• Oats are highly beneficial for skin.Haferflocken, kernig image by bbroianigo from Fotolia.com
  
  Many people start their days with a piping-hot bowl of oatmeal. While it is well known as a nutritious, wholesome meal, oatmeal is also touted for its beneficial skin care properties. In fact, many soap and cosmetic companies now incorporate oatmeal into their formulas so users can benefit from its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. These tips show you how to incorporate regular oatmeal into your beauty regimen.
  
  

Masks

• Masks help eliminate skin imperfections by slowly penetrating the skin's surface to draw out impurities. Oatmeal is especially beneficial in skin masks because it cleanses without stripping the skin's moisture. Simply mix 5 tbsp. of oatmeal with 1 tbsp. of honey until you have a thick paste. Add 1 tbsp. live yogurt for a deep cleansing mask, 1/2 ripe banana for a moisturizing mask or 1/2 ripe chopped apple for an antioxidant mask. Apply the paste to your face and neck and allow to remain for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  
  

Scrubs

• Oatmeal provides gentle exfoliation without leaving the skin dry or irritated. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, leaving skin soft and smooth. Scrubs are used to slough away dead skin cells on the skin's surface. They also stimulate new skin cell growth.
  
  A simple oatmeal scrub can be whipped up using two tablespoons of oatmeal. For scrubs, it helps to grind up your oatmeal using a coffee grinder, blender or mortar and pestle. Add 2 tbsp. of honey and 2 tsp. of lemon juice. Massage the scrub into your face and neck using gentle circular motions, and rinse afterward.
  
  

Baths

• Many children were given oatmeal baths to combat the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy. According to Botanical Online, oatmeal baths are useful for treating a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, sunburns, dermatitis and eczema. Even for those not suffering from a skin condition, oatmeal baths soothe and relax while locking in moisture.
  
  For moist, supple skin try soaking in an oat and milk bath comprised of 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1/4 cup powdered milk. Just mix the powders together and place in a muslin or cheesecloth bag. Allow the powders to steep into your bath water by hanging the bag underneath the running water. Relax and enjoy the soothing benefits of an oatmeal bath.