Whenever the weather is all over the place it affects most people's skin. And usually not for the better. Yet despite the cold, wind, and torrential rain that we have been experiencing the chores around the farm still needed to be done. And of course my skin, hands, and lips wound up dry, chapped, and cracked. As anyone who has suffered from dry skin, you know that this can be quite painful.
Last night I decided to pamper myself a little, and try to treat this skin problem that I'm having. So I took a nice long warm oatmeal milk bath. I recommend this type of bath to anyone who has dry skin, even if you are a guy, don't be afraid to pamper yourself every once in awhile. Your skin will thank you!
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats, finely ground
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
Directions:
Combine the chamomile and milk in a lidded jar and allow the mixture to steep overnight in the refrigerator. Strain and add the liquid to a tub full of warm water. Grind the oatmeal to a fine powder in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Add the oatmeal to the bath and soak for fifteen - twenty minutes. Pat the skin dry without rinsing and follow with a moisturizer for dry skin.
Once I'm out of the bath, I do pat my skin dry, and the directions say to follow with a moisturizer, I not only do that, but I also use some great balm that is for hands and feet. Then I slip on a pair of socks and a soft pair of gloves to help all the moisture really soak down into my skin. This is especially great if you are working outside with your hands. Even in the summer the elements can be hard on your extremities.
For my lips I've been using Burts Bees Chapstick. So between the milk bath, lotion, and the chapstick, my skin is feeling and looking so much better. I enjoyed the bath so much I think I'll have to do another one soon. Much more nurturing to my skin than my usual hot showers.
