My Go-To DIY Yogurt and Honey Face Mask for Eczema Relief

I’ve used yogurt and honey facial masks for as long as I can remember. I started in the sixties or seventies, when I met an older woman with great skin who decided it was time to share some of her secrets. I’ve used these masks almost weekly for many years.

Recurring facial eczema outbreaks

I didn't experience facial eczema until my late fifties, when a prescription medication triggered a severe outbreak. Since then, it’s become common. Did the regular use of my yogurt and honey facial masks save me all those years? I like to think so, but I haven’t found any studies that agree.

Benefits of using honey in my face mask

I use Balkan-style yogurt, with no gelatin, no gluten, no preservatives. Some manufacturers add pectin to keep the whey from rising to the top, but I think it changes the texture. Just stir that wonderful protein and mineral-filled liquid back in. Really, any kind of plain yogurt would work: cow’s, goat, or even sheep.

The science behind probiotics in skincare

A number of skincare companies are now including probiotics in some of their formulations, and studies have shown that probiotics do help the skin.

Certain probiotic strains can benefit the skin when applied topically or taken orally, extending their positive effects beyond the gut.  Several human trials suggest that probiotic supplementation may help manage atopic dermatitis.¹

How do probiotics help eczema?

Although probiotics may act locally when applied or ingested, their influence on immune regulation often extends to other organ systems. The gut-brain-skin axis suggests a mechanism that links gastrointestinal health, influenced by interactions with oral probiotics, to the health and well-being of the skin.

Probiotics and the skin barrier

Rosacea and atopic dermatitis are other skin conditions in which the skin barrier is impaired, and symptoms improve when the skin barrier is strengthened. Oral ingestion of certain probiotic strains has been shown to improve the skin barrier and affect skin hydration and transepidermal water loss. Clinically, the topical application of probiotics has also been shown to modify the barrier function of the skin with a secondary increase in antimicrobial properties of the skin.²

Using honey in my face mask

Honey, the other main ingredient, has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It’s both an emollient and a humectant, soothing the skin and helping prevent infection. One study even says it regulates pH and retards wrinkle formation:³

Ingredients in my homemade eczema face mask:

There are many recipes for facial masks. This is what I’ve always used, with whichever addition I feel is needed at the time. My favourite is the oatmeal.

My basic recipe is:

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Honey

You can also add one or more of these ingredients depending on your skin's needs at the time.

Additions:

• For irritated skin - 1 tbsp ground oatmeal (I grind regular oatmeal in a coffee grinder)
• For sunburned or weather-dried skin - 1 tsp aloe vera gel
• For inflamed skin - add 1 tsp turmeric. It’s also supposed to be good for acne-prone skin

How to use my homemade eczema face mask:

Using circular motions, apply the yogurt - honey mask to your freshly cleansed face and neck. Use plenty! Leave it on your skin until it’s dry; about twenty minutes. I find using it cold fresh from the fridge feels wonderful. Rinse it off gently with warm water and apply your regular moisturizer. I hope you’ll try one of these and let me know what you think.