Beauty & the Brush: Beat the chill with oatmeal

Keep your skin fresh in the winter with the oatmeal miracle mask.

Pakistani women are lucky. A large majority of them don’t have to deal with fierce snow and mountains of ice along with glacial winds. You may be lucky, but its time to break it to you - dry skin doesn’t just happen to women in snow-prone countries. Cool air can cause the skin on your face to tighten and flake no matter where you live. And when you find yourself fighting the weather, it seems no lotion or cream will work to restore the moisture you’ve lost.

Here is our answer to winter skin woes: 1) If you have gas heaters running all the time, make sure to use a humidifier when you sleep. You’ll see a difference in your skin within a few days. 2) Don’t overdo it with the rich creams. Exfoliate regularly and remove the dead skin cells on your face to help your regular winter lotion or cream penetrate better. Using heavier creams will simply result in clogged pores. 3) There are a number of moisturising masks that will bring your skin relief, our favourite of which is the oatmeal mask. It’s fast, easy, and best of all, costs close to nothing.

Regular readers of this column are likely to be familiar with our love of masks to resolve all our beauty troubles. And this one is no different. Why do we love oatmeal as an ingredient? Because it’s natural, soothing and cleanses the skin without irritation. Oatmeal contains protein as well as natural fats that protect the skin’s outermost barrier,lubricating and moisturising your skin. Also oats contain gentle ingredients that help cleanse which, along with the lubricants, remove dirt from your pores without stripping your face of its natural oils. Finally, oatmeal is naturally calming and great for both tough and sensitive skins - it’s the reason people soak in oatmeal baths when they have the chicken pox.

Here’s what you’ll need: a measuring cup, a blender, a washcloth, one banana, preferably one that has ripened and is slightly mushy, one cup of oatmeal or fresh rolled oats and half a cup of milk (you may use less or more depending on your preference for consistency).

Put all three ingredients in blender and pulsate until you have a paste-like consistency. It should be easily spreadable on your face but not so liquidy that it drips off. If it’s too runny, add more oats; if too dry, add a little more milk. Then, pour the mixture into a bowl. This recipe makes enough for two people, so pamper yourself with a friend or a sister. Before applying, wash your face - it’s important to always cleanse your skin of makeup before using a mask. Spread the concoction on your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes (15 if your skin is very dry and flaky).

When you’re ready to clean up, wet a washcloth with warm water and place it on your face, removing the mask slowly. Because the mask is sticky, it’s easier to remove it with a washcloth but if you don’t have one its not necessary.

Finish up by moisturising with a light lotion if your face feels slightly tight. Et voila - you’re done. You may resemble the ‘Swamp Thing’ with the mask on, but the results are well worth the effort.

Maria Saadat is author of the popular desi beauty site Lipstick Masala.

QUESTION TIME

Do you have a question about make-up? Can’t figure out a hairstyle for an upcoming wedding? Do your attempts at smoky eye make-up leave you looking like a raccoon? Have no fear! E-mail your questions and issues to [e-mail] and Maria Saadat will respond to them in an upcoming column.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2010.