10 Best Homemade Oatmeal Face Packs For Glowing Skin

Oatmeal is more than just a nutritious breakfast option; it's a hidden beauty secret that's been around since the time of Cleopatra. Whether you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, oatmeal face packs can be your go-to natural remedy. 

In ancient Greece and Rome, people recognized the healing properties of oats and used oat baths to cure skin ailments and allergies. This traditional wisdom has carried into modern times, where oatmeal is an essential part of many skin care regimens.

In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of oats for skin and share recipes of some of the most effective oats face packs.

What Is Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a type of coarse flour made from hulled oat grains that have either been milled (ground) or steel-cut. Oatmeal for skin is an encompassing term that describes the multifaceted use of this humble grain in skincare.

Why Use Oatmeal Face Packs For Skin Care?

Oats are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Their gentle texture makes them suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. With its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, oats are an essential skincare ingredient.

Whether it's hydration, cleansing, soothing, or treating specific skin conditions, oatmeal offers a holistic solution that's within reach in most kitchens. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a timeless choice for natural, healthy skin care.

10 Best Homemade Oatmeal Face Packs

From the simple mixture of oatmeal and honey for dry skin to specialized packs with cucumber, curd, tomato, lemon, almonds, Multani mitti, and milk, oats face packs offer an array of options tailored to different skin needs.

1 Honey, Milk, and Oatmeal Pack

Good for: All skin types

Ingredients:

• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Milk – 2 tbsp

Benefits: Moisturizes, smoothens texture, natural bleaching

How to prepare:

• Mix oats, honey, and milk to form a smooth paste.
• Apply to your face and neck.
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.

Why it works: Oatmeal acts as an occlusive agent to reduce water loss, and honey retains moisture, keeping the skin smooth. Milk provides moisturizing and nourishing effects, making this combination rejuvenating for all skin types.

 

2 Oatmeal And Lemon

Good for: Oily and acne-prone skin

Ingredients:

• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Lime juice – 1 tsp
  

Benefits: Lightens tan, removes dirt

How to prepare:

1. Combine oats and lime juice to form a paste. 
2. You may add Olive oil to create a smooth paste.
3. Apply the mixture to your face.
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
5. Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Oatmeal absorbs excess oil, reducing sebum production, and makes acne less likely. The acidic properties of lemon balance skin pH and fight bacteria.

What experts say -

"Oatmeal's ability to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture is a breakthrough for individuals with oily or combination skin. Its natural cleansing properties offer a balanced approach to skincare, providing a fresh and mattified appearance without the harshness of chemicals." - Dr Aruna Purohit

3 Oatmeal and Almonds Pack

Good for: Dry, flaky skin

Ingredients:

• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Almonds – 5, crushed
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Milk or yogurt – 2 tbsp

Benefits: Exfoliates and massages skin

How to prepare:

1. Mix oats, crushed almonds, honey, and milk or yogurt to form a paste.
2. Apply to your face and neck.
3. Massage gently in circular motions.
4. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse.

Why it works: Oats and crushed almonds enhance the appearance and smoothness of the skin. Vitamin E in Almonds protects from UV damage, while the bleaching effect of Lactic acid in milk helps attain clear skin. This combination offers gentle exfoliation and nourishment.

You can also use Kama Ayurveda's Ubtan Soap-Free Body Cleanser as a complementary product to your Oatmeal and Almonds Face Pack. This non-drying body cleanser is formulated with nourishing ingredients like Oatmeal, Green Gram, Almonds, Neem, and Turmeric. 

It works to gently cleanse and exfoliate, leaving your skin fresh, smooth, and glowing. With its ability to balance and retexture the skin, it can be a wonderful addition to your skincare routine, providing the benefits of traditional Ayurvedic treatments in a soap-free formula.

4 Oatmeal and Papaya Pack

Good for: Rough skin

Ingredients:

• Papaya – a small piece, mashed
• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Almond oil – 1 tsp

Benefits: Gentle scrubbing, softening effect

How to prepare:

1. Mix mashed papaya, oats, and almond oil.
2. Apply the paste to your face.
3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Enzymes in papaya soften skin, while oatmeal adds mild scrubbing. Almond oil provides further moisturization, refreshing and softening the skin without harsh effects.

5 Oats and Tomato Pack

Good for: Dull and sun damaged skin

Ingredients:

1. Oats – 2 tbsp
2. Tomato – 1, pureed
3. Chilled Rose Water – 1 tbsp

Benefits: Lightens tan, balances excess oil

How to prepare:

1. Combine oats, pureed tomato, and chilled rose water.
2. Apply the mixture to your face.
3. Massage gently and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: 

Tomatoes, rich in Vitamins A, B, C, magnesium, and lycopene, also work to fade blemishes, reduce wrinkles, remove tan, add glow, and brighten the skin. Tomatoes also act as a natural astringent, shrinking pores and controlling excess oil. 

Oatmeal complements this by moisturizing and soothing the skin. Together, these ingredients create a balanced treatment that exfoliates and refreshes the complexion without drying it out.

Read - 20 Best Tan Removal Face Packs To Remove Sun Tan

6 Oatmeal Cleansing Milk

Good for: Cleansing

Ingredients:

• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Water – 2 tbsp

Benefits: Soothes sunburns, treats inflammation

How to prepare:

1. Mix oats and water to form a milky consistency.
2. Apply to your face using a cotton ball.
3. Rinse after 5 minutes.

Why it works: Oats and water form a soothing combination that treats sunburns and inflammation. Oatmeal's ability to protect against drying out and reduce irritation makes this a gentle cleansing solution.

7 Oatmeal and Kiwi Pack

Good for: Dehydrated and dull skin

Ingredients:

• Kiwi – 1, mashed
• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Yogurt – 1 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tsp

Benefits: Bright, moisturized skin

How to prepare:

1. Mix mashed kiwi, oats, yogurt, and honey.
2. Apply to your face and neck.
3. Leave on for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water.

Why it works: Kiwi's vitamin C brightens the skin, oats moisturize, and yogurt and honey add softness. The oatmeal and milk combination nourishes and revitalizes, reducing inflammation and evening skin tone.

“I often recommend oat-based products for those with dry or irritated skin. Its emollient properties are unparalleled, offering hydration and softness without synthetic additives."

8 Oatmeal and Buttermilk Face Pack

Good for: Sensitive, dry, or tanned skin

Ingredients:

• Buttermilk – 2 tbsp
• Oats – 2 tbsp

Benefits: Moisturizes, de-tans, calms redness, and gently exfoliates

How to prepare:

• Mix buttermilk and oats to form a smooth paste.
• Apply to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Buttermilk's lactic acid gently exfoliates and brightens the skin, while its fat content moisturizes and nourishes. Oats, rich in beta-glucans, create a barrier to keep moisture in, calming irritation and softening the skin. Together, they form a gentle, hydrating face pack that can soothe sensitive or dry skin, leaving it smooth and refreshed.

9 Oatmeal and Gram Flour (Besan) Pack

Good for: General care

Ingredients:

• Besan – 1 tbsp
• Oats – 2 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Rose water – 1 tbsp

Benefits: Gentle care for the face

How to prepare:

• Mix besan, oats, honey, and rose water.
• Apply to your face and neck.
• Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.

Why it works: Besan and oats cleanse and exfoliate, Honey hydrates, and Rose water soothes. The Oatmeal and Milk combination also aids in reducing irritation and itching, providing gentle daily care.

10 Oatmeal and Multani Mitti Pack

Good for: Oily skin and skin prone to acne

Ingredients:

• Oatmeal – 2 tbsp
• Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) – 2 tbsp
• Rose Water – 4 tbsp

Benefits: Absorbs excess oil, tightens the skin, and provides a refreshed, younger-looking complexion.

How to prepare:

• Mix oatmeal and Multani Mitti with rose water to form a smooth paste.
• Apply to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes or until it dries.
• Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Oatmeal possesses significant absorbing properties, enabling it to draw out and soak up excess oil from the skin while also moisturizing and preventing dryness. Multani Mitti deeply cleanses and removes impurities, and its skin-tightening effects offer a rejuvenated look. Rose water adds a refreshing, calming element and helps balance the skin's pH.

For those incorporating the Oatmeal and Multani Mitti Face Pack into their regimen, the Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack by Kama Ayurveda is an excellent product to consider. 

This complexion-enhancing Ayurvedic face pack adds youthful vibrance, smoothness, and luminosity to your skin. With natural ingredients like Haldi (Turmeric), Chandan (Sandalwood), Rose, Colloidal oatmeal and Multani Mitti, it offers deep cleaning, tightening of pores, and antioxidant protection. 

Its soothing anti-aging qualities and effectiveness against acne make it an ideal companion to your homemade face pack, contributing to a toned, radiant appearance.

What experts say -

"One common misconception is that oatmeal is too abrasive for sensitive skin. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and can be a gentle exfoliant for even the most delicate skin types. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it suitable for eczema and other skin irritations." - Dr Kanchan Kachroo

Top 10 Benefits of Oatmeal For Skin

Utilized in various forms, such as colloidal oatmeal or as a part of face packs, oats are an all-in-one skincare solution. From hydration and moisturization to exfoliation and oil absorption, oatmeal's benefits are manifold. 

Let's delve into the top 10 ways oatmeal can transform your skin and why it's considered a skincare superstar:

1. Rich Nutritional Profile

Oatmeal is packed with nutrients like antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins B1 and E, and zinc. This rich combination of beneficial compounds gives it an impressive range of skin-friendly properties.

2. Hydration and Moisturization

Colloidal oatmeal locks in moisture and helps restore the skin's natural balance. Its lipids and proteins nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

3. Exfoliation and Cleansing

Its grainy texture makes oatmeal an excellent natural exfoliant. It contains 'saponin,' a natural cleanser that removes toxins and dead skin cells, aiding in skin detoxification and cleansing.

4. Treatment for Acne

With anti-inflammatory properties, colloidal oatmeal helps to reduce redness and irritation from acne, making it an ideal acne treatment.

5. Anti-Aging Properties

Rich in antioxidants, colloidal oatmeal fights free radicals, reducing signs of aging and preventing skin from losing elasticity.

6. Skin Whitening and Discoloration Correction

Thanks to amino acids, Vitamin B1, and high zinc content, oatmeal can lighten marks, correct discoloration, and provide skin whitening effects.

7. Oil Absorption

Oatmeal's ability to absorb excess oil helps prevent breakouts and keeps the skin looking fresh.

8. Treatment for Various Skin Ailments

Recommended by dermatologists, oatmeal baths are used to treat skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, providing soothing relief.

9. Versatility Across Skin Types

Oatmeal is suitable for all skin types, from oily to dry. Its hypoallergenic properties make it accessible to everyone without causing reactions.

10. Emollient Properties

Oatmeal has the best amino acid balance compared to other cereal grains, a high silica content, and contains natural vitamin E. These features make it a unique emollient that restores moisture, shrinks large pores, reduces acne, and softens the skin.

Types Of Oats and Their Use in Skin Care

Different types of oats offer unique benefits for the skin, and their application may vary based on the form and texture. From exfoliating and moisturizing to treating specific skin conditions, oats are versatile ingredients in skincare. 

Make sure to choose the right type of oats for your specific skin care needs, and consult with a skincare professional if you have any concerns or underlying skin conditions.

1. Whole Oat Groats

Whole oat groats are the least processed form of oats and are typically too coarse for skincare applications. However, they can be ground into a coarse powder for a natural body scrub.

2. Steel-Cut Oats (Irish Oats)

Steel-cut oats are whole oats chopped into pieces. They can be used in bath soaks to provide soothing effects for irritated or sensitive skin.

3. Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)

Rolled oats are whole oats that are steamed and flattened. They're ideal for making oats face masks and body scrubs, as they have a softer texture that can exfoliate without being overly abrasive. They are excellent for moisturizing and calming the skin.

4. Quick or Instant Oats

These oats are pre-cooked and pressed thinner than rolled oats. While they can be used in face masks, they might not offer the same exfoliating benefits as rolled oats. However, they still provide moisturizing and soothing properties.

5. Oat Flour

Oat flour is finely ground oats and is perfect for face masks and facial scrubs. Its fine texture makes it suitable for gentle exfoliation and is often used in commercial skincare products.

6. Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal that has been finely ground and then suspended in liquid. It's commonly used in skincare products for its emollient properties and is excellent for treating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal baths are particularly popular for their soothing effects.

7. Oat Oil

Oat oil is rich in lipids and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturizer. It can be used in serums, creams, and lotions to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture.

8. Oat Extract

Oat extract is derived from whole oats and is often used in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help calm irritated skin and protect against environmental stressors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oatmeal Face Packs

1. Is oats face pack good for face? 

Yes, oatmeal face packs are excellent for the skin. They are known for their moisturizing, exfoliating, and soothing properties. Oatmeal can help treat various skin issues such as dryness, acne, and inflammation.

2. Can I use oats face mask every day? 

It's usually recommended to use an oatmeal face mask 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin's needs and sensitivity. You can use it daily if your skin is not allergic to oats.

3. Can I store leftover oatmeal face mask for future use? 

Yes, you can store leftover oatmeal face masks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, always check the texture and smell before reusing it, as natural ingredients may spoil.

4. How long does it take to see results with an oatmeal face mask? 

The results of using an oatmeal face mask can vary based on individual skin types and concerns. Some may notice immediate softening and soothing, while others may need a few weeks of regular use to see significant improvements. Continue using once or twice for at least a few weeks for visible results.

5. Can I use an oats face mask on other parts of my body, like my hands or feet? 

Absolutely! Oatmeal face masks can be applied to other areas of the body. They are particularly beneficial for dry or irritated skin on hands and feet.

6. Should I consult a dermatologist before using an oatmeal face mask? 

If you have specific skin concerns, allergies, or underlying skin conditions, it's always wise to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before using any new products, including oatmeal face masks.

7. Can oatmeal face packs be used on sensitive skin? 

Oatmeal is known for its hypoallergenic properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, always do a patch test first, especially if combining oatmeal with other ingredients in a face pack.

8. Are oats good for skin whitening? 

Oatmeal contains amino acids, Vitamin B1, and high zinc content, which can help lighten marks, correct discoloration, and provide skin brightening effects. Using oatmeal regularly in your skincare routine can lead to a brighter complexion.