Honey and Yogurt to the Rescue – Dry skin and acne face masks

I am ready for the end of winter. In New York City, the indoor air is just so dry. I’ve got humidifiers cranking at the acupuncture clinic and at home to try to stave off the ill effects of all that dry air. Unfortunately humidifiers alone aren’t cutting, at least not for the skin on my face. My skin has become so dry! I use great prescription strength products only available through licensed health professionals for my routine skincare, so I rarely notice any fluctuation in the quality of my skin… except during winter when I do get drier.

So, what’s a person with a face to do? Try a honey and yogurt mask, of course! Not only does a honey and yogurt face mask help with dry skin, it can also help with acne. I love a face mask that multi-tasks.

The lactic acid in the yogurt will help open your pours and slough off dead skin cells. The milkfat in the yogurt will moisturize without being heavy. It will also help soothe inflammation and redness. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it will help bind moisture to your skin. Honey is also naturally antibacterial, so it will help fight acne-causing bacteria.

Here’s the basic honey and yogurt mask recipe:
2 Tablespoons organic yogurt
1 Tablespoon raw honey
Mix together, et voila! Spread a thin layer on your face and then rest for 5-15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Pat dry.

If you have very inflamed skin with a lot of redness, try pureeing some cucumber to add to the mask. You can also try a drop or three of lavender essential oil.

If you have severe acne, I would use manukah honey instead of raw honey for increased antimicrobial activity.

If you have very red acne or rosacea, try added a teaspoon of powdered kelp.

As always, don’t use these masks if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients. Keep the masks away from your eyes, mouth and nostrils. If you have any concerns, try a patch test before applying to your face.

For more about using acupuncture to treat acne, visit the Acne Page.