Behold the power of oats! January is National Oatmeal Month and, believe it or not, in addition to being the unofficial breakfast of winter, oatmeal also possesses some pretty rad beauty benefits! Ideal for sensitive skin and for the treatment of a plethora of itchy skin-related nuisances, this naturally cleansing vitamin and mineral rich substance is also intensively moisturizing and contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to soothe and brighten your skin. Seriously good enough to eat, head to the kitchen and get glowing with these 5 easy recipes you can whip up in minutes. From your hair all the way down to your toes, oatmeal is proof that sometimes the best beauty treatments are just sitting in your cupboard!
Oatmeal, Honey, Yogurt Mask: For soothing hydration, especially post sun exposure!
Quaker Oats rolled oats
Organic honey
Organic yogurt – plain
Bowl
Blender
Tablespoon
Measuring Cup
Blend 1/4 cup of dry rolled oats until the consistency is that of powder. Pour into a bowl. Add 3 TBSP of organic yogurt and 2 TBSP of honey and mix.
Let the mixture stand for 10-15 minutes so that the oats are well coated in the moisturizing ingredients of honey and yogurt. Apply to clean skin. Keep on for 10-20 min and then rinse off.
Banana Bread Facial Mask: For brightness, to combat dull, dry skin
½ very ripe banana
2 Tbsp. ground oats
2 Tbsp. whole-wheat flour
Milk or cream, as needed
Pinnch nutmeg
Whip ingredients together, adding cream or oat flour as necessary to get a smooth, paste-like consistency. Apply to clean face. After 15 minutes, wash with tepid water.
Oat and Brown Sugar Scrub: For full body moisture and exfoliation
2 Tbsp. ground oats
2 tsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. aloe Vera
1 tsp. lemon juice
Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl until you have a smooth paste. Gently massage onto damp skin, and rinse off with warm water. You can triple the recipe for a fantastic smoothing body treatment.
Avocado & Oat Facial Mask: For intensive moisture and glow
Blend 1 ripe avocado with 2-tablespoons of raw, organic honey and ¼-cup uncooked oatmeal flakes. Apply a medium layer to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The avocado and honey will both work to moisturize dry skin while the oatmeal balances and calms reactive, red and sensitive skin.
To exfoliate away dry, dull skin, after allowing the homemade facial mask recipe to sit for 10-15 minutes, use gentle circular motions to scrub your face, using the oatmeal as a manual exfoliate.
Coconut Oatmeal Body Scrub: The ultimate in gentle exfoliation
1 1/2 cup Oatmeal
1/2 cup Organic Coconut Oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
1 tsp brown sugar
1. Ground oatmeal in a food processor and place finely ground oatmeal in a bowl.
2. Add brown sugar to oatmeal and mix.
3. Pour honey, vanilla, and coconut oil to the oatmeal and mix until well combined.
4. Store in an airtight container.
