Lately I have been obsessed with researching and trying out recipes for homemade skin care products. You may have seen my post on Vanilla Olive Oil body scrub or Winter Moisturizing Avocado mask...yes I am obsessed. That being said, I'm not completely changing up my beauty regimen. You won't see me whipping up a homemade version of eye cream for example...that my friends is taking it too far and one must not mess with "the wrinkles". What I will try is this homemade Chamomile Oatmeal face mask. Simply take a small bowl of this mask into your next shower, apply liberally to the décolletage and steam away. Rinse off and enjoy the feeling of softer skin in no time!
{photos by freutcake}
Chamomile Oatmeal Mask
Recipe adapted from Cleansing Facial Gommage by Barbara Close
Strongly brewed chamomile tea (we will be using only 2 Tbs-¼ cup)
½ cup old fashioned oats (pulsed a few times in food processor)
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp white sugar (optional)
Brew a cup of chamomile tea. In a small bowl mix oats, baking soda and honey. Start out by adding only 2 Tbsp of tea to oat mixture and set aside 5 minutes. If mixture is too dry, add a small amount of tea at a time until desired consistency is reached...don't add too much! Add 2 Tbsp of white sugar (optional) and mix to combine. Mask will be chunky. Apply to washed, damp face and let sit 5 minutes. I suggest doing this in the shower as it can be quite messy. Rinse and apply moisturizer.
Ingredient Benefits:
Chamomile- calming & anti-inflammatory
Oats- the "milk" from the oats contain salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant
Baking soda- neutralizes skins acidity and softens skin
Honey- helps remove dead skin cells
Sugar- exfoliant
Storage Notes: This mask should be used immediately after making and will not keep.
[email protected]+cupcakes says
Yum! I might have trouble keeping this just on my face, it looks so tasty! I'm one of those weirdo's that LOVES oatmeal...like order it at a restaurant type of love 🙂
freutcake says
Yes, it smells so delicious but alas tastes bad. I know, I tried it! 🙂 Baking soda is not tasty but works wonders on the skin.
Gaby [The Vault Files] says
mmm I tempted!!
You take such great photos 😉
Ana Maria / Anamu says
oooo this sounds so nice - sorry morning oatmeal, you'll just have to go on my face instead of in my belly some days.
Lane Culpepper says
Yay I have all of those ingredients!
freutcake says
That's why I love this mask! 🙂
Adriel says
Do you know how long this stuff keeps? If I make a couple batches, I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't spoil
freutcake says
Hi Adriel- This mask does not keep and should be used right away!
May of Naturalities says
Great recipe, I'll have to try it. Also, if you've got any mask leftovers in the bowl, don't throw it out - rub it on and between your hands to remove dead skin cells and get a quick hands scrub for spring.
Jessica says
So this recipe is for one use only? I assume.
Leah Bergman says
Yes! It's for one use but it makes enough for two.
Debby McClellan says
I assume you could use leftover amount on your neck and chest, yes?
Leah Bergman says
Absolutely! 😉
Cristina says
I have a question, can we use other types of teas? 😀
Leah Bergman says
Chamomile is actually very calming and toning for the skin so I wouldn't recommend substituting another tea. 🙂 Thanks for asking!
dominique says
do you cook the oats first
Leah Bergman says
Nope! Use them raw.
Jen says
U shouldn't put baking soda on your face the ph is to high and it will throw off your skins natural acid mantle leaving it very vulnerable to a multitude of damage! The softening effect is due to Sodium bicarbonate being a very mild exfoliant, but the more worrisome reason is because the higher ph, when it comes into contact with your skin it's similar to the softening soapy feeling ur bare hands will get when u are cleaning with diluted bleach without donning gloves. Simply no good! Might I make a suggestion, substitute baking soda for rice powder. If this is not available put some rice in a processor and add it to the dry oatmeal prior to adding the liquid. Rice water is one of the best things ever (will moisturize, lighten, and brighten!) Ipromise you shant be disappointed.
Jen says
I recently stumbled upon your blog and have been thoroughly enjoying it this far might I say. Thank you ever so much for posting this wonderful recipe. I simply get nothing but thrilled on all levels when it comes to such things. I happened to have all the ingredients for the oatmeal mask and just applied it in the shower as you suggested and it was marvelously soothing. The steam of the shower was a wonderfully tranquil bonus, as well as serving as a catalyst for the mask to truly penetrate deep into the depths of my pores and work it's calming magic. I did substitute the rice flour in place of the baking soda and no adverse circumstances in regaurds to the mixing of ingrediants, consistency of mask, outcome etcetera etcetera, occured as a result of doing so. My skin just feels and looks absolutely to die for. Will you look into the wonderful benefits of rice water if you aren't all ready well versed and perhaps post the scoop on that? It would be a fabulous addition I do declare. Thank you again for your marvelous work!