Acne Guru

Health-conscious people are looking more and more often to nature as the source of healing products.  Some people consider the best skin care products to be food products, reasoning that if something is safe to eat, it should certainly be safe to apply to the skin.  Oatmeal is definitely safe to eat, and it is one of the most versatile food products used in natural acne treatment and general skin care.  It is one of the oldest and most trusted home remedies available, and most people keep it on hand in their cupboards.  There are entire lines of skin care products designed around the fact that oatmeal is an effective treatment for a variety of skin ailments.  It can work particularly well for acne sufferers with dry or combination skin.

Oatmeal has long been used to soothe irritated or itchy skin.  It is a wonderful natural moisturizing ingredient for dry skin as well.  In first aid, it can be added to a warm bath to soothe itchy skin conditions such as chicken pox and eczema.  It can be mixed with water, made into a paste, and then applied to the skin to calm the itch of poison ivy and mosquito bites.

Oatmeal has some of the same cleaning and detoxifying properties as clay when used in skin care.  It pulls dirt and impurities out of the skin and deep cleans the pores, clearing and preventing acne.  It does not, however, dry the skin like clay.  Clay is best used by people with oily complexions.  Oatmeal is for people with dry complexions.  Both are effective at treating acne and preventing future breakouts.  For skin care, be sure to use only oatmeal that has no added sugar or other ingredients.  Organic is best.

To use oatmeal as a natural skin care treatment, it must first be made into a powder.  This can be accomplished by pouring the dry oatmeal into a food processor or a blender and grinding until it becomes a very fine powder.  The powdered oatmeal can then be stored in an airtight container or glass jar and kept in the cupboard or refrigerator.

Powdered oatmeal can be used as an exfoliating facial cleanser when you’re looking for a natural acne treatment.  Simply mix a small amount of powdered oatmeal with just a few drops of water and massage into face and neck, taking care not to scrub too hard.  Keep away from eyes.  Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Oatmeal can be used to make a moisturizing mask for people with dry skin.  To make an oatmeal mask, mix a small amount of powdered oatmeal with a little purified water in a bowl to make a paste.  Only mix as much mask as you will need for one treatment.  Apply to face, avoiding eye area, and leave on for ten to twenty minutes.  Rinse with warm water and pat dry.  Most people can use an oatmeal mask as often as they like with no negative effects.

While unlikely, irritation can occur with any skin care treatment.  If any negative effects occur, discontinue use and see your healthcare provider if needed.  Oatmeal is generally considered safe as a skin care product for most people.