Food For Your Face

By Leigh-Anne Franklin –  Holistic Nutritionist

You can give your face a healthy dose of antioxidants, fruit acids and plant hormones, from ingredients that may already exists in your fridge. While you’ve probably heard about the benefits of eating yogurt, you may not realize the many benefits from a topical application to your skin.

A plain yogurt masque is an effective way to clean and disinfect your pores, moisturize your skin and revitalize its texture. Yogurt is nutritionally rich in calcium, protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. It also contains probiotics (live, active cultures), which are helpful in treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

To make a yogurt facial masque:

Start with a plain yogurt base—preferably organic because it contains more active, live cultures, which improves its nutrient bioavailability

If your skin is dry and flaky:

• Add one tablespoon of honey to the yogurt.
• Honey is a natural humectant which draws moisture from the air to your skin.
• Mix thoroughly by hand or in a blender before applying.

If your skin is oily or dull:

• Add two teaspoons of lemon juice to the yogurt.
• Lightens skin over time
• Clarifies the pores
• Lemon rids the skin of dead cells

If your skin is a combination of dry and oily:

• Add two teaspoons of parsley to the yogurt
• Parsley stimulates circulation, causing a release of impurities

To use a yogurt facial masque:

1. Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser and then pat dry.
2. Apply 1 cup of your yogurt mixture to your face and neck.
3. Leave the face mask on about 15 minutes.
4. Wash it away with warm water.

Repeat the process daily or weekly.

Your skin will absorb the nutrients from these foods in about 15 min, so you don’t need to leave them on any longer.