I have used lotion to ward off dry skin for most of my life. When I got pregnant with my first child I started to look at what goes into my cosmetics as well as my hair and skin care products. Needless to say, I was shocked, and started to look to natural alternatives. We live in a year round dry climate where it can snow at least 6 months out of the year. My kids have never really needed any lotions to keep their skin hydrated. They drink lots of water, bathe every 2 - 3 days, and when their skin gets dry we just add oatmeal to their bath. There is not a simpler, more natural, and cost effect method. It can cost $6 for an 8 pack of commercial oatmeal bath powder. This will cost as much as the oatmeal you use. It is also good for itch relief.
Oatmeal Bath
By Tiffany Teske
Ingredients
~ 1 c Organic old fashioned, quick cooking, or instant oatmeal (They all work just as well)
Directions
Grind your oatmeal in a coffee grinder or food processor. Put in your oats and grind until they are a fine powder. If you would like to make a large batch of powder you can grind in smaller batches and store in a jar with a lid for up to 6 months in a cool place. Add 1/2 - 1 c directly to your bath water or about a 1/3 c to a baby bath and swirl around with your hand. The water will look milky and feel silky. In a powdered form the oats will go down the drain without any problems.
If you don't want to or can't grind your oats you can add 1 - 2 cups whole old fashioned oats to a sock, knot the sock just above the oats so they are snug in the sock, and put it all in your bath for 15 - 20 minutes. Wring out the sock several times. Oatmeal powder will make your tub more slippery than usual, so take care.
4 comments:
This is awesome Tiffany, thank you! As soon as the cold and dryness has arrived, I've woken up with bloody scratches on my legs from itching in my sleep - not cool.
I'm trying the oatmeal bath tonight!
I LOVE this idea. My daughter has an eczema problem that really flares up in the dry winter air. I'm excited to try this natural alternative to prevent this year.
For years, I've only used hand made soap - that made with lye, water, fat and it leaves my skin very refreshed and nourished. The oils from the fat drench into the skin and there's no tight, dry feeling afterwards. The other thing I do is not towel dry. Soaking wet, I put on a 100% cotton bath robe and allow my body to dry naturally. That's delightful as well. Hand made soap is wonderful for all kinds of skin problems.
I am so happy this post was helpful to some of you! You can totally vary the amount of oatmeal to see what works best for you and your kids. Sandra, thank you for sharing your experience with homemade soap. I have always purchased it from local people who make it but would love to try making it myself. Do you make yours?
Post a Comment