Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, phenols possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as avenacins, saponins that give the plant cleansing properties similar to soap. In addition, oatmeal contains starches and beta-glucans that help to protect the skin and hold water, so it also has moisturizing functions (Pazyar 2012). These properties, combined with a long history of safe use, make oatmeal the perfect cleanser, especially for someone like me, with sensitive dry skin and mild rosacea.
Oatmeal Cleanser
Ingredients:
Approx. 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
You will also need a coffee grinder and a clean, dry, airtight container.
Method:
1. Put the rolled oats into the coffee grinder and grind into a fine powder.
2. Keep the powder in a clean, dry airtight container.
3. When you are ready to wash your face, take a generous pinch of the powder and place it in the palm of your hand.
4. Mix in enough tepid water to form a paste.
5. Splash some tepid water on your face and neck.
6. Gently massage the oatmeal paste onto your face and neck.
7. Rinse off by splashing with several handfuls of tepid water.
8. Gently pat dry.
9. Follow up with moisturizer.
I love my oatmeal cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, without any of the tightness or dryness that comes after using regular soap. It keeps redness at bay. Also, an entire canister of oatmeal costs just a little over a dollar and will last for several months, so it's very frugal.
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| Image Source: http://pixabay.com/en/oats-oat-field-arable-cereals-8946/ |
References:
Environmental Working Group (EWG) SkinDeep Database: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
