Oatmeal Skin Benefits: The Beauty Perks in Your Go-To Breakfast

Known for its soothing properties, oatmeal is more than just a popular breakfast choice. Oats have been used in skin care routines for ages. Full of skin-benefiting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oatmeal can be used for a variety of skin care purposes. For more information on how you can use oatmeal to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin, keep reading.

While it may be necessary for a clear complexion, exfoliating can feel a bit harsh on the skin—especially for those with sensitive skin. Oatmeal can be a great, gentle alternative to some of the rougher physical exfoliants. Add around three tablespoons of dried oats to a half a cup of milk and two teaspoons of raw honey. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 15 minutes before applying it to your face in upward, circular motions for a complexion that feels soft, supple, and smooth to the touch.

Most oats may contain saponin, which can gently rid the skin’s surface of the dirt and oil that it may come in contact with on a daily basis. To create your own DIY oatmeal cleanser, simply combine a half a cup of ground oatmeal—you may grind them in a coffee grinder or a blender, whichever you have on hand—with two tablespoons of bentonite clay. When you’re ready to use, wet your skin with lukewarm water and apply the powdery substance to your face (side note: you may find that it is easier to cleanse if you add some water into your hands beforehand to create a paste out of the powder). Gently rub the substance in circular motions for about 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Due to its high levels of fat, oatmeal can make for a great, moisturizer that can hydrate dry skin. One of our favorite ways to reap its moisturizing benefits is through a DIY facial mask using three tablespoons of oatmeal, two tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, and two teaspoons of raw honey—our favorite is Manuka honey.