Around this time of year, my skin starts going crazy. I’m certain that all of you reading this know it’s the weather, but growing up in California made me immune to the effects of drastic weather- plus, I was a kid! What do kids know about dry skin? When I moved back East to the land of blizzards, I honestly thought I had developed a skin condition when my legs got dry and bumpy and itchy. Luckily, the dermatologist didn’t laugh at me and I’ve learned to cope. Still, the older I get the more moisture I seem to be losing and it’s become a bit of a year-round battle.
I was browsing at Target for a new body wash I didn’t need when a nice associate asked if I needed any help. She was a BEAUTY associate! (Did you know this was a Thing? I did not! It was so convenient!) I told her I was just browsing and she glanced over at the expensive oatmeal wash I was eyeing. She recommended a few products and reminded me that I don’t just need to worry about moisturizing- I should also focus on exfoliating! Letting dry skin pile up without exfoliating causes you to feel more itchy and prevents effective moisturizing. She recommended that I dry brush , but even though I love the process I find it too harsh on my legs. I knew I needed a gentle exfoliant to get me started and an oatmeal body scrub occurred to me as a perfect solution.
The reason people love oatmeal washes is that they’re soothing AND moisturizing. Oatmeal softens and hydrates your skin because it’s an emollient. It’s also thought to be anti-inflammatory- an extra bonus when your skin is feeling so rough. But, to be honest, as I researched the idea I started to get a little worried about my pipes. Surely a plumber would frown upon rinsing what amounts to an entire breakfast meal down my shower drain!
The good news is that the oatmeal doesn’t need to be in big chunks to work well- all I needed to do was grind it up! Throw it together in a bowl with some fragrant chamomile and I was ready to exfoliate!
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- Add the cup of oats to a food processor. Grind until the oats are broken up into dust (or very small pieces).
- Transfer oats to a bowl and add coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and the contents of the two tea bags. Stir well until mixed. (If your coconut oil is too solid to measure, run the jar under some hot water or heat up in the microwave to make it easier.)
- To use the scrub, apply at the very end of your shower. You'll want to get out right after so that you don't rinse away all of the moisturizing oils.
- Stir your scrub before using. Scoop out a small handful and rub all over clean skin. Rinse with warm water, using a washcloth if you prefer. Careful in the tub- it will likely get slippery!
- Apply a lotion or body oil once you've towel-dried for maximum moisture.
I loved how smooth and soft my legs were after using this scrub! I especially love how the oil lingers on your skin and boosts the after-shower lotion application. If you find it’s too slippery for you, feel free to wash after you scrub with a moisturizing wash to remove the excess oil. On the above-mentioned Target trip I ended up buying a Limited Edition Dove body wash called Winter Care which has been super nourishing.
One final tip- those white blobs in the photo up there are actually bits of coconut oil, but since the oatmeal will absorb the oil and puff up, you will still see larger pieces despite grinding up the oats. You want to make sure that you rinse your tub after use since it will definitely stick if you let it hang around!
What a great idea! Looks very luxurious. 🙂
Allison Katelyn @ SimpleSilverLinings.blogspot.com
Love your blog! I’ll be adding this one to my DIY Scrubs Round up later this month! BTW’s Your Yogurt Mask is a top Pin on my Pinterest Board! Great content ladies, keep being awesome!
How long would this last if stored in a jar?
Hi Ruby! If stored in a cool, dry place (we recommend the refrigerator) it should last 4-5 days. Enjoy!
How often do you apply?
Does it matter what kind of oatmeal you use? Like instant vs regular? Also can you replace the grapeseed oil with any other type of oil? Thanks!