Green tea and yogurt face mask: a DIY recipe for softer skin
Two kitchen ingredients for a soothing, refreshing mask: antioxidant-rich green tea and gentle plain yogurt. The recipe step by step.
By ICOLAN 4 min read
Tea is in every Moroccan home: the famous mint tea is traditionally made with Chinese gunpowder green tea. Yogurt is in every fridge. Together they make a gentle, cooling mask that refreshes tired skin, especially after a long day, a hot afternoon or a short night. Here is the recipe, why each ingredient helps, and how to adapt it to your skin.
At a glance
- Best forTired, dull and slightly puffy skin; most skin types
- Time10 minutes to prepare, 10 minutes on the skin
- How oftenOnce or twice a week
- You needGreen tea, plain yogurt, optional honey
Why this mask works
- Green tea is rich in polyphenols called catechins, especially EGCG, antioxidants that help protect the skin from everyday stress and have a calming effect.
- Plain yogurt contains lactic acid, one of the gentlest exfoliating acids. In yogurt the amount is small, so it smooths the skin softly without stinging.
- The cool texture, especially straight from the fridge, helps reduce the feeling of puffiness.
Ingredients (one mask)
- 1 green tea bag, or 1 teaspoon of loose green tea (gunpowder works well)
- 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt, full-fat for dry skin
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of honey
How to make and apply it
- Steep the green tea in 3 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water for 3 minutes, then let it cool completely. Hot tea would curdle the yogurt.
- Choose your texture: for a smooth mask, mix 1 teaspoon of the cooled tea into the yogurt; for a gently exfoliating mask, open the tea bag and mix in 1 teaspoon of the steeped leaves.
- Add the honey if you use it, and stir until even.
- Apply a layer to clean skin, avoiding the eyes.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Tip: keep the used tea bags in the fridge. Placed on closed eyes for 5 minutes, they make a refreshing eye compress.
Adapt it to your skin
| Skin | Add | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | 1 tsp honey and full-fat yogurt | 10 minutes |
| Oily or combination | 1 tsp ghassoul clay, and use low-fat yogurt | 8 minutes |
| Dull | The steeped tea leaves, for a gentle polish | 10 minutes |
| Sensitive | Nothing; use the smooth version only | 5 to 8 minutes |
For a deeper clay mask, see our ghassoul clay face mask, and for very dry skin, our argan oil and honey mask.
Who should be careful
Once or twice a week suits most skin types. Do not use it if you are allergic to milk, and if you are new to retinol, do not use both on the same night: the lactic acid adds a little extra exfoliation, so leave a day in between.
Patch test: try the mix on your inner arm first. Rinse it off straight away if it stings or itches.
Read next
Learn how to reduce fine lines naturally and read our retinol guide for beginners. On the other nights, apply RENOVA night cream with retinol and argan oil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Moroccan mint tea?
Use plain green tea without sugar. Sweetened mint tea is lovely to drink, but sugar and mint can irritate some skin.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, as long as it is plain and unsweetened. Its thicker texture stays on the skin more easily.
Can I keep the mask for later?
No. Prepare it fresh each time and throw away any leftovers.
Does drinking green tea help the skin too?
It is a healthy drink rich in antioxidants and part of a balanced diet, but skin results come mostly from sun protection and a good routine.
