6 DIY Oatmeal Face Masks To Treat Skin Problems

Oatmeal is a common ingredient in the kitchen across different countries. They are known for their nutritious composition, which includes a high content of fiber, carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

For these reasons, oats are popular for many health benefits such as lowering blood sugar, reducing the risk of heart diseases, and weight loss. Oats are also popular in the beauty industry due to the wide range of skin benefits they offer.

Oatmeal is, in fact, proven to help improve skin itchiness, drying, scaling, and roughness, owing to its humectant and hydrating properties. It also contains antioxidant polyphenols such as avenanthramides, which help prevent free radical damage and inflammation.

# Oatmeal face mask to control acne

Excessive sebum production or oily skin is one of the most common causes of acne. Oatmeal can help absorb this excess oil on the skin, thus lowering the chances of acne.

Moreover, oatmeal has exfoliating properties that remove dead skin cells and dirt from the skin surface, therefore preventing clogging of pores. It also helps regulate skin pH and acts as an antibacterial agent against acne-causing bacteria.

- Blend half of a green apple and 2 tbsp of plain Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add 2 tbsp of oatmeal to the mixture and blend again for a grainy paste.
- Transfer the mixture into a bowl and mix in ½ tsp of cinnamon.
- Apply the paste to your face, leaving out the eye area.
- Wash your face with warm water after 15 minutes.
- Pat your skin dry and moisturize.

# Oatmeal face mask to ease eczema symptoms

Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that improve eczema symptoms such as redness, itching, inflammation, pain, and skin dryness.

One study showed that the use of 1% colloidal oatmeal improved mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients.

The superfood spirulina is added to the oatmeal mask to help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. Its antibacterial property, along with that of honey, prevents infections. Yogurt is also used in this face mask to exfoliate the skin.

- Add ½ cup of hot water to 1/3 cup of oatmeal and allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
- Mix in 1 tbsp of honey, 2 tbsp of plain yogurt, and ½ tbsp of spirulina powder to the oatmeal.
- Apply the paste to your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wipe off the mask using a damp cloth and rinse your face.
- Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer.

# Oatmeal face mask to get rid of suntan

Oatmeal is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenols that can absorb UV rays and minimize sun damage on the skin. Using oatmeal can help de-tan your skin.

In addition to oatmeal, honey is an excellent antioxidant that helps manage sun damage. It has humectant properties that bind moisture to the skin.

You can also add yogurt to this oatmeal face mask for its exfoliating, hydrating, and soothing properties. Strawberries are also used in this face mask for their exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids and skin brightening, tightening, and lightening properties.

- Powder ¼ cup of rolled oats in a blender.
- Add 3 tbsp of organic yogurt, 2 tbsp of manuka honey, and 3 pieces of strawberries to the oatmeal powder and blend well.
- Add more oats if the mixture is too thin.
- Allow the paste to stand for 10–15 minutes, so that the oats soak up the other ingredients.
- Apply the paste to your cleansed face.
- Rinse off the mask after 10–20 minutes of application.

# Oatmeal face mask to relieve dry and itchy skin

As mentioned above, oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that can lower inflammation and soothe itchy skin. It is also moisturizing and can thus help in the treatment of dry skin.

You can use aloe vera with oatmeal for its potent hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also contains antioxidant agents that help fight free radicals, thus preventing oxidative damage and improving skin health.

In addition, aloe vera contains gibberellin and glucomannan, which stimulate increased collagen synthesis. This helps in making your skin more elastic, therefore preventing dry skin patches. Aloe vera also exhibits antiaging effects, which contribute to youthful-looking skin.

- Mix 2 tbsp of oatmeal powder with 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to your face and neck and massage it in gently.
- Allow the mask to dry for 15–20 minutes before washing.
- Use this remedy twice a week to relieve skin dryness.

# Oatmeal face mask to relieve skin inflammation

Oatmeal is an excellent remedy for inflamed skin as it aids in soothing the skin, bringing down inflammation, and even mildly exfoliating the skin.

Using cucumber with oatmeal adds to its skin-soothing properties. Similarly, yogurt contains lactic acid that helps in exfoliation.

Sage is used for its antiaging properties. It also helps remove dead skin cells and nourish the skin with vitamin A.

- Mix 2 tbsp of plain yogurt with 2 tbsp of oatmeal.
- Puree a cucumber and add 2 tbsp of the puree into the oatmeal mixture.
- Add 1 tbsp of chopped sage to the oatmeal and mix well.
- Apply the mask to your face, and rinse it off after 10–15 minutes with warm water.

# Oatmeal face mask to clear blackheads

Oatmeal can be highly efficient in clearing your skin of dirt, impurities, dead skin cells, and oil, which can accumulate in your skin pores, blocking them and leading to the formation of blackheads.

You can use bentonite clay with oatmeal to remove blackheads more efficiently. Bentonite clay pulls the toxins, impurities, chemicals, and heavy metals from the inner layers of the skin to the surface. Its electrical charge binds the clay to these particles, therefore assisting in their easy removal.

- Mix 1 tbsp of bentonite clay powder, 3 tbsp of oatmeal powder, 2 tbsp of plain yogurt, and 2 tbsp of honey.
- Apply the mixture to your skin and let it air-dry.
- Wash your skin with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.
- Pat your skin dry and apply a light moisturizer.
- Repeat this remedy 2–3 times a week.