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If you’ve had acne at some point in your life, then 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 my all-time favorite one, the ever-so enlightening “you should wash your face more often”.
But when it comes to unorthodox acne advice, not many of us have heard a gem like this one. So, 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.
Which bring me to today’s discussion: oatmeal for acne. Can it really do wonders for the skin? Certain DIY treatments include oatmeal as an active ingredient, and before testing them all out, we should know what exactly oatmeal does or doesn’t do to our skin.
Continue reading to find out whether oatmeal has any effect on acne and whether you should include it in your skincare routine.
It seems that oatmeal has certain functions which actually improve your acne situation and the overall appearance of the skin. Who would’ve thought?
One of the ways in which oatmeal treats acne is by absorbing excess sebum, which is a major contributing factor to acne. When it does so, it prevents the congestion of pores, which also prevents future breakouts.
If it’s used as an exfoliator, it can exfoliate the skin without being too harsh on it, which is what makes it a great option for those who want to opt for natural skincare. By using it as an exfoliator, you can get rid of toxins and acne-causing bacteria on a regular basis, 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? Oatmeal makes for an excellent natural antibiotic option.
It can also reduce overall inflammation - a known cause of acne. Moreover, those anti-inflammatory properties also work on the acne swelling, redness, and marks which are left behind.
Oatmeal reportedly promotes new cell growth, something that’s crucial for people who aren’t satisfied with the appearance of their skin and want to accelerate the process of skin renewal. What’s more, it can retain the natural moisture that’s on the skin and, by doing so, it prevents the skin from looking flakey, crusty or dry, especially in the winter months.
Some people claim that it has the ability to shrink and dry the existing pimples, speeding up the whole healing process of any current breakouts. This is amazing news for those who want to try oatmeal for acne as a spot treatment.
On top of that, oatmeal contains a high amount of naturally-occurring antioxidants that not only work on acne topically but due to their ability to minimize oxidative stress, also prevent acne breakouts from happening in the future.
Now that we’ve established all the amazing benefits that come with applying oatmeal topically or using it as an active ingredient in skincare products, let’s delve into how including oatmeal in your diet can affect acne.
We all know that oatmeal is a staple breakfast option for many people around the world. And even though those people aren’t consciously consuming oatmeal in order to improve the condition of acne, their skin is benefiting from it on a regular basis. You might wonder what makes oatmeal so great when dealing with acne.
To begin with, it has a lot of fiber. Fiber helps our digestion and it allows for the food to flow more smoothly through our digestive track. There’s a lot of science out there that points to the brain-stomach-skin connection, indicating that bad digestion can have a negative impact on acne, as well as our mental health, which is definitely not a small claim. So, by consuming oatmeal regularly you’re allowing the food to empty out more quickly, so there would be no problems with undigested food.
Remember those antioxidants we mentioned earlier? Well, 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. Which works both ways, since sometimes improving our overall health and lowering our levels of inflammation can have a positive effect on 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, all of which help balance the body’s hormonal levels. Hormonal acne is very common and tricky to deal with, so it’s very important to do all that we can from our part so that we can minimize the damage that they cause. 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 and clear 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. Oatmeal contains thiamine and beta-glucan as well, both of which help regulate blood sugar levels and boost the immune system. Another nutrient that’s found in oatmeal is polysaccharides. These keep the skin moisturized and dewy-looking, and they also have an anti-aging effect, keeping the skin firm and wrinkle-free.
When it comes to vitamins, they’re not only important for our skin health but also for our general health. Oatmeal, in particular, is rich with B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 vitamins, as well as folate. These vitamins help rejuvenate the skin and aid in the skin cell regeneration process.
Hopefully, this has convinced you to try incorporating more oatmeal in your regular diet, whether that’s in a smoothie or cooked. You will start to see the benefits of it in no time!
Let’s explore all the different ways you can use oatmeal on your face in order to get rid of those nagging zits.
For this mask, you’ll need (you guessed it) only a cup of oatmeal and water. Cook the oatmeal on a stove as you would normally. After it’s done and it’s cooled off, apply the mask on 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 that will keep your skin hydrated. You can apply this mask a couple of times per week.
The benefits of turmeric for the skin are endless. Turmeric, just like oatmeal but to a greater extent, contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which replenish the skin and keep acne away. This mask will restore the glow and healthy look of your skin, as well as tame any pimples and redness on your face.
For this mask, you’ll need:
Combine the oatmeal and turmeric with enough water so that you create a paste. Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients together, add the vitamin E oil drops. Apply the mixture on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes to half an hour. Once you’re done, wash your face with warm water and apply a moisturizer or a serum. It’s best to use this mask up to three times a week.
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which works as a natural moisturizer for the skin, similarly to oats. It helps the 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 together and add enough water to form a paste. Then you can apply it on your skin and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Once it’s done, wash it off thoroughly.
Honey is incredibly moisturizing for the skin, while tea tree oil works as an incredible spot treatment which also reduces inflammation!
For this effective face mask you’ll need:
Mix the ingredients mentioned together and apply the mixture directly on your face, avoiding the eye area. Let the mask work its magic for about 15 minutes and then proceed to wash it off with warm water. You can repeat the mask a couple of times a week.
Bananas contain vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as zinc, iron, and potassium, all of which act as a blessing for the skin. Coconut milk works as an incredible anti-aging ingredient in face masks, preventing wrinkles and saggy skin. You can even make at-home almond milk by soaking a few almonds in water overnight and blending it in the morning.
For this face mask, you’ll need:
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and apply the concoction on your face. After 15 minutes have passed, rinse it off with lukewarm water and continue with your regular skincare routine.
Avocado is very moisturizing, both when consumed and when 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:
Combine the ingredients together 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.
Lemon is a tricky ingredient for the skin. Some people have a negative reaction to it, while others enjoy its benefits for the skin on a weekly basis. You should be careful with this one.
For this mask, you’ll only need two tablespoons of cooked oatmeal and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix these together 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.
Scrubs are essential for healthy skin. They shed off dead skin cells and help regenerate the skin, bringing out the healthy layers from underneath much faster. If you want clear skin, you should incorporate regular exfoliation in your skincare routine. Make sure you select non-abrasive natural ingredients since there are some on the market that can cause havoc on the skin.
Try out this natural exfoliator on your next pamper night. Trust me, you’ll see its benefits immediately!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Grind the oatmeal and brown sugar in a blender. Then add the jojoba oil and blend it until it’s mixed together 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.
The truth is, unless you’ve used oatmeal before, you can’t predict your skin’s reaction to it unless you try it. That’s why it’s important to use a patch test before putting it all over your face. If your skin has a bad reaction, don’t continue to use it.
If you experience any itching, redness, burning or irritation, stop using oatmeal immediately and contact your dermatologist.
Don’t use it too often, since it can make your skin overly sensitive.
If you suffer from severe acne, oatmeal probably won’t make much of a difference, which is why in that case it’s best to consult a professional dermatologist for a more serious treatment plan.
Hope you enjoyed these ideas on how to use oatmeal for acne.
Oatmeal has some amazing benefits for the skin which can be effective on most people. Whatever your skin type is, it certainly won’t hurt to try it out!
