There is never a wrong time to pamper yourself, but it seems to have an extra special effect when the weather is warm. Whether you have dry skin, struggling skin, irritated skin, or you just want to improve skin health, a face mask is an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin. Both oatmeal and honey, the two primary ingredients in this face mask, help to leave your skin looking and feeling great.
Why Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is more than a healthy breakfast option that supplies the body with protein, complex carbs, and fiber. It is naturally rich in antioxidant anti-inflammatory compounds, in addition to avenanthramides, all of which help to soothe dry or irritated skin. Because of the anti-inflammatory nature of oatmeal, it does wonders for acne-prone skin. In fact, oatmeal works to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface, which is one of the reasons why it exists in many facial mask recipes.
It’s very common to see colloidal oatmeal on the ingredient lists of skin care products. Colloidal oats differ slightly from a regular container of rolled oats that you eat. They have a higher lipid content, meaning they offer more antioxidants to help protect the skin’s barrier. The colloidal oats also work to alleviate irritation, soothe sun damage, and control dryness. You can finely grind oats and boil them to extract the colloidal material, which is a gel-like substance that has moisture-trapping molecules. You may notice that your skin looks younger and more supple after applying oats to the skin.
Why Honey?
This sweet and sticky byproduct of bees is very valuable when it comes to cosmetic uses. Raw honey exhibits antibacterial, exfoliation, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is a common ingredient to apply to eczema- or psoriasis-prone skin. People who deal with acne can also benefit from applying honey to the skin, especially Manuka honey. According to several studies, Manuka honey exhibits anti-acne activity and was comparable, more effective even, to other popular acne products.
Honey works to accelerate the healing processes of various skin cells. If you have an eczema outbreak or deal with blemishes, unpasteurized honey works to speed up healing and reduce inflammation. Even now, some doctors in clinical settings use honey to help accelerate wound healing. Raw honey also happens to be a natural exfoliator, so applying it to your face may help remove dull, dry skin to reveal healthy new cells. This contributes to a brighter, smoother complexion.
Honey Oatmeal Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- 1.5 tablespoons filtered water
Instructions:
- Use a coffee or spice grinder to grind the oats into a fine oatmeal powder.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, raw honey, and coconut oil. Add the water a little bit at a time until it forms a paste. It shouldn’t be too thick or thin.
To Use:
- Wash your face so that you have a nice clean base, on which you can apply the mask. Pat your face dry before continuing.
- Using your fingers or a fan brush, apply the honey oatmeal face mask generously on your face. Make sure that you avoid your eyes, nostrils, and mouth.
- Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. It may dry on your face, but this is perfectly fine.
- Rinse the mask off with cool water and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply your favorite moisturizer and appreciate your lovely, smooth facial skin.
