We usually talk about carbohydrates, energy and internal body strength, when we talk about food grains. What we often miss out on, is the health of the largest and the most exposed organ of our body, that is, our skin. Disregarding the gender differentiation, which advertisements and media have always been feeding it’s audiences about skin care routines and products, it is high time that we all start nourishing our skin in the most natural, effective, and gender neutral fashion.
Why grains for skin care? They are rich in vitamins, minerals and have the following ‘Anti’ properties:
1. Antioxidant
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. Anti-aging
The narrative of having attractive (read fair and flawless) skin to be the centre of attention, and to need expensive products to maintain a healthy look, are the unfortunate standards we have been institutionalized to live upon. However, taking care of our skin must be a way of living, as it gets exposed to harmful UV radiation, pollution, extreme weather conditions, dust and chemicals, which often damage it to cause dullness, irritation, inflammation, rash and dryness and even making it prone to wounds and infections. So, here are some DIY food grain scrubs to help exfoliate your skin at home, making it healthier without using any chemicals.
Are you Gluten sensitive or allergic?
Even then, you don’t have to worry about allergies as gluten doesn’t get absorbed to the system through skin and won’t trigger your digestive system’s gluten intolerance. However, people with Dermatitis Herpetiformis, celiac disease and gluten intolerance should avoid applying these natural scrubs to their mouth area.
PRO TIP: Use the preferred paste to scrub your skin and leave it for additional 4-5 minutes as face mask for better results. Do this self-care ritual for at least once a week, and not more than thrice in a week for proper exfoliation and rejuvenation of dead skin cells.
Gentle Oats Scrub
Benefits: Unclogs pores, natural saponins cleanse and absorb dirt, dual properties of moisturizing and removing excess oil
How to make it : 1/2 cup finely ground oats + water/milk/yogurt = Smooth paste
Directions to use : Gently massage on wet skin in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off the scrub and pat your skin dry.
Rice Exfoliating Scrub
Benefits : Treat oily and sensitive skin, lightens skin discolorations, anti-inflammatory properties
How to make it : 2 tablespoon finely ground brown/white rice + 1 egg white/milk = thick paste
Directions to use : Gently massage on wet skin in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off the scrub and pat your skin dry.
Wheat Cleanser
Benefits : Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, improves elasticity and cell function, prevents discoloration and dark spots
How to make it : 2 tablespoon finely ground wheat + water = thick paste
Directions to use : Can be used as a daily cleanser. Gently massage on wet skin in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off the scrub and pat your skin dry.
Antibacterial Corn Scrub
Benefits : Best for blemish-prone skin, antioxidants, Vitamin B, C and E, boosts hydration
How to make it : 1/4 cup cornmeal + Squeeze 1 orange/half lemon +water = thick paste
Directions to use : Gently massage on wet skin in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off the scrub and pat your skin dry.
Nourishing Rye Mask
Benefits : Smoothen lines and wrinkles, ferulic acid and Vitamin E provide restorative and protective properties.
How to make it : 2 tablespoon rye flour + 2 teaspoon honey (preferably raw) + lukewarm water = thick paste
Directions to use : Gently massage on wet skin in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Apple evenly to the skin and leave it to dry. Rinse off and pat your skin dry.
The best part of making and using these scrubs is that they are free from harmful chemicals, absolutely easy to make and spare you from the heavy expenses of products. If you haven’t figured it out yet, this is the secret behind your grandmother’s natural glow! So, GO and try them out now!
Sarah Rizvi 