GOOD TO KNOW FRIDAY

This is a twofer.

You’ve probably heard that oats are good for you. Consuming oatmeal has a laundry list of health benefits. When applied topically, it can improve your complexion. Oats contain compounds which stimulate fibroblasts (the cells that provide structure for skin) and is a rich source of ferulic acid. If you google ferulic acid, you will see that many luxury beauty services will be happy to sell it to you for a tad more than the cost of breakfast.

Here’s a way to use the same serving of oats inside and out. Take a cup of steel cut oats and put them in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight. Soaking makes grains easier to digest and shortens the cooking time. In the morning, drain the oat water into a container and rinse the oats. You can cook the oats according to the usual rules, although the cooking time will be reduced because of their overnight ‘sprouting’. 

Using your fingers or a cotton ball wipe the oat water over your face and let it sink in, for at least fifteen minutes or overnight. You don’t necessarily need to wash it off, but if you want to all you need is a damp cloth or a splash of tepid water to remove. You can save the rest and use it each day for the next few days. You can also add it to your bath or use it as a pretreatment before washing your hair.