How to Create an Oatmeal Mask

How to Create an Oatmeal Mask



Using oatmeal as a facial mask can be a natural and effective way to treat many skin conditions, such as oily or dry skin, razor burns, acne, sunburn and even chicken pox. While merely plastering cooked oatmeal on your face will certainly work, the addition of many other ingredients may make your oatmeal mask even more effective.







Things You'll Need:





Oatmeal




Lemon juice




Baking soda




Egg white




Olive oil









1


Cook some oatmeal or organic rolled oats according to the directions on the package. While there is some disagreement over the use of instant oatmeal to create an oatmeal mask, you should certainly avoid any oatmeal varieties that have been sweetened or flavored.





2


Allow the oatmeal to cool slightly after cooking when you create a mask. Excessively hot or even warm oatmeal can be a bit uncomfortable, and the heat may also dry out your skin.





3


Fluff up one egg white with a fork in a small bowl. Add the egg white to the oatmeal mask for consistency, folding it into the mixture until it is smooth and easy to spread on your face.





4


Add a few drops of lemon juice when you create your oatmeal mask. Lemon juice is an astringent that can help remove excess oil from your skin, which will be helpful if you have blackheads or blemishes. Lemon juice may also help even skin tone throughout your face by helping eliminate dark patches and discolorations.





5


Experiment with other types of ingredients when you create an oatmeal mask. Baking soda, for instance, can soothe itchy skin, and olive oil can help reduce the wrinkles caused by dry skin.





6


Smooth the oatmeal mask onto your face. Add more layers of oatmeal to problem areas of your skin, such as your nose and forehead. Be careful around your eyes, since oatmeal will definitely cause irritation.





7


Allow the oatmeal mask to dry completely before you remove it. The skin on your face may become slightly itchy as the oatmeal dries completely, which will be your signal to wash up.





8


Rinse the mask off completely with cool to lukewarm water. Hot water can irritate your pores. Dab dry with a soft washcloth.








Tips & Warnings










Dry, uncooked oatmeal, mixed with a little lemon juice and olive oil, can also make an effective facial scrub. Use just enough olive oil to make the oatmeal damp, not soaked, for the best results.



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How to Create an Oatmeal Lavender Body Scrub

How to Create an Oatmeal Lavender Body Scrub



This is a wonderful way to nourish the skin and the mind. First you make the body scrub and then indulge in the texture and wonderfully relaxing scent of
lavender
. From start to finish, this scrub can be done in as little as half an hour, so it's great if you are limited on time.







Things You'll Need:





1/2 cup oatmeal




1/4 cup fine sea salt




1/4 cup fine Epsom salt




1/2 cup grape seed oil




20 drops lavender essential oil




plastic bowl




coffee grinder or food processor




2 bath towels




wash cloth




tub or shower




soap (optional)









1


Ground the oatmeal into small pieces. Put the oatmeal in the coffee grinder or food processor for a minute or until all the whole oats have been ground into smaller pieces.





2


Pour the ground oatmeal into the plastic bowl, add the sea and Epsom salt and mix with your hand. You will be using both hands in a bit, so save the spoon.





3


Add the grape seed oil with the mixture, stir briefly, add the essential oil and stir completely. Now the scrub is done and you're ready to do the body scrub.





4


Place the towel in the bottom of your bath or shower to prevent you from slipping in the tub or shower while you do the body scrub. If you have a heat lamp or heater in the bathroom, it's best to turn it on a little bit before you get started to keep you from getting cold.





5


Start with the feet. Put a small amount of scrub into your hands and start scrubbing. You will apply the scrub in circular motions, as if you were putting lotion on. Continue working your way up your legs, then scrub your hands and arms, then your back and stomach.





6


Wash off with warm water once you have completed the scrub. To prevent slipping it's best not to remove the towel on the bottom of the tub until you are completely washed off. If you want to keep more oil on the skin to nourish it, don't use any soap, just the washcloth to gently wash the excess off. If you are going to be doing a lot and don't want to have the feel of the oil on your skin, use a small amount of soap on the washcloth to gently remove the oil off your skin.





7


Gently pat yourself dry with the other towel. Your skin will feel hydrated and nourished along with refreshed because any dead skin cells have been gently removed.








Tips & Warnings










It's always best to start at the points farthest from your heart and work towards the heart.








The oatmeal, sea and Epsom salts can be mixed up ahead of time, but don't mix the grape seed oil or the lavender essential oil in until you're ready to use it.








This remedy may cause dermatitis for a few people. This is rare, but discontinue use immediately if you notice symptoms. You can try the scrub without the lavender essential oil, as your skin will still get the same results just without the smell.



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