TikTok loves a skincare hack, but apparently, Lori Harvey’s yogurt face mask took things too far. The model and entrepreneur took to the platform to share her tried-and-true tip, which involves smearing her face with Greek yogurt to quickly diminish the appearance of dark marks, only to be met with a slew of opinionated comments.
“I’m about to put you guys on game,” she says in the clip, which shows Harvey standing in her bathroom with the yogurt applied to her face. “So, I got a facial the other day and she did extractions, and it left a couple of dark marks, and that’s a no-no. So, what I like to do when I want to get rid of them quickly…” — she then holds up a container of Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt — “…game changer. Put this on after you wash your face, let it dry, and wash it off with cold water. It’s like magic erase marker.”
LORI HARVEY’S YOGURT FACIAL, EXPLAINED
While Harvey swears by this edible hack, TikTok users weren’t quite sure what to think. Some were downright skeptical (comments like “I’m not trying more DIYs man” and “food is to eat, skin care is for skin care” are aplenty) while others claim they, too, have seen the benefits of yogurt for their skin (“My favorite as well! The girls that get it, get it,” one commenter wrote), with many pointing out that it’s a common practice in Middle Eastern cultures.
There are also a few people calling out the fact that lactic acid (found in yogurt) products — of which there are many on the market — essentially have the same brightening effect.
Needless to say, the people had *thoughts*, prompting Harvey to return to TikTok a couple of days later with none other than celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas, who promptly backed up the star’s yogurt hack. “First of all, in other countries, using yogurt as a way of dis-inflaming the skin, hydrating the skin, exfoliating the skin — it’s a real thing, guys,” Vargas said. She also added that when she was in esthetician school “way back in the day”, students learned the yogurt hack as a way to calm down the skin when nothing else is working.
WHAT WE SAY
To set the record straight, BeautyLeeBar spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King who explains that Topical yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, that provides gentle exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells. “This helps to create a healthy glow and prevent acne, and also diminish fine lines and decrease discolorations,” King explains. “The probiotics in yogurt may help to bolster the microbiome of the skin, which we are learning plays a role in acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions, and the fat in full-fat yogurt has moisturizing properties. If you are going to try topical yogurt, I’d recommend full fat, plain, unflavored, and unsweetened. And yes, lots of similar benefits from moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy acids and probiotics.”
Of course, it might not work for every skin type. However, it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to treat your skin concerns.
PRIMP TIP
Use this mask for 15-30 minutes and apply a generous amount if you do decide to give this DIY a chance.
PRIMP TIP
But it is typically best for those with acne-prone skin to avoid dairy in their diet and routine. So, what is the safest option for tackling dark marks and discoloration? It all comes back to having a solid skincare routine in place. Dark spots and discoloration are best treated with a balanced skincare routine of hydration, chemical exfoliation, and sun protection. Focusing on products that contain antioxidants and peptides is ideal.
In other words, trying out the yogurt skincare hack comes at your own risk. Play it safe and consult with your esthetician or dermatologist for a customized skincare routine.
SKINCARE BENEFITS OF YOGURT
Want to learn more about the benefits of yogurt for the skin? Read on as we explain more about this beauty hack, and how it can help your skin.
It Hydrates Skin
Yogurt is a rich source of fats and protein, which works excellently as a natural moisturizer. According to a 2011 study, yogurt may reduce water loss from the skin and seal in moisture.
It Brightens Skin
Did you know yogurt also boasts natural brightening effects? According to dermatologists, yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation to the skin, buffing away dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin.
It Treats Discoloration
Lori Harvey wasn’t wrong when she said yogurt cleared up her dark marks. Thanks to its exfoliating benefits, topical yogurt can treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It can also fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left over by pimples.
It Reduces Signs of Aging
Research shows that yogurt supports natural collagen and improves skin elasticity, helping to increase skin firmness while fading fine lines and wrinkles. It’s worth including in your daily skincare routine if you’re looking for a natural anti-aging formula that can be found in your fridge.
It Alleviates Acne and Other Skin Conditions
“The probiotics in yogurt may help to bolster the microbiome of the skin, which we are learning plays a role in acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions, and the fat in full-fat yogurt has moisturizing properties,” explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King.
If you’re seeking clear skin, turn to yogurt for its acne-fighting effects. Thanks to its helpful bacteria, yogurt can combat Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for those painful red breakouts.
It Provides UV Protection
Research from 2015 suggests that the probiotics in yogurt may be able to reduce the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. These probiotics act as antioxidants, neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. This can also reduce sun-related skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Of course, you’ll still need to wear sunscreen daily to get full protection. But yogurt can help keep skin healthy, youthful, and glowing.
ALTERNATIVE FACE MASKS
Prefer to pick up face masks that are already ready to use instead of DIY-ing them? You’ll find probiotics like those found in yogurt in cleansers, lotions, and creams. Looking for something different? Try one of these top face masks.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Formulated with prebiotic- and probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, this quick-acting face mask helps to soothe and reset skin in just 10 minutes.
Orgaid Greek Yogurt & Nourishing Organic Sheet Mask
Along with vitamin B5 and allantoin, this Greek yogurt face mask nourishes and hydrates while making skin appear plumper.
Éminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer
This clarifying facial moisturizer is best for those with acne-prone skin. The inclusion of cucumber juice, willow bark extract, and of course yogurt, calms the skin while extracting impurities that cause blemishes.
Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum
This potent serum harnesses the power of lactic acid to gently exfoliate and address skin concerns like large pores, acne, and dark spots.
What are your thoughts on Lori Harvey’s yogurt face mask hack? We’d love to hear from you!
