How to Make a Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask

Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Last Updated: October 15, 2024 Approved

Do you suffer from dry, sensitive skin? Do acne and blackheads plague you relentlessly? Or do you simply wish to pamper yourself? If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may consider a moisturizing, exfoliating face mask made from ingredients you may already have in your kitchen pantry: oatmeal and honey. This article will not only show you how to make a basic mask, but it will also show you how to make specific masks for combating acne and soothing dry, sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Basic Mask

3 tablespoons ground oats
1 tablespoon hot water
1 tablespoon honey

Acne Mask

2 tablespoons ground oats
2 tablespoons honey
½ tablespoon lemon juice
4 drops tea tree essential oil

Soothing Mask

1 tablespoon ground oats
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon yogurt

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making a Basic Mask

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You will need something to mix all of your ingredients in. Because you are working with such small amounts, you can use a small bowl or even a cup.
You want a coarse, flour-like texture. If your oats are too grainy and chunky, then you will have to grind them using a blender, coffee grinder, or a food processor.

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Measure out 3 tablespoons of oats and place them into the bowl.
You want your oats to be soft for this mask, so measure out 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of very hot water, and add it to the oats. Mix the two ingredients until they are combined.
Before moving onto the next steps, let the oats cool for a few moments.^{[1]
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Research source} This also gives the oats enough time to absorb the water, making them more supple.
You will need 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey. Be sure that it is the clear, runny type. Measure out the honey, add it to the bowl, and mix with a spoon until everything is combined.
7
Consider adding or substituting other ingredients. You can use your facial mask as it is, or you can add other ingredients into it as well. You can also substitute certain ingredients for others. Her are some ideas:^{[2]
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- Instead of using hot water, use 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of cold milk.
- You can also use 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of chamomile tea instead of water.
- Add a few mashed up banana slices to the oats.
- Consider adding a few drops of almond oil.
- Replace the water with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of olive oil instead, for a more nourishing mask.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making an Acne Mask

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1
Consider a honey-lemon-oatmeal mask. If you suffer from acne, then this mask may be just the thing for you. It contains ground oats, honey, lemon juice, and tea tree oil. Here are the benefits of each ingredient:
- Oats act as a natural cleanser and have both exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 February 2021}
- Honey has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which make it great for managing acne and blackheads.^{[4]
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- Lemons have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which makes them great for managing acne and blackheads. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic.^{[5]
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- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and toner.
If your oats are whole or too grainy, then you can grind them up in a blender, a coffee grinder, or a food processor.
Because you are working in such small amounts, you can use anything as your mixing bowl, from a cup to a small bowl to even an old yogurt container.
Measure out 2 tablespoons of ground oats and pour them into your bowl.
Measure out 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of honey and add it into the mixing bowl. You want the runny, translucent type of honey.
6
Add fresh lemon juice to the bowl. You need ½ tablespoon of lemon juice. Using fresh lemon juice is recommended over concentrated lemon juice, which may be too harsh for your skin.
- If you don't have fresh lemon juice, simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out from one of the halves until you have enough. Add the lemon juice into the mixture, wrap up the remaining lemon, and store it in the fridge for later use.
You will need ½ tablespoon of the lemon juice and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Using a spoon or fork, mix everything together until you get a thick, grainy paste. This will be enough for one or two facials.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making a Soothing Mask

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1
Consider making a soothing mask. If you have dry or sensitive skin, the ingredients from the acne mask may be too drying for you. Instead, make a more soothing mask using oats, yogurt, and honey. Here are the benefits of each ingredient:
- Oats make a great, natural cleanser. They also have both exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Yogurt is full of calcium, protein, and Vitamin D, all of which are important for your skin. It also helps moisturize your skin and even your skin tone.^{[6]
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- Honey is a great for reintroducing moisture into dry skin.^{[7]
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You want a coarse, flour-like texture. If your oats are too grainy, you will need to grind them up in a blender, a coffee grinder, or a food processor.
You will need a small bowl or container to mix your ingredients in.
Measure out 1 tablespoon of ground oats and pour them into your bowl.
You will need 1 teaspoon of honey. Make sure that it is the clear, runny type.
Measure out 1 teaspoon of yogurt and add it into the bowl. To reduce the risk of irritation, use a plain, unsweetened yogurt.^{[8]
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Research source}
Using a spoon or fork, mix all of the ingredients together until you have a thick paste. If the mixture is too thick and clumpy, then add a little more honey or yogurt.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using the Mask

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The facemasks you have made will be very gloopy and messy. Consider draping a towel over the front of your chest and shoulders to protect your clothes. You can also wear something that you do not mind getting dirty.
While the ingredients you have used are not bad for your hair, you will probably have to wash your hair completely if you get any of the oatmeal mask on it. To prevent this, tie your hair into a pony tail to keep it away from your face. If you have short hair, then consider wearing a shower cap.
If you have not already, wash your face with your usual facial cleanser and water. Lightly pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Using your fingers, start gently massaging the mask into your face, using circular motions. Apply the mask into your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and jaw. Do not apply it on your mouth or eyes.
5
Leave the mask on your face. Let the mask sit on your face for 10 to 15 minutes. If you are using the soothing, yogurt-based mask, consider leaving the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes instead. The mask may harden or start to flake off as it dries; this is normal and to be expected.
- While waiting for your mask to dry, consider taking a relaxing bath or soak.
Using cool water, gently wash the face mask off. Be sure to use the same circular, massaging motions that you used to put the mask on.
7
Consider applying toner and moisturizer. Once your face is clean, follow up with your usual skincare regime. If you don't have a skincare regime, them you can consider applying some toner and moisturizer.
- To apply the toner, simply soak a cotton ball with some toner, and sweep it over your face, focusing on the forehead, nose, and cheekbones. The toner will help tighten your pores.
- To apply some moisturizer, simply squeeze some of your favorite facial moisturizer onto your palm, and apply it to your face using your fingers. Avoid the sensitive areas around your nose and mouth.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Are honey and oatmeal good for your face?

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Honey and oatmeal both have anti-inflammatory properties that relieve skin. Honey also acts as a natural antibacterial.

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Question

Where can I get ground oatmeal?

Community Answer

If you cannot find it in the baking aisle or the cereal aisle, get regular oatmeal and grind it using a food processor, blender, or a coffee grinder.

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Question

Can this mask be used every day?

Community Answer

No, using the mask every day will dry out your skin. At most, use the mask 3 times a week and never 2 days in a row.

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Tips

Try to use all of the facial mask, as it is made from perishable ingredients and will expire. If you have any facial mask left over, then store it in the fridge and use it the next day.

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You can use this facial once or twice a week.

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Do not eat the mask, no matter how tasty it looks.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Wash your hands before you put on the mask if you're applying it by hand. Or, you might find it easier to apply the mask with a clean makeup brush.
Use a headband to keep stray hair out of your face and prevent it from getting in the face mask.

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Warnings

Avoid using sweetened yogurt or flavored oatmeal, both of which may contain skin irritants.

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Avoid using the mask too close to your eyes, ears, and nose.

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Do not make or use this mask if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

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