5 Benefits of Yogurt Masks

Among the kitchen ingredients you can use for your homemade masks, natural yogurt is one of the best, as it has many benefits for skin care and can be just what you need to hydrate your face.If you're looking for a homemade yogurt mask, it's best to use plain natural yogurt, but not all yogurts are the same. Regular cow's milk yogurt contains more calcium than other varieties, while Greek yogurt has a thicker texture due to the absence of the amount of whey found in other types, making it easier to apply on the skin.You can also opt for plant-based yogurts made from almond and coconut milk, as well as goat milk yogurt, in case you have a cow's milk allergy.Benefits of Yogurt MasksWhether you're looking to hydrate your skin, give it brightness, or reduce fine lines, a yogurt mask might be just what you need to achieve that.1. HydrationAccording to in vitro and in vivo studies supporting the effects of natural yogurt on the skin, the creamy texture of yogurt can help retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated.2. Brightens the skinThe results of that same research also indicated that a yogurt mask can potentially brighten the skin.3. Evens out skin toneHaving an uneven skin tone is very common, but it seems that yogurt could help even out the tone of your face, perhaps with the help of natural probiotics, whether you have acne scars or sun or age spots.4. Reduces fine lines and wrinklesYogurt can promote greater elasticity in the skin, and this increase in elasticity is also a way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As you age, the skin naturally loses collagen. Yogurt facial masks can help restore elasticity while improving the overall appearance of the skin.5. Protection against ultraviolet raysThere is research supporting yogurt's potential to help reverse age spots caused by sun damage, but a 2015 study also suggests that it may help minimize the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, as yogurt is believed to help create a free radical-neutralizing barrier on the skin, which in turn reduces the risk of sun damage-induced spots and wrinkles.How to make a yogurt mask with honey?Yogurt can be used alone as a facial mask, but it can also be combined with other ingredients to address specific skin issues. Always wash your face before applying a mask and leave it on for up to 15 minutes. For example, you can mix 1/2 cup of yogurt with 1 tsp. honey and 1/2 tsp. of ground turmeric to prepare a mask for oily skin.