How to Make a Yogurt Face Mask

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Yogurt is incredibly healthy, but did you know that it is great for your skin as well? Yogurt is naturally exfoliating, so it will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. It is also hydrating and brightening, so it can be used to even out skin tone. [1] You can always just smear yogurt over your face and call it a mask, but you can get even more out of it if you add extra goodies, such as honey, cinnamon, or cocoa powder. The best part about yogurt masks is that they are completely natural and organic, so you don't have to worry about putting any chemicals on your face!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Basic Yogurt Face Mask

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    [2] Try to use full fat Greek yogurt; it will be much more moisturizing than 2% or fat-free yogurt. Avoid using any flavored yogurts, as they contain too many sweeteners and other added ingredients.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    [5] Keep stirring until the honey is mixed evenly throughout the yogurt. Honey is one of the best things you can put on your skin. It is naturally moisturizing and anti-bacterial. It will help hydrate your skin while managing acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. [6]
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    If you are wearing a nice shirt, it might also be a good idea to drape an old towel across your chest and shoulders. Washing your face with warm water first helps open up your pores and make the mask even more effective.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    If you have any mask left over, you can also apply it to your neck. You can apply the mask using just your fingers. For a more spa-like experience, gently brush the mask on using a foundation makeup brush.
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    [7] The mask will start to dry and before "flaking" during this time, which is fine. The mask will still be doing its "job" hydrating and moisturizing your face.
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    Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel afterwards. Your skin may feel a little stiff and tight after this mask; if this is the case, apply some moisturizer afterwards. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Adding Other Ingredients for More Benefits

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of each of the following: honey, finely-ground oatmeal, and yogurt. Apply the mask to your face and wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards.
    • Oatmeal is a natural, but gentle, exfoliant.
    • If you can't get ground oatmeal, you can grind your own using a blender or coffee grinder.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    In a small bowl, mash together 2 ripe strawberries using a fork. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and1 teaspoon yogurt, then stir to combine. Apply the mask to your face, and rinse it after with warm water after 15 minutes. Splash your face with cold water to seal your pores afterwards.
    • Strawberries are naturally brightening and lightening.
    • For something a little more exfoliating, add ½ teaspoon of finely-ground almonds.
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    In a small bowl, mash one-fourth of a ripe avocado using a fork. Stir in 1 teaspoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Spread the mask over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten the pores.
    • Avocados and olive oil are naturally moisturizing and hydrating.
    • For a hydrating and antibacterial face mask, use honey instead of olive oil.
    • Olive oil can clog pores. If you are worried about this, try jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, or sweet almond oil instead.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    In a small bowl, briskly mix together 2 teaspoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask onto your face, then wash it off after 15 minutes with warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards, and apply some moisturizer, if desired.
    • Cocoa powder has natural anti-aging properties. It will help prevent sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your face. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Splash your face with cool water when you are done. [10]
    • Coffee helps tighten your pores and reduce oiliness, puffiness, and swelling.
    • Cocoa and coffee both have anti-aging and detoxifying properties.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    Combine 1 tablespoon of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, then spread the mask over your face. Wait 7 to 10 minutes, then was the mask off with warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards to seal your pores.
    • Cinnamon is not only naturally antibacterial, but it also gives skin a healthy glow.
    • Nutmeg will plump the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. [11]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Yogurt Face Mask
    Mix together 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice in a small bowl. For extra moisture and hydration, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask over your face, and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten your pores.
    • Lemon juice is a natural skin brightener. Some people find that it can also help reduce acne and blackheads. [12]
    • Another option for your mask is turmeric. Turmeric can make your skin yellowish if you prepare it wrong, but if you use a recipe from a reputable source, turmeric makes an excellent mask. Don't use the mask too frequently — once a week is good. Turmeric doesn't dry out your skin and it has anti-inflammatory properties. [13]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I apply a yogurt face mask every day?
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Once a week or so should be good. Don't do it too frequently. Oily skin can be treated with masks more frequently, about two to three times a week. Yogurt can be good for oily skin due to its tightening properties.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Can I make this mask and keep it in the fridge? If so, for how long?
    Community Answer
    You can, but yogurt tends to separate when mixed with other ingredients. You should probably just make enough for one use at a time. If you have extra, let someone else do a mask or use it yourself within a day or two.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 22
  • Question
    Does it matter what kind of yogurt I use?
    Community Answer
    Yes You should use plain yogurt, preferably Greek and full fat; it will be richer and more moisturizing. Avoid any flavored yogurts, such as strawberry or vanilla; they may smell pretty, but they also have added sugars that aren't good for your skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Yogurt is great at relieving sunburns; it has a naturally cooling effect on the skin. Apply some yogurt to a sunburn, then wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes with cool water. [14]
        Thanks
      • For a super simple face mask, simply spread plain yogurt over your face. Leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
        Thanks
      • Full fat, organic, Greek yogurt will give you the best results, but plain, in-organic yogurt will work just as fine.
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      Warnings

      • Make sure you are not allergic to any of these ingredients before putting them on your face.
        Thanks
      • Do not use face masks containing lemon in the morning. Lemon juice makes the skin extra sensitive to sunlight and you could end up with a bad sunburn. Even if you wash the mask all off, there is still a chance that you might have some residue.
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      Things You'll Need

      • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
      • 1 teaspoon honey
      • Lemon juice (optional)
      • Small bowl
      • Foundation brush (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/07/diy-skin-brightener-yogurt-and-honey-facial-mask.html
      3. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      4. ↑ http://crunchybetty.com/food-on-your-face-and-hair-yogurt
      5. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/07/diy-skin-brightener-yogurt-and-honey-facial-mask.html
      6. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      7. ↑ http://crunchybetty.com/food-on-your-face-and-hair-yogurt
      8. ↑ http://naturalbeautytips.co/yogurt-for-skin-and-face/
      9. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      1. ↑ http://crunchybetty.com/mocha-frappucino-mask-coffee-cocoa-and-honey-facial-mask
      2. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/07/diy-skin-brightener-yogurt-and-honey-facial-mask.html
      3. ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/uses-for-lemons
      4. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/5-skin-rejuvenating-treatments-using-yogurt

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a yogurt face mask, start by mixing 1 tablespoon of plain full-fat yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey in a bowl. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten your skin, or 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder for its natural anti-aging properties. Once you’ve thoroughly mixed the ingredients together, wash your face with warm water to help open your pores. Then, apply the mask evenly to your face with your fingers or a makeup brush, carefully avoiding your eyes. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Finally, splash some cool water into your face to help close your pores. For more tips, including how to create an exfoliating or moisturizing face mask, read on!

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        Mar 20, 2016

        "I use coconut oil, it works great on skin and hair, also yogurt, lemon and honey with a bit of tea tree oil. I ..." more
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