DIY Exfoliant: Oatmeal Scrub

photo credit: free digital photos

Many of us love the idea of going to a local Spa - whether it be to get our nails done, hair treatments, facials or full body messages - but unfortunately sometimes going to the Spa can be costly.

Having that thought in mind, I wanted to bring the Spa to You by sharing some of my naturally made skin care recipes. 

When this thought of  Do-It-Yourself  home skin care came about,  I had been experiencing breakouts of adult acne. It's really surprising for me to say this, but now that I think about it, my skin rarely broke out during my teenage years. I don't know if I should think of it as a blessing or a curse. On some days, I honestly believe that it is a curse!

Over the years, I have tried several methods of taking care of my skin by purchasing and using some of the most expensive skin care kits. This does work but it certainly brings "new" skin issues along with its good results. 

One of the side-effects of using topical skin creams and toners is that even the oiliest of skin can get very dry and flaky; especially around the mouth, chin and jaw line. The worst thing is when you are trying to apply your makeup and all you can see are little skin flakes making their appearance under the layer of makeup. I cannot tell you, how annoying that is! This is something that always happens to me after using medicated skin care products.

So, not being able to "suck-it-up" any longer I decided that I would exfoliate my skin to rid myself of these annoying flakes. And that I did!

For the past two days, I have been using a d-i-y Oatmeal Scrub. The results can be seen almost instantly. After using the oatmeal "paste" my skin feels soft and supple - there is no tightness to the skin what-so-ever.

Here is what you will need to make this Oatmeal Scrub at home:

• about 1/8 - 1/4 cup of old fashioned oats
• a few teaspoons of milk (or water)

Using a food processor or small coffee grinder, grind the oats until they become powder like. (I used my coffee grinder and it worked amazingly well!)
In a clean bowl, mix the oats with a few tsp. of milk.  Basically you want to end up with a semi-thick paste.

I have found that the easiest way to use the oatmeal scrub is during my evening shower. I do this for several reasons: my skin is already damp and clean, my pores are open due to the steam the shower creates and it's just easier to clean up!

After I am done washing up, using my fingers I apply the oatmeal scrub to my face/neck/chest gently rubbing in circular motions starting at my forehead continuing downward until all the oatmeal has been used. (if I have extra I also apply scrub on my arms and legs)

I like to let the scrub sit on my skin for at least 10 min. Then I rinse off with lukewarm water following up with a splash of cold water (doing this will help your pores to close). Lastly, using a clean soft towel, I pat my skin dry; then I apply toner followed by a moisturizer.

Simple and yet, so very effective. What I like most, is seeing immediate results - there is nothing better than that!


Now it's your turn: Have you ever used oatmeal as a skin defoliator before? Would you give this treatment a try? Let us know in the comments!