DIY Oatmeal face scrub
Hey guys! Some of you asked me how I make my oatmeal face scrub at home. So here are 2 different scrubs that I make depending on what I have available in the pantry.
Growing up, I always used homemade face packs/masks/scrubs made with either gram flour, or red lentils (‘masoor dal’) combined with fresh cream and turmeric. It used to be a weekend ritual. I don’t really remember when I stopped doing all that, and started using ready made face scrubs and sheet masks! But for what it’s worth, I have now regularly started making my own - saves a lot of money and the results are great! Plus you know exactly what you're putting on your skin which is really reassuring. The best thing about homemade scrubs is that you can whip up anything in minutes depending on what you have at hand, and you can also tailor it to your skin type and needs.
I try and use natural ingredients whenever and wherever possible, because as it is we are surrounded by chemicals everywhere. Of course, I have my go to skin care/beauty products that I use regularly as well, but I try to stick to organic products or those derived from natural sources. I’ll review some products in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
The below quantities will make enough scrub for 2-3 uses on the face and neck, so lasts me about 2 weeks (since I don't scrub daily). I don’t make in very big batches just because it’s really quick and easy to make fresh. If you do make a big batch of any scrub, you could store it in the fridge in a sealed container.
After mixing everything it looks like a grainy paste (see above)
1) Oatmeal and Almond Face scrub
1 Tbsp – Oatmeal that is ground finely into a powder
1 Tbsp – Almond flour or finely ground almonds
1 Tsp – Sweet almond oil
Usage – Mix all the ingredients to make it into a paste-like consistency. Then apply all over damp skin in circular motions (avoiding eye area) to exfoliate your face and neck. Wash off with warm water and pat dry. You’ll notice that this doesn’t dry the skin like some face scrubs and you'll almost immediately feel your skin become really soft and clean!
2) Oatmeal and Brown sugar Face scrub
1 Tbsp – Oatmeal that is ground finely into a powder
1 Tbsp – Dark brown soft sugar
1 Tsp – Honey
Usage – Mix all the ingredients to create a paste. Then apply all over damp skin in circular motions (avoiding eye area) to exfoliate your face and neck. Wash off with warm water and pat dry. This scrub gives a really nice healthy glow to the face and leaves the skin feeling very soft!
Some other optional ingredients that you can add to the scrub (if you have them at hand)
- 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil e.g. lavender, tea tree or Chamomile oil
- Chamomile tea bag – open the tea bag and add about half the bag's contents to the scrub
Why these ingredients?
Oatmeal – It is really rich in anti-oxidants and is a natural cleanser and exfoliator. It is very hydrating and soothing and doesn’t dry out the skin. Especially beneficial if you’ve been out in the sun for too long and your skin is a bit irritated (mostly the case for me!)
Almonds – Very high in anti-oxidants and Vitamin E. Highly nourishing and great for removing impurities in the skin without drying it out.
Almond oil – It has a very light texture and gets absorbed into your skin quite easily. It's not a very 'oily' oil if that makes sense! Best known to protect skin from UV damage and delay signs of ageing.
Brown sugar – Scrubs away dead skin cells and it is gentler than white sugar so can be used on sensitive skin. It contains glycolic acid which is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxyl Acid) which gives you younger and healthier skin (I think that’s enough chemistry). Best to use after a long day out in the sun!
Honey – It is anti-bacterial and an anti-oxidant so it’s great if you have breakouts or acne. Gives a very nice glow to the skin.
Chamomile – It helps to reduce acne and is loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Over time, it is said to blur spots and marks on the skin.
Hope you found this useful! Do try these scrubs and let me know if they worked for you! There are actually so many different variations of these scrubs – the possibilities are endless. But these are the ones I make most of the time.If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear them!
xx
Kirti