Natural Skincare with Grains

Barley, wheat, and oats are all easy to find grains in your kitchen cupboard or at the grocery store. All whole grains, are valuable sources of protein, vitamin E, and the B vitamins. Finely ground they make an excellent cleanser that can be used in place soap. Added to your bathwater, they create a soothing soak perfecter all skin types. Oatmeal baths are a popular cure for dry, sensitive skin. You can make small bath bags to tie under your water tap by filling muslin tea bags or small squares of cotton fabric with fresh grains.

Here are a few more recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Cleanser

Oatmeal is a well known and popular breakfast cereal but it is also a wonderful skin cleanser. In fact there are commercial product lines using oatmeal as their key ingredient for this very reason. Here is a simple cleanser you can create at home and makes a gentle cleanser and a soap free option for your complexion.

1 cup warm water

1 /2 cup whole oats

1 T vegetable glycerine or honey

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour into an airtight container. To use: Place a small amount in the palm of your hand and gently massage into your skin. Rinse well with tepid water and pat dry.

Yield: 8 ounces

Herbal Grain Body Scrub

This is a rejuvenating full body treatment featuring cornmeal which makes an excellent exfoliating scrub for your skin. Use this mixture monthly to keep your skin fresh and clean. Calendula is soothing to your skin and Rosemary gives the mixture an uplifting scent. Feel free to use your favorite herbs or leave out if you prefer an unscented product.

1 /2 cup ground cornmeal

1 /4 cup whole oats, chopped

1 /2 cup grated castile soap

1 teaspoon dried calendula petals

1 /2 teaspoon dreid rosemary leaves

In a large bowl mix together all ingredients. Pour into an airtight container. To use Apply as you would any cleanser and massage all over your body. Rinse well and then moisturize your skin with a natural oil or rich body lotion.

Yield: 12 ounces

Happy Fall -- You are beautiful!

xoxo Janice