What's all the buzz about?

Natural, healing and nutrient-rich, it's not surprising that honey is having a skincare moment
With the trend for kitchen cupboard beauty continuing to grow, we're increasingly finding more uses for honey than spreading on our toast. The global skincare  market is tipping back in favour of natural ingredients, and a recent Mintel survey found that 76 per cent of consumers are interested in honey-based products. Meanwhile, some of healthy's favourite beauty brands, such as Dr Organic, Andalou, and Manuka Doctor (Kourtney Kardashian is its ambassador), use honey as an active ingredient.

It may be hot in the beauty industry right now, but its cosmetic use goes far back in time. 'The ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey on skin conditions ranging  from wounds and acne, as well as for skin repair to combat ageing,' says Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, dermatologist and clinic director at skin.

Hive of activity
Natural honey is packed with skin-friendly nutrients, explains Dija Ayodele, facialist and founder of skincare range 3107. 'It's rich in B vitamins and micro minerals, such as copper, iron and calcium, which all play a part in keeping skin healthy and supporting the ageing process.' But hold back before slapping any old runny variety on your face: Ayodele highlights the importance of quality. 'Bog-standard honey goes through a cleaning process that generally removes the beauty benefits. Also, this honey is often watered down or sweetened, so it isn't as effective.'

Which type?
Raw honey is used in creams and salves to relieve dry, flaky skin conditions, like low-level eczema, dermatitis and dandruff, says Ayodele. 'It's a source of enzymes, proteins, antibiotics and natural hydroxy acids, such as gluconic acid, which acts as a mild exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells and brighten skin tone.'However, raw honey should never be used on open wounds, she adds. 'It's 100 per cent natural and, at its most potent, it can contain organisms that can be harmful to the skin and body.' That's why, for problems such as eczema and dermatitis where skin might have become broken, Ayodele recommends highest-grade active manuka (see below). Due to its antimicrobial quality, this honey is effective at calming the red and yellow spots associated with inflammatory acne, adds Dr Al-Niaimi.

Do grades matter?
You'll often see a unique manuka factor (UMF) on manuka honey  pots. This trademarked rating system from New Zealand relates to its bacteria-killing bioactive compounds. (Some brands use the rating non-peroxide activity - NPA - the lab term for UMF and graded the same way.) For skincare, the  higher the better, says Ayodele; aim for a rating of 12+ and above.

Silicone in Skincare

There are numerous forms of silicones used in cosmetic products, particularly leave-on skin-care products and all manner of hair-care products. Perhaps the most common forms of silicone are cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane. Other forms include various types of dimethicone and phenyl trimethicone.

What is silicone?
Silicone is a substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a great deal of slip, and in its various forms it can feel like silk on the skin, impart emolliency, and be a water-binding agent that holds up well, even when skin becomes wet. In other forms, it is also used extensively for wound healing and for improving the appearance of scars.

Silicone and acne
Claims that silicones in any form cause or worsen acne have not been substantiated in published research, nor have reports that silicones are irritating or "suffocate" skin. Almost all of these claims are either myths or based on anecdotal evidence, which isn't the best way to determine the safety or efficacy of any cosmetic ingredient.

Does silicone suffocate skin?
How do we know that silicones don’t suffocate skin? Because of their molecular properties they are at the same time porous and resistant to air. Think of silicones in a skin-care formula like the covering of a tea bag. When you steep the tea bag in water the tea and all of its antioxidant properties are released. Silicones remain on the surface of your skin and the other ingredients they are mixed with "steep" through. All ingredients have to be suspended in some base formula. Some of those ingredients remain on the surface, some absorb. Either way, the "actives" get through. Think of how many topical medications are suspended in petrolatum or mineral oil and those active ingredients absolutely get through and petrolatum is far more effective at preventing moisture loss than silicones are. Silicones have been used in burn units for years because of their unique healing, protecting, and breathable properties.

Moreover, the molecular structure of commonly used silicones makes it impossible for them to suffocate skin. The unique molecular structure of silicones (larger molecules with wider spaces between each molecule) allow them to form a breathable barrier and also explains why silicones rarely feel heavy or occlusive, although they offer protection against moisture loss.

Does silicone clog pores?
Interestingly, silicone has been shown to be helpful for offsetting dryness and flaking from common anti-acne active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics. (Also, silicone fillers are sometimes used for improving the appearance of acne scars. That certainly wouldn't be the case if silicone was a pore-clogging ingredient.) Perhaps the most telling reason why silicones do not clog pores and cause acne (or blackheads) is because, from a chemistry standpoint, most silicones are volatile substances. That means their initially viscous (thick) texture evaporates quickly and does not penetrate the pore lining where acne is formed. Instead, they help ensure an even application of other ingredients and leave behind a silky, almost imperceptible feel that noticeably enhances skin's texture and appearance. You can think of this as a breathable barrier that protects skin while barely being felt.

Source: 
Journal of Wound Care, July 2000, pages 319–324, The Chemistry and Manufacture of Cosmetics, Volume 3, Book 2, Allured Publishing Corporation, 2002, pages 833-839,  Cutis, October 2008, pages 281-284,  Dermatology Research and Practice, October 2010, Epublication.

Dealing with problem skin

The most common skin problems are:

• psoriasis
• eczema
• acne vulgaris
• acne rosacea
• dermatitis
• dry skin

It is easy to forget that your skin is the largest organ in your body, and the only organ that we can see easily and on a daily basis! The skin can be thought of as an outward reflection of your inner health and well being. Skin problems cause a huge amount of physical discomfort and emotional stress and many of the prescribed medicines that patients use simply give some topical relief, but do not treat the underlying cause. Many people find that when they stop using prescription medicines that their problems flare up again. Some products, such as steroids, have side effects and should not be used for extended periods. Herbs have been used by herbalists to treat skin problems for centuries using them for blood purifying, immune support, to fight infection and aid elimination. A herbalist looks at the patient as a whole taking into account family history; diet; medical history and lifestyle. Our bodies are complex and when we develop a problem there is often more than one factor acting as a trigger. Whilst the best approach is always to consult a practitioner, there are a number of things that you can try for yourself.

INTERNAL USE Some useful herbs include:

• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is often used to clear up mildly infected skin problems and teenage acne. It can also be used topically.
• Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) is a cleansing and detoxifying herb, used traditionally for psoriasis, acne and rosacea. It can be drunk as a tea or taken as a tincture.
• Burdock (Arctium lappa) is considered to be a liver herb, and helps with elimination and clearing skin problems. It is often used in long standing cases of acne and psoriasis.
• Chamomile (Chamomilla recuitita) is a gentle nerve relaxant, anti-inflammatory and healer. It combines well with plantain and nettle for the treatment of eczema.
• Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a cooling and strengthening herb for the skin. It promotes healing and works well in a tea blend.
• Nettle (Urtica dioca) is traditionally used as a gentle blood cleanser and anti-allergy remedy. It is particularly useful for itchy, allergic skin conditions and can be taken as a tea or tincture.

EXTERNAL USE Creams or lotions containing these herbs can help to soothe and moisturise the dry skin associated with these conditions that often causes so much of the irritation:

• Starflower oil (Borago officinalis) is soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory. It is useful to treat inflamed skin such as in eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
• Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a cooling herb for hot, itchy skin.
• Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) is used by herbalists to reduce redness and inflammation in itchy skin conditions. It combines well with cooling peppermint for itchy eczema.
• Pokeroot (Phytolacca decandra) may help to reduce redness and scaling in psoriasis when used as an ointment.
• Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is used for its healing and antiseptic properties to prevent infection and heal broken skin. It is useful in acne, dermatitis, eczema and to heal wounds.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil has a strong antibacterial action, and is extremely useful in treating acne, as a herbal cream, gel or in skincare preparations.

Caution: Stopping the use of steroid-based creams suddenly can cause skin conditions to flare up. Steroid creams should be withdrawn slowly and can be used alongside herbal preparations. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a qualified medical herbalist.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE
Smoking can play havoc with the skin, robbing the body of vital antioxidant nutrients and adversely affecting the skin's blood supply. Cigarette smoke also contains a wide range of toxic substances that can trigger allergies in some people. Stress can play a large part in skin flare-ups and a noticeable improvement can often be seen when stress levels are reduced. See our Stress Management page for information on herbs to help control stress. Exercise can also help to reduce stress levels and boost circulation and energy levels.

It is also really important to get adequate sleep - this is when your body does its repair work, and lack of sleep can contribute to dull, problematic skin. The correct balance of nutrients is vital for skin to repair and renew itself. A diet based on refined and processed foods can lead to nutritional shortfalls that also affect the immune system, hormonal balance and bowel function - all factors that may be reflected in skin health.

Foods containing additives and colourings, tea, coffee, fried foods, sugary foods and drinks, dairy products and animal fats can contribute to skin problems or make them worse. Alcohol can also exacerbate itchy, flaky and inflamed skin conditions, and is best kept to a minimum. The best approach is to eat fresh, unprocessed foods including fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds with plenty of fluid in the form of plain water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juices. Aim to eat at least 5-7 portions of a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables daily plus around two litres of fluid.

Some cases of eczema may be linked to food allergy or intolerance and eliminating the offending foods can greatly improve the condition. Cow’s milk and wheat products are common triggers for skin problems, but other foods may be identified using food sensitivity testing as a guide.

SUPPLEMENTS
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) like Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), found in Starflower and Evening Primrose Oil and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) are sometimes used in the treatment of dry, irritated skin conditions.

Zinc is important for the immune system, skin healing and reducing inflammation.

Vitamins A, C and E are all important for immune function, skin healing and to prevent premature ageing of skin.

Reference: http://clinic.deeatkinson.net/health-concerns/skin/skin-problems-and-herbal-medicine

Mineral Make-Up - just hype and clever marketing?

Every so often, the cosmetics and beauty industry markets a new beauty regime or product. Whilst mineral make-up has been around for a while now, few have heard of it other than the experts and professionals in the field, and those discerning few who actually take care in what they put on their skin for the sake of beauty.  People think mineral means natural, so they are drawn to it. Many people find out about mineral make-up when they want to 'go green' with their cosmetics. With the current interest in safe, natural, and organic products, the mineral make-up approach is very popular. Without doubt, this trend is an increasing one.

The Ancient History of Mineral Make-up
Mineral makeup got its commercial start in the 1970s with some of the really early all-natural make-up products. But its history is as ancient as the human desire to enhance one's looks. Mineral make-up is a return to technologies that have been in use since ancient times. Many ancient cultures used ground-up natural minerals as a means of applying colour to the skin for decoration, camouflage, war paints, etc. Cleopatra's kohl-rimmed eyes are an example. However, the history of mineral make-up no doubt goes back much farther, even to early cave-dwellers.

So who first successfully marketed the concept? One pioneer was Diane Ranger, the cosmetic chemist who founded Bare Escentuals in 1976 and later started Colorescience Pro, another mineral line. She developed her first mineral cosmetics because she felt there was a need and market for natural ingredients and a natural look and feel.

In 1976, cosmetics firms were required to list ingredients on their products for the first time and there was a shock as to the extent of the ingredients in them. The growing desire for natural cosmetics coincided with the increasing number of women who identified themselves as having sensitive skin. Add in marketing and media awareness, and an ageing baby boomer which all mattered.

What's in Mineral Make-up?
Minerals such as iron oxides, talc, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide are micronised, or ground and milled, into tiny particles to create make-up. Different products micronise to different levels. A product micronised to six times leaves minerals larger so they go on the skin with a light to medium coverage. Products micronised 12 times create fine-sized particles that sit closer together and offer more coverage.

A key difference from conventional make-up is what's not in mineral make-up. It generally does not contain the emollient oils and waxes, fragrance, and preservative ingredients found in conventional formulations. Mineral products are usually preservative-free and since they have very low odour, they are often also fragrance-free; preservatives and fragrance are often what cause irritation.

To ensure you're buying a quality mineral make-up product, read the label. If it says "mineral-enriched" or if the formulation is liquid or mousse, these products may contain ingredients such as preservatives (which are vital) or dimethicone which is sometimes added for a smooth texture. Items that aren't powders might also contain moisturisers, antioxidant vitamins, or other ingredients for your skin. It's your choice.

The Benefits of Mineral Make-up
The benefits of mineral make-up have many women flocking to try it - and it isn't just all hype. One popular claim is that it can clear up acne. It's unlikely that mineral make-up will clear up pimples which can be caused by many factors including changes in hormone levels. The anti-irritating ingredients like zinc can be soothing to inflammation, but it's not likely a cure-all. The lack of the filler ingredients found in conventional make-up however, can lead to less pore clogging. That can mean fewer breakouts.

Unfortunately, there are no studies to date on this especially those that are reliable and reputable. However, if you are putting on moisturiser followed by sunscreen and then on top of that foundation topped with powder, you are more likely to have clogs. Therefore it is unsurprising that skin problems arise. Quite often, consumers feedback saying that mineral make-up does not make acne worse but it doesn't make it better either. So despite the calming effects of zinc, mineral make-up is clearly better for acne than any other kind of cosmetics. Therefore if you have acne, a recommendation would be to using skin care products targeted for pimples.

Another claim is that mineral make-up acts as a sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage. The protective claims for zinc oxide (the white stuff your local lifeguard paints on his nose) and titanium dioxide, usually found in powder blends, do have some research behind them. The FDA has approved zinc oxide as a skin protector and titanium dioxide as a sunscreen.

Importantly however, no mineral make-up is going to give you enough SPF to protect you against damaging ultraviolet rays. Some brands claim that the product has confirmed SPF factors. However, it's unclear how much powder is needed  to get full protection. Having the SPF in the mineral make-up is a benefit, but it’s extra. But this would apply to all commercial skincare products anyway. It is certainly advisable not to skip sunscreen and if, for example, you are going to sit outside at lunch and don't have time to entirely reapply your face (moisturiser, sunscreen, and make-up), you can dust on a coat of mineral powder with SPF for extra protection.

Mineral Make-up: Is It Worth It?
When it comes to mineral make-up's supposed skin-soothing properties, it is anti-inflammatory, however the calamine lotion you use to calm a rash is basically zinc oxide coloured with iron oxide, both of which are in mineral make-up. But there's no proof of this claim or indication of how much product you need for that result.

What about the claim that it's so gentle you can sleep in it? Mineral make-up's light-as-air feel is part of what makes it so popular, and tempting to sleep in. However, all good skincare specialises would advise against this  as sleeping in make-up of any kind encourages the formation of clogs and irritation.
Mineral make-up might not last as long on your face or be as durable as conventional make-up because it doesn't contain standard cosmetic ingredients such as binders, waterproof polymers, and other 'stick-to-your-skin' agents. True mineral make-up is limited in its natural range of shades, so it may be difficult to find a perfect skin tone match.

What is pure mineral make-up?
Minerals in make-up make-up are more than just what gives it the colour. It is made from microscopic flat crystals that overlap one another on the skin to crate a filtering layer that allows the skin to breathe. It also protects your skin from environmental pollutants. It even protects your skin from getting sunburn with a broad spectrum of sun protection. Which is why its can be the best type of mineral powder foundation for your skin. But be careful and check for ingredients such as talc. That can not be good for your skin. In addition to the minerals and inorganic pigments, your mineral make-up can also include natural preservatives antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, nutrients, and, of course, sunscreens. Mineral make-up is often recommended by dermatologists for anyone who has sensitive skin and wants to cover up acne, scars, and rosacea. All that protection from a pure item from the earth, but just what is in mineral make-up?

Listed below are some of the more common ingredients found in basic pure mineral make-up:

1. Titanium dioxide. This is your natural sunscreen as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. It’s great for people with acne, rosacea, inflammatory skin conditions, as well as post-surgical or post-chemical peel skin. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and perfect for all skin types. Note that it may not give you enough sun screen protection, so wear your sun screen before going outside.
2. Zinc oxide is also a natural sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Even though it is also a natural sunscreen, it still will not give you all the protection you will need, so again, be prepared to still use your moisturiser with added SPF 25 or higher sunscreen.
3. Mica. This is the mineral that gives your mineral make-up sparkles. It comes in a variety of hues starting from pale green, brown, black, silver, and gold, to even being colourless. It is what reflects light off your face, creating an illusion of smoother, softer, more radiant skin. It’s known as your natural glitter. It also adds shimmer and lots of colour!
4. Kaolin clay. This is the mildest china clay used in creating cosmetics. It also offers great oil absorbing properties, without irritating your skin. It also helps your make-up stay where you put it. Kaolin clay is a better choice for your skin overall than talc.
5. Iron oxides. This is a natural mineral, and it also adds colours to your mineral make-up. There is more than one type of iron oxide.
6. Serecite. This is a fluffy, translucent mineral that provides a silky texture. It is colourless and often used in setting powder (when creating your personal recipes either as a business like Overall Beauty Minerals or as your own, you add it last to give your make-up staying power). It’s white, but goes on clear. It has been used as a primer and adds water resistance and fade/crease-proof qualities to the make-up.
7. Silica. This is a mineral from flint and quartz used to absorb oil and improve the feel of the product you are wearing.
8. Ultramarine pigments. These are derived from limestone containing the blue mineral lazurite. These pigments are your blues, violets, and others, and are very strong pigments, so very little needs to be used when creating colours.

Note: Carmine. This may only be a problem to those who are vegetarians and vegans, due to the fact that it happens to be a crushed extraction from a beetle. Now, if that is something that you want to stay away from, then do that. It’s more of a personal choice than something that’s bad for you. Carmine is found in many brands due to the fact its the most well known natural red out there. And I put it here under what not to find in your mineral makeup do to the fact that you can not call your brand vegan, if you are using carmine. And carmine can be found in a ton of things, from blushes, eye shadows, candles, the toothpaste you use if its tinted red. Next to cosmetic dyes its one of the most common way to create reds, and pinks.

So, now we know what is likely to be in mineral make-up, what about all the ingredients that really shouldn't be in them? These are all well known ingredients found in a ton of brands of make-up. They also can be a issue for those who want to wear mineral make-up but they want something that is as pure as possible. In my opinion there is no need for cheap fillers.

Here is a list of cheap fillers, ingredients that are in a lot of major brands. These are known additives and cheap fillers that saves the creator of the mineral make-up brand money, but may cause you problems.

1. Talc (magnesium silicate), is a common filler, and can cause respiratory problems. Talc will dry your skin (think, what does baby talc do?). We are talking about the exact ingredient. It will also accentuate those fine lines and wrinkles you are trying to hide.
2. Boron and bismuth oxychloride. Both are well known skin irritants and can cause itching, rashes, and cystic acne breakouts.
3. There could be FD&C dyes, which can cause acne when used in a skin care item.
4. Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea are not that well known, nor should they be used in a true pure mineral make-up. Being that mineral make-up is minerals, there is no real need for preservatives, which both of these are. They are the most commonly used preservatives, after parabens, and is also the primary cause of contact dermatitis.
5. Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and ethylparabens) are used to extend the shelf life of beauty products. They have been know to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes for women. Whilst there is a need for preservatives, parabens have had a lots of bad press unfairly so in my opinion. Much of this is about discrediting them in favour of more 'natural' preservatives which ironically mixes the natural substances with combinations of parabens in order to extract them from natural sources. I have already written about parabens in an earlier post entitled: The Truth about Parabens: http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/truth-about-parabens.html

Other ingredients to watch out for:

1. Ferric Ferrocyanide. There are some brands that use this, which is a subject of controversy due to its toxicity. It is what gives more greens and purples their colour. If its not lip safe colour? Then you will probably find this ingredient in it.
2. Starch powders and flours like rice flour. These are a few more super cheap fillers which can cause respiratory health risks and may even increase acne production and breakouts.

For more information, please go to: http://overallbeauty.com/beauty-blog/2013/09/15/just-what-are-minerals-in-mineral-makeup/ or http://www.webmd.com/beauty/makeup/the-lowdown-on-mineral-makeup.

The skin benefits of oatmeal

A bowl of piping hot oatmeal is perhaps a healthy way of starting your day. Though, this cereal is most commonly eaten for breakfast, it has multiple uses and benefits. Oat (Avena sativa), is basically a cereal whose seeds are edible and are known by the same name. This cereal originated in Scotland and was a staple diet of the Scottish whose meals comprised of cooked oats. Apart from consumption by humans in the form of oatmeal and rolled oats, this cereal is also used as livestock feed. 

Oats are different from wheat in the sense that oats are largely grown for their seeds while wheat is a type of grass. Besides, wheat products are only used for baking, whereas oats are eaten by humans as oatmeal and rolled oats. Most of the cereal grains contain gluten and oats is no exception. However, the gluten in oats, known as avenin, is different from that in wheat as it can be tolerated by some people with coeliac disease. Oats are generally contaminated with gluten at the farm where they are produced. Moreover, oat grouts hardly contain gluten and can be ground to make flour.

Oats: Skin Benefits
Apart from consumption, wild oats have an important role to play in skincare. They were used as early as 2000 BC by the Egyptians and Arabians to beautify their skins. Oat baths were largely used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for healing skin ailments. Some of the benefits of oats for skin are as follows.

Treatment of Acne:
Cooked oatmeal is a great natural remedy for treating acne. For this purpose, boil some oatmeal till it softens and let it cool for 15 minutes. Apply it on the affected area and rinse off after 10 minutes. This will absorb and remove excess oil and bacteria from your skin and exfoliate dead skin cells, thus helping to combat acne.

Removes Dryness:
Oats are effective in fighting dull, flaky dryness as they contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water, thus forming a fine protective film when applied on skin. Besides, this cereal is effective in addressing dry skin symptoms like itchiness, rashes, scales, peeling etc. To get rid of dryness you can make a facial mask by mixing a smashed banana with a cup of ground oatmeal and adding some lukewarm milk. Stir it properly to make it smooth and apply it all over your face for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. This will help in replenishing the skin moisture, thus keeping it soft and hydrated.

Skin Moisturiser:
It acts as a natural moisturiser by removing the dead skin cells. It contains beta-glucan that forms a fine film on your skin as well as penetrates deep into the skin to provide much needed deep moisturizing to your skin. Besides, it enhances wound healing and shallow abrasions and improves collagen deposition and activation of immune cells within the skin. You can add a cup of milk, two cups of oats and a tablespoon of honey to moisturize your skin as well as relax your body.

Relieves Itchiness:
Oats have anti-inflammatory properties and are suitable for all skin types. They are clinically effective in healing dry and itchy skin. Oats ground into powder are known as colloidal oatmeal. This powder can be mixed with warm water to form a thick paste and applied over itchy skin to get immediate relief form intense itching. An oatmeal bath is also effective in healing a number of skin conditions including dry itchy skin. Thus, oatmeal can be used in curing neurodermatitis, a skin disease characterized by itchy or inflamed skin.

Skin Lightening:
Oats are known for their skin lightening effects as well as improving the skin tone and texture and smoothing out blotchy areas. It is increasingly used in cosmetology in various skin care products such as body scrubs, soaps, exfoliation creams and general body lotions of reputed brands.

Treatment of Poison Ivy or Chicken Pox:
Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years for treating eczema, poison ivy, insect bites and skin infections due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-itch properties. For relieving the itchiness caused by poison ivy or chicken pox or even sunburn, grind oats or oat flour into a fine powder and pour it into a cheese cloth. Tie it around the bath tub faucet and squeeze out water periodically to have a tepid bath. You can also rub the pouch on the itchy skin.

Natural Cleanser:
Oats contain natural cleansers called saponins that can remove dirt and oil from the pores without causing irritation, thus leaving behind soft and silky skin as well as reducing pore size. Instead of facial scrubs, oatmeal can form part of your skincare regimen as it is effective in getting rid of dead skin cells that build up in the pores. Oats can be soaked in water to prepare oat milk which is a natural toner and cleanser. You can store this milk in a bottle in your fridge and apply it on your face with a cotton pad after face wash to smoothen and soften your  skin. Oat bran bath is also effective in cleansing your skin and pores. Place ½ cup of oat groans or rolled oats in some cloth and tie it to make a small bag. Place it in your bath tub and press the bag until the oatmeal milk comes out. This can be used on your body or face instead of soap for mild scrubbing.

Skin Protection:
The proteins in oatmeal help in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function and protect your skin from harsh chemicals as well as skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and rashes. The lubricating fats in oats are a great moisturizer that makes a protective layer over the skin to fight UV rays. In this way oatmeal helps in relieving symptoms of ageing skin.

Oats: Hair Benefits
Oats are good for hair as well. When applied topically, they can make your hair soft and strong. Some of the ways in which oats can be beneficial for your hair are as follows.

Treatment of Dry and Itchy Scalp:
As stated earlier, oats are beneficial for dry skin and the same goes for hair care as well. Being a natural moisturizer, it can be applied on hair to get rid of dryness and itchiness and make your hair soft and shiny. It is often used as an ingredient in shampoos.

Treatment of Dandruff:
Oatmeal can be combined with other ingredients and applied on your hair before shampooing to get rid of dandruff.

Removes Excess Oil and Dirt:
Being a natural cleanser, it clears the scalp by removing excess sebum, oil and dirt accumulated in the scalp.

Combats Hair loss:
Hair loss can occur due to a number of reasons such as alopecia, harsh chemical treatments, hormonal imbalance or unhealthy lifestyle. Malnutrition, that is deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, is the most common cause of hair loss. Oats contain high amounts of zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium that promote hair growth.  A meal comprising of oats, berries and pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A as well as other nutrients. Vitamin C prevents scurvy, a disease that can also cause hair loss. Vitamin A, on the other hand, promotes hair development and maintenance.

Great for Blond Hair:
Ground oats can be an excellent dry shampoo for blond haired beauties. All you need to do is rub some ground oats over your scalp and brush out excess oats with a boar bristle brush.

How to Select and Store?
Selection: Proper selection is essential to ensure that you get the maximum benefits from this cereal. It is advisable to buy oats in small quantities because this grain has a higher fat content than other grains and hence, goes rancid more quickly. Nowadays, oats are available in pre-packaged containers as well as in bulk bins. While purchasing oatmeal, always look at the ingredients list on the packet to ensure that the product does not contain salt, sugar or other additives. Always prefer to buy rolled oats or oatmeal from health shops. When purchasing bulk bins, ensure that the bins are covered and free from debris and moisture. Moreover, the store should have a good product turnover to ensure that the product is fresh.

Storage: Proper storage is also a vital factor to ensure that the product retains its freshness and flavor till it is used. As far as oats are concerned, rolled oatmeal like all other grains, should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture and vermin intrusion. It should be stored in a cool dark cupboard for up to three months or refrigerated for up to six months. Oat bran has high oil content and therefore, should be refrigerated. Oat flour has a slightly longer shelf life in comparison to wheat flour as oats contain a natural antioxidant that discourages rancidity. Oat flour should be refrigerated and used within three months. Make sure that you use your oatmeal within the expiry date stamped on the package.

Ref: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-health-benefits-of-oats/#