15 Oatmeal Beauty Hacks
Thinking of oatmeal probably conjures images of that Quaker on the breakfast cereal, not exactly the image of glamor. But oatmeal carries a host of beauty benefits. Not just a breakfast staple, it can help with a myriad of beauty issues. Read on to find out how to use simple oats for the best skin of your life.
Make a face mask: One of the most popular uses for oatmeal is as a face mask. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s also a great moisturizer. It contains lipids and fatty acids. To make your own facemask, combine equal parts oatmeal and hot water, then add a dollop of raw honey and an eighth of a cup of plain yogurt. Mix and leave on your face for 30 minutes.
Make a bath treatment: Oats are great for baths, and no, not just to treat your dog after a tick infestation. Oatmeal baths are perfect for balancing the skin’s pH (a balanced skin pH of 5.5 protects and moisturizes skin). Grind about a cup of oats in a blender and then sprinkle them in the bath, or have them in cheesecloth under the water to reduce cleanup.
Exfoliate: Oats are great natural exfoliators, with their rough texture. Plus you’re getting all that pH balancing, anti-itch goodness. Simply add three parts warm water to one part oats, and then wait until the oats become soft. Scrub in circular motions for a minute or two, then rinse.
Clear acne: Because oatmeal works as a natural cleanser and pH balancer, it’s worth a try on stubborn breakouts. Mix equal parts oatmeal, warm water and raw honey. Leave on the affected area for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Create a dry shampoo: Oats even work to absorb oil. Rub ground oats over your scalp, and brush out the oats with a bristle brush.
Cleanse your face: You can also allow oatmeal to set into its mushy texture with hot water and scrub your face with it. There are actually molecules in oatmeal that will lightly foam, if you can believe it, like when you’re cooking it. That will gently cleanse and moisturize skin.
Make a lotion: Due to its soothing qualities, oatmeal makes a great lotion. You can find tons of oatmeal-based lotions on the market. If you don’t mind a different texture, you can finely grind oats and add enough water to form a thin, soupy paste. Rub on the effected area with a cotton ball.
Fix itchy scalp: Commercial oatmeal shampoos can soothe itchy scalp, as well. Look for colloidal oatmeal as one of the ingredients. That’s just a fancy name for finely ground oatmeal. Or you can make a hair mask by adding warm water to finely ground oats, and leave it on your scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Wash hands: Have greasy hands or just need some soothing exfoliation? Combine equal parts raw honey and oatmeal with a splash of olive oil. Then rub your hands with the mixture and rinse. The mixture’s slick texture will moisturize, while the oats will lightly exfoliate.
Get some relaxation: Oatmeal can also work as a natural stress buster. Add two cups of milk, two cups of oats and one dollop of honey to a bath for instant relaxation. You’ll soothe dry skin and add a sweet scent.
Fight eczema: Because of its soothing qualities, oatmeal is also a natural remedy for more serious skin conditions like eczema. Add one part finely ground oats to three parts melted coconut oil, mix well and then let cool. Use as you would a normal eczema cream.
Use in soap bars: If you’re into making soap, add whole oats into the soap bar. That will give the bar a natural texture and add exfoliators.
Soothe burns: Mix oatmeal with cool water and place on disinfected burns to soothe the area. Leave on for about 20 minutes.
Fight skin itch: Have general dry, itchy skin? Jump in an oatmeal bath or use an oatmeal cleanser or lotion.
Eat your way to beauty: In addition to all these creative uses for oatmeal, don’t forget to enjoy a bowl of it. Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, which will result in a healthier, more radiant appearance.
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