Ground-grain oatmeal contains large amounts of silica, which may benefit problem skin when used externally. Many eczema patients use oatmeal to soothe the itching, dryness and irritation caused by the condition. People with acne-prone skin also might benefit from using oatmeal in a skin cream, as it helps draw out impurities that clog pores. In her book “Natural Beauty From the Garden,” Janice Cox recommends oatmeal for sensitive skin -- it is nontoxic and never irritating.
Place the rolled oats in a food processor or blender and process on high until you achieve a fine, powder-like consistency. Transfer the ground oats to a mixing bowl.
Add the plain yogurt and honey to the ground oats and stir well to combine. If the cream seems too thin, add 1 teaspoon of oatmeal at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. If the cream seems too thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of plain water.
Spoon the oatmeal skin cream into a plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid, and store in the refrigerator for up to three days before discarding any unused portion.
References
- “Natural Beauty From the Garden: More Than 200 Do-It-Yourself Beauty Recipes and Garden Ideas”; Janice Cox; 1999
- “How to Treat Your Skin Naturally”; Jeanne Paiva; 2005
- “Fit and Fabulous After 40: A 5-Part Program for Turning Back the Clock”; Denise Austin; 2002
Tips
- Instead of grinding your own oats, you can purchase colloidal oatmeal, or oats ground into a fine powder, at a drugstore or health food store. Oat flour also will suffice if necessary.
- Apply the cream liberally to the affected skin, avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Massage into the skin using upward, circular motions. Allow the mixture to remain for at least 20 minutes; rinse with warm water.
- Follow the treatment with your favorite toner or astringent, or simply splash your skin with cold water to close your pores. Apply a gentle moisturizer to keep skin soft and supple after each treatment, especially if you have dry skin.
Warnings
- Do not use quick-cooking or instant oats. Rolled, steel-cut or old-fashioned oats provide the best results.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
Photo Credits
Michele D. Lee/Demand Media