4 Ways to Reap the Many Beauty Rewards of Greek Yogurt

We are living in the age of yogurt. From the fro-yo phenomenon to the biggest Greek “culture” (ahem) revival since the Parthenon, seemingly no one can escape the constant chatter about probiotics. And because what’s good for the body is also good for the skin, we assume there’s no better way to get glowing than with products infused with the stuff. But do yogurt-based products really do anything for skin? Yes, according to Dr. Gary Goldfaden, dermatologist, lifetime member of The American Academy of Dermatology, and the creator of GOLDFADEN MD products. Dr. Goldfaden gave us the scoop on the many benefits of yogurt.

The science of yogurt in skin care

The magic behind yogurt, according to Dr. Goldfaden, is that it’s rich in probiotics and lactic acid, both great for fighting free radicals. “Lactic acid is also a known skin-brightener,” explains Dr. Goldfaden. “Yogurt is also antibacterial and antifungal, and both of these properties help fight acne,” he explains. And thanks to high levels of zinc, yogurt can offer a cooling effect. “Try it for comforting sunburns, rashes, and other minor skin irritations,” says Dr. Goldfaden.

Yogurt as food vs. yogurt as a topical treatment

So, what’s the difference between the yogurt we eat from the kind we’d use on our face? According to Dr. Goldfaden, as a skin care ingredient, yogurt typically contains many more substances than the plain stuff you’d eat. If you want to use yogurt in its most natural state, Dr. Goldfaden recommends incorporating it into DIY masks and scrubs.  “Natural Greek yogurt applied to the skin will be the most beneficial way to see results,” explains Dr. Goldfaden, noting that it has less sugar and more fat than regular yogurt, which makes it more hydrating and better for skin overall.

And speaking of Greek yogurt (also spelled yoghurt), Dr, Goldfaden also recommends Korres—an all-natural line developed in Athens in 1996—as a great option if you don’t want to get messy with a DIY. Any yogurt-based products are made with edible, organic Greek yogurt, and often in concentrated form with 2.5x as much skin-nourishing protein as regular yogurt.

4 ways to work it into your routine

The detoxifying redness reducer

A three-ingredient DIY that works as a cleanser or a hydrating once-a-week treatment is a good one to have in your arsenal. Our Yogurt and Besan Cleansing Mask is inspired by Southern Asian beauty concoctions that have been around for centuries. There’s nothing easier or more gentle! See the full recipe here

The post-beach super healer

After a day spent frolicking in the sun, sand, and surf, there’s nothing better than Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel, which Beautylish member Hara D. deemed her favorite after-sun lotion. “It gives an amazing cooling feeling and it helps a lot after a sunburn,” she explains. Even if you don’t get all lobster-y, you’ll still reap extra-hydrating and refreshing rewards from this formula.

Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel $23.50 | shop it

The most gentle exfoliator

We’ve been mixing up this non-irritating cleansing scrub ever since Dr. Ava Shamban shared the recipe with us a couple of years ago. The simple blend—combine equal parts yogurt, applesauce, and baking soda in your palm and use as you would any cleanser—can reduce pore size and improve your skin’s overall texture. See the full recipe here

The breakout-free moisturizer

Full-fat Greek yogurt is the secret to Korres’ luxurious Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream, which instantly sinks in and infuses skin with healthy proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Our members with acne-prone and sensitive skin can’t stop raving about it: Janine B. says “I have always had a hard time finding something that doesn’t break me out and this product does not... I found that it helped my skin to clear up and makes it so soft!” _Korres Greek _

Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream $32 | shop it