Mom always told you to eat your oatmeal. What she didn't say was that you should consider wearing it too. Most of us are willing to go to almost any length in the quest for smoother, more supple and youthful-looking skin. 

But oftentimes, store-bought masks contain harsh chemicals that can harm your skin if applied too often. And that’s where oatmeal comes in. The oatmeal mask, whether homemade, applied at the spa or bought in the store is as gentle as it is versatile and effective. 

So if you’re looking for a way to defend your skin against the ravages of time, we suggest you take a look at the humble oat. Which is exactly what we’re going to do starting now.

What are Oatmeal Face Masks and What are Their Benefits? 

The oatmeal mask is like any other type of mask you wear on your face and neck. What’s different about it is that it’s both easy on your skin and good for it. The benefits of the oatmeal mask are numerous: 

• It removes dead skin cells - If you’re serious about attaining clean, healthy, toned skin on your face and neck, it's crucial to exfoliate on a regular basis. Oatmeal makes an ideal exfoliant.
• It’s good for oily skin - Oatmeal is super absorbent and that makes it the perfect choice for a mask intended to soak up excess oil.
• It’s gentle - Those with red, irritated skin, eczema, dermatitis, and other conditions have nothing to worry about with oatmeal masks.
• It can help treat acne - Some oatmeal masks (and there are many types as we’ll see in a minute) have soothing properties that allow them to reduce the chances of acne outbreaks.
• It’s an outstanding cleanser - Oatmeal contains compounds called saponins which actually absorb dirt and leave behind a clear, healthy glow.

When Should You Use Oatmeal Face Masks and How do They Work? 

The great thing about most types of oatmeal masks is that they’re not only effective, but they can also be used pretty much every day. This helps you stay ahead of things like atmospheric pollutants that, if given a couple of days dug in on your face, can really do a number on your skin. 

Unlike their more famous spa and OTC counterparts that typically contain either glycolic acid or lactic acid, oatmeal masks contain much gentler amino acids. While the oatmeal mask is in place, these amino acids are being absorbed by the skin and go to work repairing damaged skin, bolstering its health, and restoring its tone. 

In addition, because oatmeal is a natural humectant, it draws water to the surface of your skin, restoring proper hydration levels. 

This means it's not just a good idea for repairing damaged skin but also as a preventive measure to head off future damage. 

“Skincare is like dieting. You have to invest time and effort.” - Karen Grant 

How Often Can You do an Oatmeal Mask? 

You can use an oatmeal face mask every day if you want. With the exception being ones that include lemon or other such astringents. They may actually be counterproductive if used more than a couple of times per week.

Top 7 DIY Oatmeal Face Mask Recipes to Try

Oatmeal and Milk 

Combine all the capabilities of oatmeal with the lactic acid in milk and you have a powerful exfoliant that goes about its job without irritating your skin. This is one of our favorite homemade oatmeal masks for that reason alone. Here’s how you make it:

• Combine 1 tablespoon of rolled oats and 2 tablespoons of milk
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• Mix it up until you have a nice even paste
• Apply the mixture to face and neck
• Leave in place for 20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water

Oatmeal and Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that neutralize a range of potentially harmful bacteria. Combine this with oatmeal and you have a powerful combination that will leave your skin with a healthful glow. Here’s how you do it. 

• Combine 1/4 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Add 3 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal
• Mix until you have a smooth paste
• Apply the paste to your face and let it stand for 15 minutes
• Rinse with room temperature water
• Splash with cold water to close pores

Oatmeal and Yogurt 

For this mask, you're going to pretty much take your breakfast and apply it to your face! This type of oatmeal mask is actually great for those with combination or oily skin or those suffering from irritated skin. Here’s how you do it:

• Thoroughly mix 1/2 cup boiling water with 1/3 cup ground oatmeal
• Then let it sit until cool
• Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 2 of honey
• Add 1 egg white and mix until it forms a paste
• Apply to your neck and face and let it sit for 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

Oatmeal and Apple 

This is a super easy, but still effective, oatmeal mask that feels great. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, but it will work on any type of skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling smooth and supple in its wake. Here’s how you make and use it:

• Combine 2 tablespoons of plain applesauce and 1 tablespoon of honey
• Microwave for a few seconds to dissolve the honey
• Add 2 tablespoons of oatmeal
• Mix thoroughly then let it cool
• Apply it to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water then splash with cold water

Oatmeal, Coffee, Cocoa, and Yogurt 

This oatmeal mask is recommended for those with irritated or puffy skin. It replenishes moisture in a gentle, effective way that won’t aggravate things in the process. Here’s how it works:

• Combine 2 tablespoons of both coffee grounds and oatmeal and mix
• Add 2 tablespoons of dry cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt
• Mix until all the ingredients form a smooth paste
• Add a tablespoon of honey and stir that into the paste as well
• Apply it evenly to your face and neck and leave it in place for 15 minutes
• Rinse it off using lukewarm water then splash with cold water

Oatmeal and Vinegar 

Vinegar has antiseptic qualities that help you achieve a more hygienic skin surface that should be less susceptible to the ravages of harmful bacteria. Here’s how to make this oatmeal mask.

• Grind up 3 tablespoons of oatmeal
• Place it in a mixing bowl with 1/4 cup of hot water
• Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix it up well
• Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and stir it well
• Let the mixture stand until it’s cool
• Apply the paste to your neck and face and leave for 15 minutes
• Rinse off with room temperature water then splash with cold water

Oatmeal and Egg White 

Our final oatmeal mask is great for tightening up the skin and restoring luster and tone. Let’s get right to it. 

• Mix 1/2 cup of hot water with 1/3 cup ground oatmeal
• Mix these together thoroughly until the oatmeal has absorbed the water
• Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 egg white and 2 tablespoons of honey
• Stir the entire mix until you have a smooth paste
• Apply evenly to your face and neck and leave for 15 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water then splash with cold water

Can You Use an Oatmeal Mask for Redness?

Yes, you can use an oatmeal mask to reduce redness. The oatmeal, coffee, cocoa, and yogurt face mask we looked at above is, in fact, ideal for the job. 

Best Alternatives to Oatmeal Face Masks

Silicone Fusion™ by Dermaclara Beauty $39.99

Silicone Fusion™ has been rigorously tested by independent third-party lab BioScreen and shown to produce visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles for more than 80% of users.

We find the Dermaclara Beauty medical grade silicone patches to be the most dependably effective alternative to oatmeal masks currently on the market. And when you consider each can be reused up to 30 times, it also turns out to be an outstanding value as well. 

Pros 

• Dependable results that are fast-acting
• Hygienic silicone patches rejuvenate the skin
• Each can be reused up to 30 times
• Rigorous third-party testing

Cons 

• None worth mentioning

Yes To Grapefruit Single Use Paper Mask $2.99 

It’s great that there’s a mask out there that's so affordable, but it wouldn't be much good if it weren't also effective. Thankfully, the Yes To Grapefruit Single Use Paper Mask does a reasonable job pulling dirt and grime from your pores and leaving behind some vitamin C to attack free radicals. It also smells pretty good to boot. 

Pros 

• Anyone can afford this paper mask
• It does a good job cleaning out your pores
• It smells like a fruit salad

Cons 

• Not great at replenishing moisture

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial Treatment $11 

This is another affordable oatmeal mask alternative that’s pretty effective and easy to use. Clay masks have been around for thousands of years because they work. And while this isn’t on par with the hygienic Silicone Fusion™ masks, it still does a pretty good job scouring your face of nasty little blackheads and excess oil. 

Pros 

• Easy to use
• Does a good job of eliminating blackheads

Cons 

• Not so great for sensitive skin

Can You Use an Oatmeal Mask for Eczema? 

Yes, you can use an oatmeal mask for eczema because they're naturally anti-inflammatory. An oatmeal and yogurt mask is particularly helpful for those with eczema.

“The trick is to age honestly and gracefully.” - Emma Thompson

Where Can You Buy Oatmeal Face Masks? 

You’ll find most of the commercially available face mask products profiled above at Amazon, at numerous lower-profile sites that deal with skincare and at a range of brick and mortar beauty shops. 

As always, we recommend you proceed with caution when purchasing cosmetics from Amazon unless you’re certain you're purchasing from the manufacturer or from an authorized reseller. Our top choice for an alternative face mask – Silicone Fusion™, our silicone beauty patches for face are available from the official Dermaclara Beauty website, where you’ll also find the full range of their other skincare products. 

Why You Should Add Oatmeal Face Masks to Your Current Skincare Routine 

The best reason to add regular oatmeal face masks to your skincare routine is that they’ll help you repair damaged skin and help prevent further damage from occurring. 

They provide a simple, effective, low-impact way to help ensure your face looks great through all the stages of life. Not just when you’re 19. 

Any of the homemade oatmeal masks we profiled above will serve you well in both the short and long-term. But if you’re looking for the absolute most effective method for ensuring lustrous skin, we recommend you try the clarafuse by Dermaclara Beauty.