I recently shared some natural remedies for acne that have helped me finally achieve clear skin. One of the things I talked about was how probiotics are good for the skin. Using a probiotic face mask is one of my favorite and affordable methods to apply probiotics directly to the skin.
As I mentioned before, we’re just beginning to understand the community of living organisms that live on our skin. Just as we have a gut microbiome, researchers are finding that we also have unique colonies of bacteria on our skin, in our mouths, and other places too.
I’m really excited about the new research regarding the skin biome and future skin products that will address personal probiotic needs. But for now, there’s a simple DIY recipe that’s been around for a long time! I even read once that Cleopatra used to bathe in yogurt to keep her skin youthful.
This face mask is fantastic because it feels cooling and refreshing. Yogurt has natural probiotics and healthy fats, making it an extremely gentle mask. I usually apply a yogurt mask every couple of weeks, switching between this and a deep cleansing mud mask.
The best part about this mask is how simple it is to make. You can use plain organic yogurt and, if you want an extra boost, add a probiotic capsule. I usually include one probiotic capsule for that purpose.
Yogurt is rich in zinc and lactic acid (a natural hydroxyl acid), which are excellent for the skin. The beneficial fats in yogurt help nourish the skin. I discovered that mixing in half a teaspoon of turmeric powder was helpful when dealing with acne and that adding one teaspoon of olive oil provided relief for dry skin.