I love to cook and love to create my own skincare. I’ve been combining both for twenty years now and my skin, body, and wallet are better for it.
I’ve always had incredibly sensitive skin. My wonderful makeup artists at Good Morning America would regularly have to cover my bright red, swollen skin. They were always so kind, despite the extra time and nightmarish uncertainty of whether I'd show up to set with okay skin or need ice packs and potentially damaging hydrocortisone for me to be able to go on-air. It took years to figure out my triggers, so knowing the exact ingredients that go into- and on- my body helps me narrow down any potential problems before they start. I’m happy to say, I finally have this down, and the following is a great way to start your day… With the best healthy skin recipes for breakfast AND a facial scrub out of the same nourishing ingredients.
Honey-Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup water or milk of your choice
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh fruit (such as berries, sliced banana, or chopped apple)
Nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds)
Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Oatmeal:
In a small saucepan, bring the water or milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the rolled oats and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are cooked and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
2. Sweeten with Honey:
Once the oatmeal is cooked, drizzle honey over the top and stir to incorporate. Honey adds natural sweetness and provides a boost of flavor to the oatmeal.
3. Add Toppings:
Transfer the cooked oatmeal to a serving bowl. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
4. Enjoy Your Nourishing Breakfast:
Dive into your honey-oatmeal breakfast bowl and savor each delicious bite. This wholesome meal will provide you with sustained energy and keep you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
Honey-Oatmeal Face Scrub:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons rolled oats
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon water (or milk if you prefer)
Optional: 1 teaspoon yogurt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oatmeal:
Grind the rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they form a fine powder. Transfer the ground oats to a small bowl.
2. Mix with Honey:
Add the honey to the ground oats and stir until well combined. The honey will act as a natural humectant, helping to moisturize and soften the skin.
3. Adjust Consistency (Optional):
If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk to thin it out. For added benefits, you can also incorporate a teaspoon of yogurt, which contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin.
4. Apply and Exfoliate:
Using clean fingertips, gently massage the honey-oatmeal scrub onto damp skin in circular motions. Focus on areas prone to dryness or roughness, such as the T-zone or elbows.
5. Rinse Off:
After exfoliating for 1-2 minutes, rinse the scrub off with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a towel and follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.
6. Revel in Smooth, Glowing Skin:
Enjoy the immediate results of your honey-oatmeal face scrub! Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and rejuvenated, thanks to the gentle exfoliation and nourishing properties of the natural ingredients.
Tips for Zero-Waste Living:
Purchase oats and honey in bulk to minimize packaging waste. I love purchasing from local health food stores.
Use leftover oats and honey in other recipes or as ingredients for DIY skincare treatments.
Store any leftover face scrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This dual-purpose recipe allows you to enjoy a wholesome breakfast while also treating your skin to a luxurious spa-like experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can nourish your body from the inside out and embrace a zero-waste lifestyle in both your kitchen and skincare routine.