While grains are a controversial food in modern society, their use in skin care is pretty much universally accepted. In fact, grains have been used for ages to get radiant, glowing skin. Combine it with a little water, and you’ve got yourself a gentle and natural exfoliating scrub that will leave your skin shining.
And it only takes a few ingredients from your kitchen!
Why Exfoliate Your Skin With Cleansing Grains?
Over time, the rate at which our skin reproduces new cells naturally reduces. Unfortunately, this slowdown also happens in unison with a reduction in natural collagen production. The combo can make our skin to look aged and dehydrated.
Proper exfoliation is key to shedding dead skin cells that can so often keep our skin from looking its best. Regular exfoliating allows your natural skin to shine while also opening pathways for more moisture.
Why Oats?
Oats are studied extensively in dermatology and show great promise as a natural alternative to skin care products. These anti-inflammatory grains contain lots of antioxidants as well as antiviral and antifungal properties, which can help moisturize dry and sensitive skin. Studies show they can even help protect your skin from ultraviolet rays!
Make It Your Own
This exfoliating oats recipe is a great starting point for a natural daily skincare routine. If you like, you can customize this scrub with fresh herbs and essential oils to fit your personal preferences. A few drops of lavender oil will produce a calming result, while a little lemon zest will perk you up.
Which Scrub Is Best for You?
Everyone’s skin is unique and can change with hormonal fluctuations, the season, and diet. It’s important to listen to what your skin is telling you and to treat it accordingly. Some of us struggle with dry spots, while others fight to keep the oil in check.
Oats are a great choice for exfoliating all skin types. You can also make quick and easy additions to the oats in order to further customize the cleansing grains to your skin type. Enter olive oil or honey, and you have a complete cleansing scrub.
For dry skin:
If you find your skin overly dry, add a little olive oil to your scrub. Olive oil adds to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this scrub while also adding moisture, promoting repair, and reducing oxidative stress.
For oily skin:
If you find your skin too oily or ridden with acne, add a squeeze of honey to your scrub. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the deep layers of the skin without holding on to oils. Plus, honey can reduce wrinkle formation and help to regulate pH. Go the extra mile and follow your scrub with a homemade honey face mask.
Tips for Using Cleansing Grains
Make it part of your routine. Just as you commit to brushing your teeth day and night, commit to making exfoliation a part of your daily routine. You only need to find two minutes once or twice a week to get optimal results.
- The first step to effective exfoliation is starting with a clean canvas. That means giving your face a good wash to ensure you’ve removed all your makeup.
- Next, lightly rub the scrub in a circular motion all over your face, staying clear of the eye area. Remember that this is a gentle process. Rubbing too hard can irritate your skin and even cause small tears on the surface.
- Once you’ve covered your whole face, use a warm, wet washcloth to gently wash the scrub from your face. Finish up by patting your face dry with a clean towel.
- A hot, steamy shower or detox bath will loosen up your pores and moisturize your skin, perfectly priming it for an effective scrub. Throw your hair up in a towel and get to scrubbing right after your shower.
- Think beyond your face. Don’t forget about the rest of your body! This versatile scrub is a great way to exfoliate your feet or even your entire body.
Exfoliating Cleansing Grains Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 TBSP olive oil (for dry skin)
- 1 TBSP honey (for oily skin)
- 2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Place oats in a blender and pulse for about 30 seconds, until the consistency resembles a coarse powder.
- Transfer it to an airtight container with a lid.
- Just before scrubbing, mix 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal and a few drops of water until the mixture is spreadable. Add olive oil or honey, if desired.
- Apply the mixture to your face in small circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Gently rub into your skin for about one minute, then rinse with a warm, wet washcloth. Pat your face dry.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jolene Brighten, a women’s health naturopathic medical doctor and practicing physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Have you ever made cleansing grains? What natural skincare routine works best for you?
What is the shelf life of this scrub?
I’ve used adzuki beans in the past as a great facial exfoliator. They’re not easy to find but I finally discovered an organic, natural company that offers them in a simple glass jar. Your oats scrub recipe does sound great and I think sometime I will try it, esp. as rolled oats are a lot easier to find! I would sub out the oils that you suggested though, since I find honey is too sticky and olive oil way too greasy and it sits on my skin, and it’s also comedogenic. I’d try sunflower and safflower oils, the two that are the least likely to cause breakouts, and sweet almond. I’d also use organic argan, avocado, grapeseed, and also squalane oil derived from olives as that’s a lot lighter and absorbs much better than olive oil. I am a real fan of skin care using organic oils! You could also try rosehip seed – I am not sure if I break out from that, though it is great for a drier and mature skin. I also think babassu oil should be nice in a natural scrub that will give a great glow. I believe that hazelnut oil is also fairly low on the comodogenic scale, and apricot oil might also be a great choice.