You know it's good for your insides, but adding oatmeal to your beauty regimen can reap benefits on the outside, too. That's because the breakfast staple is fantastic for exfoliating, treating acne, dry skin, itchy skin, sunburns and even your pooch's parched skin. Whether you make a mask, scrub, bath or other concoction, oatmeal is soothing and therapeutic because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces inflammation inside the body, not to mention lowers cholesterol and provides fiber, which keeps the digestive system running smoothly. To soothe dry skin, poison ivy or sunburn, run a lukewarm bath and add colloidal oatmeal. This formulation is powdered and easily dissolves in water to provide relief. Add two cups of either colloidal or steel-cut oats to water, plus a cup of powdered milk and a few tablespoons of honey. Relax, soak and pat dry.
You'll notice softer, moisturized skin afterward, especially if you follow with a lotion made from colloidal oatmeal, such as Aveeno. Make a facial or body scrub by grinding a few tablespoons of steel-cut oats with a teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add water until the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency, then spread over face and leave on for 10 minutes. Remove with cool water. If you've cooked up some extra oatmeal that you can't eat, then don't fret. As long as it hasn't been doctored with sugar or other sweet stuff, then it can be used in a mask or applied to problem blemishes. Apply to affected areas and let sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with cold water. Repeat the application twice a day until the acne subsides. Who knew breakfast had so many benefits?