If you’ve had acne at some point in your life, you must be familiar with the typical advice that’s given to people who suffer from this painful skin condition: drink more water, use mineral makeup, don’t pick your skin, and our all-time favorite one, the ever-so enlightening: “you should wash your face more often.” And, of course, it helps if you invest in an amazing skincare routine.
Naturally, when we come across certain tips and tricks which are new to us, we’re skeptical as to why they’d work. And rightfully so. But when it comes to unorthodox acne advice, not many of us have heard a gem like this one.
This brings us to today’s discussion: oatmeal for acne. You might be thinking of the instant oatmeal you can get for breakfast. But can this ingredient really do wonders for the skin? Certain DIY treatments include oatmeal as an active ingredient. But before testing them all out, we should know what exactly it does or doesn’t do to our skin.
Continue reading to find out whether oatmeal affects acne and whether you should include it in your skincare routine.
How Does Oatmeal Work on Acne When Applied Topically?
This breakfast staple can improve your acne and the skin's overall appearance. Who would’ve thought?
One of the ways oatmeal treats acne is by absorbing excess oil, which is a major contributing factor. This prevents the congestion of pores, which also stops future breakouts.
If used as an exfoliator, it cleans the skin without being too harsh, making it a great option for those who want to try natural skincare. In addition, by using it as an exfoliator, you can get rid of toxins, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria regularly without interfering with the natural oils in your skin. Pretty great, right?
Speaking of acne-causing bacteria, did you know that oatmeal contains natural anti-microbial agents which kill these bacteria directly? It makes for an excellent natural antibiotic option. In addition, oats possess anti-inflammatory properties and reduce overall inflammation - a known cause of acne. Moreover, they also work on the swelling, redness, and marks left behind. So if you have acne-prone skin, turn your oats into a natural cleanser and try it out!
It also reportedly promotes new cell growth, something that’s crucial for people who want to get rid of dead skin cells and accelerate the process of skin renewal. What’s more, it can retain the natural moisture on the skin, preventing it from looking flakey, crusty, or dry, especially in the winter.
Some claim that oatmeal for skin can shrink and dry the existing pimples, speeding up the healing process of current breakouts. This is amazing news for those who want to try it as a spot treatment to achieve a clear complexion.
On top of that, oatmeal contains a high amount of naturally-occurring antioxidants that work on acne topically and also minimize oxidative stress, preventing acne breakouts from happening in the future. Add oatmeal to your skin care routine. What are you waiting for?
Does Oatmeal Consumption Affect Acne?
Now that we’ve established all the amazing benefits of applying oatmeal topically or using it as an active ingredient in skincare, let’s delve into how including oats in your diet can affect your skin. Can oatmeal help acne?
We all know that oatmeal is a popular breakfast option for many people worldwide. And even though those people aren’t consciously consuming oatmeal to improve acne, their skin still benefits.
You might wonder what makes oatmeal for skin so great.
To begin with, it has a lot of fiber. Fiber helps digestion, allowing food to flow more smoothly through our digestive tract. There’s a lot of science out there that points to the brain-stomach-skin connection, indicating that bad digestion can negatively impact acne and our mental health. So, by consuming oatmeal regularly, you’re helping the food to empty quicker, alleviating problems with undigested food.
Remember those antioxidants we mentioned earlier? We can also get them by consuming a lot of antioxidant-rich food, like oatmeal. By digesting them rather than applying them topically, our overall health can improve, not just our acne. This works both ways since improving our overall health and lowering our levels of inflammation can positively affect acne. It’s a win-win situation. Antioxidants also help prevent skin damage and have an anti-aging effect, keeping our skin firm and elastic in the long run.
Oatmeal is a rich source of many micronutrients, such as phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and manganese, which help balance the body’s hormonal levels. However, hormonal acne is tricky to deal with, so it’s important to minimize the damage it causes.
Zinc is famous for improving many skin conditions, including acne. That’s why it’s commonly found in many skincare products such as creams or cleansers. These minerals can also regulate oil production, which, as we mentioned, is crucial for healthy skin.
In addition, oatmeal is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which also help with inflammation. It contains high levels of iron, making it a perfect option for those who suffer from anemia.
It also contains thiamine and beta-glucan, which help regulate blood sugar levels and boost the immune system. Another nutrient found in oatmeal is polysaccharides. These ensure the skin stays moisturized and dewy-looking. They also have an anti-aging effect, keeping the skin firm and wrinkle-free.
When it comes to vitamins, they’re important not only for our skin health but also for our general health. This one, in particular, is rich in B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 vitamins and folate. These vitamins help rejuvenate the skin and aid in cell regeneration.
Hopefully, this has convinced you to try incorporating more oatmeal into your regular diet, whether in a smoothie or cooking it for breakfast. You will start to see the health benefits of it in no time!
It's always best to use colloidal oatmeal (ground-up oats) in skin care, as it will stick to the skin better.
How to Use Oatmeal on the Skin to Treat Acne
Let’s explore how you can use oatmeal on your face to eliminate those nagging zits. You can use any of these recipes alongside a good skincare routine.
Plain Oatmeal Mask
For this mask, you’ll need (you guessed it) only a cup of oatmeal and water. First, cook the oatmeal on a stove as you would normally. After it’s cooled off, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then you can wash your face with warm water and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
You can apply this oatmeal face mask a couple of times a week.
Oatmeal and Turmeric Mask
The benefits of turmeric for the skin are endless. Turmeric contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, just like oatmeal (but to a greater extent.) These replenish the skin and keep acne away. This face mask will restore the glow and healthy look of your skin and tame pimples and redness on your face.
For this mask, you’ll need:
- One tablespoon of blended oatmeal (colloidal oatmeal)
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric
- Water
- Optional: A few drops of vitamin E oil
Combine the colloidal oatmeal and turmeric with enough water to create a paste. Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients, add the vitamin E oil drops. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb all those anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties properly. Once you’re done, wash your face with warm water and apply a moisturizer or a serum.
Use this mask up to three times a week to reap all the benefits for your skin.
Oatmeal and Papaya Mask
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, a natural moisturizer for the skin, similar to oats. It helps dry skin rejuvenate itself and protects the skin against sun damage. So combining it with oatmeal should be a no-brainer!
You’ll only need a couple of pieces of mashed papaya, two tablespoons of oats, one teaspoon of jojoba oil, and some water. Mix the ingredients and add enough water to form a paste. Then, apply it to your skin and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Once it’s done, wash it off thoroughly.
It's the perfect pamper treatment for your skin.
Oatmeal, Honey and Tea Tree Oil Face Mask
Honey is incredibly moisturizing for the skin. Tea tree oil works as a spot treatment to reduce inflammation!
For this effective face mask, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of blended oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of raw, organic honey
- A few drops of tea tree oil
Mix the honey, tea tree oil, and oatmeal and apply the mixture directly on your face, avoiding the eye area. Let the mask work its magic for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
Repeat the mask a couple of times a week, and you'll be left with beautifully glowing skin.
Oatmeal, Banana and Coconut Milk Mask
Bananas contain vitamin C and vitamin E, zinc, iron, and potassium, all of which act as a blessing for the skin. Coconut milk is an incredible anti-aging ingredient in face masks, preventing wrinkles and saggy skin. You can make at-home almond milk by soaking a few almonds in water overnight and blending it in the morning.
For this oatmeal face mask, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of blended oatmeal
- One half of mashed banana (don’t throw out the peel, you can use it on your face)
- 1 tablespoon of coconut milk
Mix these ingredients in a bowl and apply them to your face. After 15 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water and continue your regular skincare routine.
Oatmeal and Avocado Mask
Avocado is very moisturizing when consumed and applied topically on the face. In addition, it’s rich in vitamin E, lecithin, and potassium which are incredibly beneficial for the skin.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of raw oats
- ½ mashed avocado
- A few drops of rosehip oil
- Optional: Water
Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and apply it to the skin, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water afterward and apply your favorite moisturizer.
Oatmeal and Lemon
Lemon is a tricky ingredient for the skin. Some skin types react negatively to it, while others enjoy its benefits for the skin. It has anti-bacterial properties, but it might be best for those with sensitive skin to avoid it entirely, as it can cause irritated skin. Lemon juice is also a natural bleach, so if you want to lighten age spots or improve skin discoloration and acne scars, this might be the best oatmeal face mask for you.
For this oatmeal face mask, you’ll only need two tablespoons of cooked oatmeal and some drops of lemon juice. Mix these to form a paste, apply it on your face and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Once those 20 minutes pass, wash it off gently.
Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Natural Exfoliator
Scrubs are essential for healthy skin. A good scrub gently exfoliates your face, shedding off dead skin cells and helping regenerate the skin, bringing out the healthy layers from underneath much faster.
If you want smooth skin, you should incorporate regular exfoliation into your skincare routine. When making homemade scrubs, select non-abrasive natural ingredients since some can cause havoc, especially on certain skin types.
Try out this natural exfoliator on your next pamper night. Trust us - you’ll see its benefits immediately!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon grounded oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
Grind the oatmeal and brown sugar in a blender. Then add the jojoba oil and blend until it’s mixed nicely. If you have any makeup on, make sure to remove it beforehand. Gently massage the mixture on your skin using small, circular motions. You can leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash it off with warm water. Deep cleanse pores with this oatmeal face mask.
How Can I Tell if Oatmeal Will Work on my Skin?
The truth is, unless you’ve used oatmeal in skin care before, you can’t predict your skin’s reaction to it. That’s why it’s important to use a patch test before putting an oatmeal mask all over your face. If it leads to irritated skin or an allergic reaction, don’t continue to use it.
Have Caution When Using Oatmeal for Skin
If you experience any itching, redness, burning, or irritation when trying oatmeal for skin, stop using it immediately and contact your dermatologist.
Don’t use it too often since it can make your skin overly sensitive.
This breakfast staple probably won’t make much difference if you suffer from severe acne. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional dermatologist for a more serious treatment plan.
We hope you enjoyed these ideas on how to use oatmeal for acne. Whatever your skin type is, it certainly won’t hurt to try it out! The benefits of using oatmeal for skin are many, from improving oily skin by soaking up excess oil to reducing acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds.
References
Lemon (Citrus limon) Juice Has Antibacterial Potential against Diarrhea-Causing Pathogen
