Oatmeal For Skincare

Recently, I have been asked what prompted me to start making natural beauty products. There are two answers to that question. First, a great love for hot baths which are often drying to skin. Second, as the owner of very sensitive skin, my skin reacts badly to a lot of products on the market.

As a child, a friend of my mother’s introduced her to oats as a way to deal with my sensitive skin. As an adult, I discovered that the oats in my kitchen were both effective, and more economical than expensive store bought preparations. So I started grinding oats at home and enjoying their benefits more often.

As it turns out, my mother’s friend was not on to anything new. People have enjoyed the benefits of oats for thousands of years. The Arabians, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks have used oats as a beauty treatment and to heal skin problems since as early as 2000 BC.

Oats are hypoallergenic, highly absorptive and help soften skin. Studies have shown oats are effective for relieving dryness, itchiness and inflammation caused by rashes, eczema, chickenpox, shingles, sores, sunburn and insect bites. Oats contain polysaccharides, which are carbohydrate structures that become gelatinous in water and leave a protective film on the skin, which helps prevent dryness. They are great for their moisturizing benefits because they are full of healthy lubricating fats. The proteins in oatmeal help skin maintain it's own natural barrier function, keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Oats are filled with saponins, natural cleansers that gently loosen dirt and oil from pores.

Chances are, oats are already a staple in your home. Why not take advantage of the many benefits they offer your skin. When choosing oats to use on your skin, you want to buy plain Jane rolled oats in the big canisters. Check the list of ingredients to ensure there is nothing in the box but oats. Some say not to use quick cooking oats. However, I don’t think it matters a bit, because you are going to be grinding them up any way.

Once you have your oats, grind them up using a food processor, coffee or herb grinder. This process will turn them into a fine powder the consistency of flour. Oatmeal powder is referred to as “colloidal” oats. This makes it easier to use in soaks, soaps, masks and other skin loving recipes. Colloidal oats disperses evenly and remains suspended throughout water, instead of clumping at the bottom of the tub. After the oats are ground, I put them right back in the container they came in and pop the whole thing in the freezer until I am ready to use them. Here are a few basic recipes to get you started.

Oatmeal Bath

1. Purchase or grind up oats into a fine powder using a clean herb or coffee grinder. You can add other ingredients such as oils, milk, baking soda, salts and/or essential oils.
2. Add several cups to warm running bath water. Avoid using hot water, as it will deplete your skin of it's own natural moisturizing oils.
3. Soak for at least 10 minutes, allowing the water to cover your entire body, except your face.
4. Rinse
5. Dry yourself gently with a fluffy towel.

When taking a bath with oatmeal, be mindful to avoid getting the water in your eyes. It can also cause the tub surface to become slippery so take care when getting out of the tub. Although oats are a terrific method of skin care, it is always best to discuss any skin problems with your doctor before treating it yourself.

Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Mask

2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats

1 tablespoon powdered milk
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 tablespoon honey

1. Purchase or grind up oats using a clean herd or coffee grinder
2. Place all ingredients in bowel and let stand for about 5 minutes
3. Wash face gently with warm water
4. With two fingers, apply oatmeal mask to face in a circular motion avoiding eyes.
5. Relax for 10 minutes
6. Remove mask gently with a warm wet wash cloth.
7. You can follow up with your regular moisturizer.

Easy Soap Substitute

Oatmeal

Handkerchief

1. Purchase or grind up oats using a clean herb or coffee grinder
2. Place in a handkerchief and tie securely.
3. Dunk in warm water.
4. Squeeze out excess water.
5. Use as you would a regular wash cloth.