender
• Jojoba or coconut oil (optional)
• 3 tsp. coarsely ground, raw oatmeal (optional)
• 1 tbsp. ground almonds (optional)

Instructions

Yogurt Honey Facial Mask

1. Remove any makeup and wash your face before applying the facial mask. Pull your hair back with an elastic hair band or put it up in a towel to avoid getting mask in your hair.

2. Beat one egg white in a small bowl. Blend the honey, lemon juice and yogurt in a separate bowl.

3. Mix the egg white slowly into the yogurt mixture until it's well blended.

4. Apply the mask with your fingertips, spreading a not-too-thick layer on your face and neck. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.

5. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Gently wipe off any stubborn spots with a moist washcloth. Splash your face and neck with cool water, to close your pores, then pat dry your skin with a towel.

Yogurt Blueberry Facial Mask

1. Remove any makeup and wash your face before applying the facial mask. Pull your hair back with an elastic hair band or put it up in a towel to avoid getting mask in your hair.

2. Combine the blueberries, yogurt and lemon juice in a blender. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.

3. Apply the mask with your fingertips, spreading a not-too-thick layer on your face and neck. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.

4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Gently wipe off any stubborn spots with a moist washcloth. Finish with a splash of cool water, to close your pores, then pat dry your skin with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• For even more exfoliation action, add 3 tsp. of coarsely ground, raw oatmeal or 1 tbsp. of ground almonds to the mask. Use a damp washcloth when removing the mask and gently rub it against your face in a circular motion to allow the gritty texture of the ground oatmeal or the ground almonds to exfoliate your skin.

• If you have dry skin, apply a light oil, such as jojoba or coconut, to your skin after removing the mask. Put a few drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, then apply it to your face. This will counteract the slightly drying effect of the lactic acid in the yogurt.

• Lactic acid may lightly bleach and/or irritate your skin. If these are concerns, test a small bit of the mask on another area of your body, before applying it all over the face, to see if your skin has any negative reactions.

References

• "Armenian Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore"; Irina Petrosian, et al.; 2006
• "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
• "Forget the Facelift"; Doris J. Day, et al.; 2005
• "Ecobeauty"; Lauren Cox, et al.; 2009

Resources

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes - Treatment