Probiotic Face Mask

I recently posted the natural remedies for acne that helped me finally achieve and maintain clear skin. One thing I mentioned was the benefit of probiotics on the skin, and a probiotic face mask is one of my favorite inexpensive ways to get them on the skin naturally.

Why Probiotics on the Skin?

As I mentioned in my acne remedies post, we are just starting to understand the system of living organisms that exists on our skin. Just as we have a gut microbiome, researchers are finding that we have similar but different colonies of bacteria on our skin, in our mouths and other places as well.

I’m excited for the emerging research about the skin biome and for skin products that will take into account individual probiotic needs, but in the meantime, this is a simple at-home recipe that has been around for ages! (I read one time that Cleopatra used to bathe in yogurt to stay youthful).

Food on the Face?

I love this face mask because it is cooling and refreshing and just feels great on the skin too. Yogurt naturally has probiotics and beneficial fats and this is a very gentle mask. I typically do a yogurt mask every couple of weeks and alternate with a deep cleansing mud mask.

The best thing about this mask is how easy it is to do. You can use plain organic yogurt or add a capsule of probiotics for an extra boost. I typically add a capsule of a Probiotics for an extra boost.

Yogurt contains zinc and lactic acid (a natural hydroxyl acid) that are great for the skin, and the beneficial fats in yogurt help to nourish skin. I found that adding 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder was great when I was fighting acne and that adding 1 teaspoon of olive oil helped with dry skin.

How to Make a Yogurt Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plain organic yogurt (full fat preferred)
• 1 capsule of Probiotics (optional)
• For Oily Skin: 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
• For Dry Skin: 1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt and any other optional ingredients you are using.
2. Gently apply to face in small circles.
3. Leave on for 10-30 minutes. 10 minutes will be more moisturizing and 30 minutes will be more deep cleansing.
4. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

 Ever put food on your face? How did it work?