Whether or not you call yourself a fitness enthusiast, we are sure you have included oats in your diet at one point or the other. They are very well-known for their nutritional value and health benefits, but did you know that oats come packed with a lot of beauty benefits too?
Yes, that’s right! From soaking excess sebum to promoting better and healthier hair growth, oats are brimming with benefits for beauty buffs like you and me. But before we get into the details, here is a list of reasons why you should grab a pack of oats on your next visit to the grocery store.
- Treats acne
- Relieves dry and itchy skin
- Is a natural moisturiser
- Works a skin cleanser
- Treats dandruff
- Increases hair growth
Now that you know a little about the benefits, let’s take a look at the beauty benefits of this amazing breakfast staple in a little more detail…
Treats acne
One of the best qualities of oatmeal is that it helps in soaking up the excess sebum from the skin, and therefore is a godsend for anyone with oily and acne-prone skin. Additionally, it is brimming with anti-inflammatory properties, and hence reduces the swelling and redness that acne brings with it. To use this to treat acne, simply boil about two spoons of oats in a little water, until it forms a thick paste. Allow it to cool and apply this to your face for about 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Relieves dry and itchy skin
Oatmeal is brimming with saponin, which is an excellent exfoliant and does a wonderful job at eliminating dry skin cells and making your skin appear smoother and softer. Oats also contain polysaccharides and what this does is, it forms a layer on your skin that seals in moisture and prevents its loss. This is what works to relieve skin dryness and makes your skin appear smooth, hydrated and conditioned at all times. Additionally, as discussed earlier, the anti-inflammatory benefits of oats relieve eczema and prevent skin redness and rashes.
To relieve dry skin, all you need to do is mix a tablespoon of oats with a tablespoon of rose water, grind it to a paste and apply all over your face and neck area for instant results.
Is a natural moisturiser
Since oats have natural exfoliating properties, they remove dead skin cells and deliver hydration deep into your skin. This is why oats are considered to be a natural moisturising agent. Using a moisturiser with oats is also beneficial for people with sensitive and oily skin, as it has oil-absorbent properties and will not aggravate the problems of breakouts on oily skin.
Works a skin cleanser
Oats are a rich source of compounds known as saponins and they do an excellent job of eliminating dirt, bacteria and other impurities from deep within your skin. They also deep cleanse clogged pores without causing the slightest bit of irritation. In order to use oatmeal as a natural skin cleanser, here’s what you need to do -
Soak a small bowlful of oatmeal in water and leave it overnight. Strain the water into a clean container and you can use it as a natural makeup remover or even as a toner.
Treats dandruff
A common hair problem that most of us face on a regular basis is dandruff. And if you have tried everything under the sun and yet nothing seems to be really getting you results, we suggest you give oats a try. As oats contain saponin, they are brimming with natural cleansing properties and work well to eliminate dandruff from your scalp. Additionally, since it also contains lipids, it leaves your scalp thoroughly hydrated and moisturized. This property is what keeps dandruff from resurfacing. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory benefits that relieve constant itching.
Increases hair growth
Since oats help in eliminating dandruff, removing excess sebum production and calming inflammation, it makes your scalp conducive to hair growth. Using a shampoo that is enriched with oats is a great place to start. This will help in soothing your scalp, stimulating dormant hair follicles and promoting thick, luscious and strong hair growth.
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Frequently asked questions about the beauty benefits of oats:
1. Can oats be applied to the face daily?
A. Yes, definitely. Oats are very gentle on the skin and do not usually cause side effects on even the most sensitive skin types. Apart from absorbing excess oil, it calms acne and inflammation, as well as acts as a natural skin exfoliator.
2. Do oats lighten skin?
A. Oats are a great source of amino acids, which is effective at lightening marks, discoloration, pigmentation and other issues. It also contains vitamin B1, which promotes better blood circulation and gives your skin a healthy glow.
3. Does oatmeal help hair growth?
A. Oats are brimming with hair-loving nutrients such as fibre, zinc, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). All of these come together to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote hair growth. With regular use, you will notice that your hair appears thicker, longer and stronger.
At a glance, following are all the amazing benefits of oats for your skin and hair:
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Written by Urvi Dalal on 29th Jun 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!