The Benefits of Oatmeal Facial Masks

Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin. Oatmeal is also great for acne-prone skin because it absorbs oil from the skin’s surface. All of which makes oatmeal a perfect ingredient for facial masks.

The first three masks are fine for all skin types, including sensitive.

Instant Oatmeal Acne Mask

You actually can use instant oatmeal for this mask if you’d like—just make sure it doesn’t have any flavoring and other additives. (If you’re not sure, get plain oats). Cooked oatmeal is good for treating inflammation and skin redness. You can also use colloidal oatmeal (oatmeal ground to a fine flour). Oatmeal flakes are better for homemade exfoliating scrubs.

Directions:

Cook one serving of oatmeal. Allow to cool (you can also use it slightly warm, but never hot). Apply to the affected areas. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.*

Acne and Skin of Color

Simple Oatmeal Honey Facial Mask

Directions:

Cook one serving of oatmeal. Add two tablespoons of honey to hot oatmeal. Allow the oatmeal to cool and then apply to the face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with tepid water.

Apple-Oatmeal Exfoliating Mask
(All Skin Types)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons oatmeal
1-tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons applesauce
Rose water

Directions:

Mix 2 tablespoons applesauce (you can also cut, peel and core a ½ medium-sized apple and puree in a food processor), 1-tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons oatmeal together, with a few drops of rose water.

Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

Exfoliating Facial Treatments

Oatmeal Facial Mask
(Good for acne-prone skin)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons oatmeal
1-teaspoon baking soda
Water (just enough to make a paste)

Directions:

Grind two tablespoons of oatmeal in a blender or food processor.

Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the oatmeal with enough water to make a paste. Apply the oatmeal paste onto clean, dry face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Blemish Buster
(For blemished skin)

Ingredients
3 tablespoons colloidal oatmeal
1-teaspoon honey
¼ cup warm water
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1-teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Combine ingredients into a paste. Apply to clean face, massaging gently in circular motions. Leave on no more than five minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Mask for Oily/Combination Skin

Ingredients:
¼ cup cooked oatmeal
2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt
1-tablespoon honey

Directions:

Mix the yogurt, oatmeal and honey. Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Oily Skin

Ingredients
½ cup of cooked oatmeal, cooled
1 egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½-mashed apple

Directions:

Combine ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Moisturizing Facial Mask
(Dry Skin)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons oatmeal
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1-tablespoon honey

Directions:

Mix together oats, lemon juice and honey. Apply to face. Rinse with warm water.

Dry/Mature Skin

Ingredients
½ cup cooked oatmeal
1 egg
1 tablespoon almond oil
½-mashed banana
1-tablespoon honey

Directions:

Combine ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Turmeric Anti-Aging Recipes for the Face

Normal Skin

Ingredients
½ cup cooked oatmeal
1 egg
1 tablespoon almond oil

Directions

Combine ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

About the Ingredients

Almond oil is good for aging and dry skin.
Apple has antioxidants and helps prevent cell and tissue damage. It is also a mild fruit acid (alpha hydroxy acid) to remove dead skin cells. Apple also helps reduce and control oil and blemishes.
Baking soda gently exfoliates dead skin cells. It helps open and deep cleanse pores and is also good for clearing away blackheads and absorbing excess oil from the skin.
Bananas have anti-aging skin benefits, but are also good for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Because of anti-bacterial properties, bananas help blemishes heal.
Egg Egg whites draw out excess oils and the yolk moisturizes. Some people like to use just the egg whites in masks for skin toning.
Honey is a great humectant, to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, and also has anti-bacterial properties.
Lemon is an astringent and is great for skin brightening and diminishing dark marks from acne and skin discolorations.
Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes irritated skin and is good for sensitive skin. Read this article for 4 Simple Ways to Make Rose Water.
Vinegar is acidic and has antiseptic properties, which gets rid of bacteria. It also restores the skin’s pH balance. Some people use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but white wine vinegar is milder.

*It might be easier to remove the mask with a washcloth. Just make sure the washcloth isn't too rough and gently wipe (don't rub) off the mask, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Caution:Do not use any ingredients that you are allergic to. Test masks on the inner part of your elbow to make sure that the ingredients will not cause irritation or a reaction. If you have any severe skin problems, consult a dermatologist before trying any natural skin care recipes.