Tip of the day

 Hair & Beauty Tip- #41

Oats Benefits For Skin & Hair

Oats, also known as Oatmeal is well known for being one of the key ingredients needed for maintaining a healthy diet. Although the name makes our unhealthy selves cringe, oats can be used in various ways that benefit our scalp and skin. Oats are anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating and can be used to treat dandruff, eczema, sunburn, cracked heels, to remove acne scars and can also be used as a dry shampoo. It helps to calm the scalp and skin, prevents itchiness, treats scalp infections, fights acne and even soothes the scalp sunburn. Now that you know the various advantages of oats, the step that follows is the method to use this important ingredient the right way to fully reap its benefits. Our Jr. Stylist Naomi Park was kind enough to share with us a few homemade remedies to fight hair and skin issues with the help of Oats.

1. To treat Dry and Itchy Scalp or Greasy Roots :

Mix oats, honey and aloe vera gel with just enough water to make it a smooth paste, apply on to your scalp and hair and leave till it dries and wash it off with lukewarm water and shampoo, conditioner.

2. To maintain the skin’s pH Level :

Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and honey with half a tablespoon of lemon juice and a few drops of tea tree oil (optional), apply on to your face and neck and wait a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This helps with absorbing and removing excess oil and is good for exfoliation.

3. To treat Eczema :

Mix ⅓ cup of oatmeal in a bowl, pour half a cup of hot water and let it sit for 5 mins, mix a tablespoon of honey and yogurt. Soothe the redness, the pain, and the itching by applying the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 30 mins, wipe first with a wet cloth then wash with warm water. Pat dry and put a good moisturizer, repeat a few times a week to notice improvement.

4. Remove Suntan or Sunburn :

Mix 1-2 cups of oatmeal powder as per the suntan area with enough milk or buttermilk to form a smooth paste, if you want to lighten the area, use lemon juice. Rub the paste onto the tanned area and wait 15 mins, wash with only cold water, repeat once to thrice a week.

5. Heal Cracked Heels :

To remove dead skin cells from your feet and reveal your naturally soft skin, make a thick paste with 1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder, honey, and jojoba/ olive oil. Apply to the cracked area and leave for 30 mins, wash with cold water. Use this remedy every alternate day for soft and smooth skin.

6. Oats as a Dry Shampoo :

Put 1 cup of oatmeal powder with ½ a cup of baking soda in an old talcum powder bottle, spray it into your greasy hair and brush through thoroughly to soak up the excess oil from your hair, leaving it clean and smelling fresh.

7. Fade Acne Scars the Natural Way :

Place a medium container with 1 cup of water on a low to medium heat on the stove, add half a cup of oatmeal and  2 drops of lemon juice only when the water is warm. Leave to cool and add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this mixture to a clean face and leave it for 20-30 mins. Wash off with lukewarm water once it dries and apply a moisturizer after patting your face dry. Repeat once a week for a month, then once a month for the following 3 months to remove acne scars and blemishes.

Also Read :  How to Keep your Hair Healthy this Summer