THE APOTHECARY'S GARDEN

COLUMNIST: Malisse Walker

When it comes to dry, itchy skin, there is no better savior than humble oatmeal (avena sativa), especially the finely ground form called colloidal oatmeal. Although it is more commonly found on our kitchen tables as part of a hearty winter breakfast, oatmeal has several properties that make it a wonderful way to treat numerous skin conditions and complaints

Oatmeal is a natural exfoliator, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from our body, making it an excellent cleanser for sensitive skin It is rich in beta-glucan, a substance that is known for its water absorption properties, and colloidal oatmeal can also form an occlusive barrier on the skin, meaning that oatmeal aids in both absorbing moisture into the skin and preventing moisture loss. By keeping the skin nourished and moisturized, oatmeal can help prevent dryness, itchiness, tightness, and flaking

People who have eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, and even acne may find skincare products containing oatmeal to be especially beneficial. This is due to oatmeal being antiinflammatory with some additional antibacterial properties, which enables it to soothe inflamed and itchy skin while calming irritation

Most apothecaries will stock colloidal oatmeal and products containing oatmeal. If you wish to make your own colloidal oatmeal, ensure that you purchase organic oats and simply grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or coffee/spice grinder.

Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath is a quick, easy, and affordable remedy for sufferers of eczema or other ailments that cause itchy skin. It is by no means a cure, but it offers relief from symptoms. As hot water can dry skin out, causing further irritation, for best results, use in lukewarm water every day

Ingredients

1 cup of colloidal oatmeal Lukewarm water

Method

Add the colloidal oatmeal to a bath full of the lukewarm water Stir until oatmeal has dissolved and turned the water milky

Soak in the water for 10 minutes and then rinse off with clean, lukewarm water. Follow up with a good quality moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the bath

Oatmeal Mask For Dry Skin

This mask is best suited for people with dry, sensitive skin. The oatmeal helps prevent moisture loss, while gently nourishing skin at the same time

Ingredients

½ cup colloidal oatmeal

1 egg

1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

½ banana, mashed

1 tablespoon honey

Method

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. To make the mask even more soothing, mix the ingredients in a bowl over ice to chill them

Apply the mask evenly to a clean, dry face and leave for 15-20 minutes Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer

Oatmilk Calming Lotion

This body lotion is perfect for those suffering from dry, itchy, skin and can also be applied to the face if needed. It is lightweight enough that people with oily skin can use it as well

Ingredients

¼ cup safflower oil (or an alternative of your choice, such as jojoba, argan, sunflower, hemp seed, or sweet almond)*

½ cup oat milk (you can buy oat milk at your local merchant’s or you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of colloidal oatmeal to ½ cup of water)

1 tablespoon emulsifying wax

1 teaspoon glycerine

1 teaspoon Luecidal Liquid SF preservative

3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)**

3 drops chamomile essential oil (optional)**

3 drops pine essential oil (optional)**

2 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)**

1 clean and sterilized glass jar with lid.

Method

Combine the oil and emulsifying wax in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan that contains a few inches of water. Do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.

Over lowest heat possible, warm through until the wax has just melted

While the wax is melting, combine the oat milk and glycerine in a separate heatproof bowl and, on low temperature, heat until it is warm to the touch but not hot

Pour the glycerine mixture into the oil mixture, and using an immersion blender, mix the ingredients until they start to combine and thicken This should take approximately 1-2 minutes.

Once it has developed a lotionlike consistency, mix in the preservative and the essential oils, if using them

Scoop the lotion into the jar and close the lid tightly Store in a cool, dark place.

*If you have very dry skin you can swap half the oil for either shea or cocoa butter. If you have oily skin, jojoba is recommended **If you have sensitive skin, it is probably best to omit the essential oils. Essential oils can be irritating and are sensitizing (you may develop a sensitivity to them just by using them).