To use Oatmeal to treat these and other skin irritations using regular cooking Oatmeal, simply add one to two table-spoonfuls of Oatmeal to your warmed bath water. Soak in the bath for a nice leisurely soak until the water cools down. The Oatmeal will heal skin irritations and open the skin pores on various points of the body to heal and beautify the skin. Many over the counter lotions and moisturizers now contain Oatmeal flakes as an active ingredient. It is extremely soothing and hydrating for even the most sensitive skin. Winter seems to bring its own cold-weather woes to our already overworked, overstressed skin. To combat these issues, nourish and heal your skin while have yourself a little "me" time.
Oatmeal liquid soap:
Oatmeal soap is one of the most versatile skin-care treatments available. Providing the right combination of moisturizing, exfoliation, cleansing, soothing and protection for the skin, Oatmeal soap is an item that everyone should consider keeping on hand. (see below)
Oats have long been used for skin care treatment. The Egyptians and the Arabians used them as a skin beauty treatment as early as 2000 BC. The ancient Romans and Greeks also used oat baths to heal skin problems.
Finely ground Oatmeal combined with water will bind with the skin in a bath or facial, causing a protective layer that both moisterizes and softens.
Oatmeal Bath for Eczema or Dry Skin
4 cups Oatmeal
1 fine net or new stocking
Place the Oatmeal in the net; tie closed. Position the Oatmeal-filled net in your bathtub so the water runs directly over the Oatmeal and into the bath. Get in the bath, then you and the Oatmeal should soak 15 to 30 minutes.
Oatmeal Facial Scrub for All Skin Types
1 Tbsp. ground almonds (almonds should be ground to a fine powder)
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. water
2 Tbsp. Oatmeal
Combine ingredients in a bowl; mix until a paste forms. If the paste looks too thick, add a little water. Be careful not to add too much water, as the paste should have a crumbly consistency.
Treat itchy poison ivy or chicken pox:
Take the itch out of a case of chicken pox or a poison ivy rash with a relaxing, warm Oatmeal bath. Simply grind 1 cup Oatmeal in your blender until it is a fine powder, then pour it into a piece of cheesecloth, the foot section of a clean nylon stocking, or the leg of an new pantyhose. Knot the material, and tie it around the faucet of your bathtub so the bag is suspended under the running water. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and soak in it for 30 minutes. You may find additional relief by applying the Oatmeal pouch directly to the rash or pox.
Treat acne:
Many people swear by Oatmeal as a natural remedy to acne. One easy recipe is to cook up some of the stuff, let cool until lukewarm, then apply to the affected areas. Let stay for several minutes, then rinse. Some people prefer to use Oatmeal-based scrubs, others bathe with "colloidal Oatmeal," which is made by mixing Oatmeal that has been ground into a very fine powder in water.
Neutralize odors with Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is the perfect liner for outdoor cigarette ashtrays. Pour the ashtray full of Oatmeal and encourage yourself and your houseguests who smoke outside to extinguish their cigarettes in the ashtray. The oats will neutralize the air and keep the smell of cigarette smoke from lingering. Try placing an open container of the stuff in your fridge.