The Powerful Benefits of Using Cornstarch for Your Skin

Cornstarch has long been a staple in kitchen pantries for its versatility in cooking and baking. But did you know that this pantry staple also has many benefits for your skin?

Cornstarch is an extremely useful ingredient for achieving smooth, soft, and supple skin. From treating common skin conditions to absorbing excess oil, cornstarch can be used in a variety of ways to improve the health and appearance of skin.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 benefits of using cornstarch for your skin and provide tips on how to use it effectively in your skincare routine.

Reduces Skin Irritation and Inflammation

One of the top benefits of cornstarch for skin is its ability to reduce irritation and inflammation associated with various skin conditions.

Cornstarch has potent soothing and hydrating properties that help calm and comfort irritated skin. This makes it effective for treating conditions like eczema, poison ivy rashes, insect bites, sunburns, and other inflammatory skin issues.

To use cornstarch for soothing skin irritation, simply make a paste by mixing cornstarch with water. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to dry. As it dries, cornstarch will draw out excess moisture and reduce inflammation and itchiness.

You can also add a few other anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera gel or chamomile tea to enhance the soothing properties. Just mix in with the cornstarch paste before applying it to the skin.

Absorbs Excess Oil and Treats Acne

Another stellar benefit of cornstarch for the skin is its ability to absorb excess oil. This makes it an effective treatment for dealing with oily, acne-prone skin.

The ultra-fine texture of cornstarch soaks up excess grease and oil without overdrying the skin. It also reduces shine and leaves skin feeling smooth and matte.

To use cornstarch as an oil-absorbing face mask, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply to oily areas of the face and allow to dry fully before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

This can be done 1-2 times per week to control excess oil and prevent acne breakouts. The gentle absorption action of cornstarch will pull out impurities from pores without stripping the skin.

Soothes and Heals Skin Rashes

Skin rashes caused by heat, allergic reactions, and chronic skin conditions like eczema can be very uncomfortable. Cornstarch can provide natural relief for all sorts of rashes and skin irritations.

The soothing, thickening and oil-absorbing properties of cornstarch form a protective barrier on the skin that prevents further irritation. Cornstarch pastes help dry out rashes and weeping skin lesions while reducing inflammation and itch.

To use, simply make a paste with cornstarch and water and apply it directly onto the affected rash 2-3 times a day. Let the cornstarch paste completely dry on the skin before rinsing off. The drying and absorbing effects will help heal the rash fast.

Softens Rough, Dry Skin

Cornstarch is also great for keeping skin smooth and supple. It mixes with water to form a silky and luxurious paste that softens and smooths rough hands, elbows, and feet.

The tiny cornstarch granules provide gentle friction to buff away dry, dead skin cells, revealing brighter and softer skin underneath. The moisturizing properties also help hydrate dry skin.

Make a luxurious hand and foot treatment by mixing cornstarch with olive oil and essential oils like lavender. Gently massage into rough areas and soak for 10 minutes before rinsing clean. Use daily to significantly improve texture.

Creates a Silky Face Powder

Cornstarch’s ultra-fine, powdery texture makes it the perfect base for natural homemade face powder. Homemade powder with cornstarch helps set makeup, reduces shine, and gives a flawless, silky finish.

The soft white powder is much gentler than talc and other harsh ingredients in store-bought powders. It also helps absorb excess oil without drying out the skin.

Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and arrowroot powder or rice powder. Sift them together and store them in a container with a puff applicator. Lightly dust over the face whenever you need to set makeup or touch up shine throughout the day.

How to Use Cornstarch for Skin Care

Now that you know the excellent skin benefits cornstarch provides, let’s look at some of the best ways to use it for different skincare needs:

• Soothing skin irritation: Make a paste with cornstarch and water and apply to rashes, bites, burns, etc. Allow to dry before rinsing.
• Oil absorption: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a mask and apply to oily areas of the face for 10 minutes 1-2 times per week.
• Healing rashes: Apply a cornstarch paste to heat rashes, allergic rashes, eczema patches, etc. Allow to dry and repeat 2-3 times daily.
• Softening skin: Mix cornstarch with oils and gently massage into rough elbows, hands and feet. Rinse after 10 minutes.
• DIY face powder: Mix cornstarch with arrowroot or rice powder, sift, and store in a container. Use as needed to set makeup and control shine.

No matter your particular skincare needs, cornstarch can likely provide an easy, safe, and effective remedy. Always do a patch test before applying to the skin to test for allergies or sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornstarch for Skin

Here are answers to some common questions about the benefits of using cornstarch for skincare:

Does cornstarch clog pores?

No, cornstarch will not clog pores due to its fine, powdery texture that rinses clean. It’s non-comedogenic so won’t lead to breakouts.

Can I use cornstarch on my face every day?

Yes, using a light dusting of cornstarch daily can control oil and shine without irritation. Use sparingly and avoid getting it into the eyes.

Is cornstarch good for oily skin?

Yes! Cornstarch is one of the best natural ingredients for absorbing oil and treating oily, acne skin. Use it weekly as a mask or daily as a powder.

What happens if I leave cornstarch on my face overnight?

It’s best to rinse off cornstarch masks after 10-15 minutes max. Leaving it on too long can dry out the skin. Overnight application is not recommended.

Can I use cornstarch to set my makeup?

Yes, cornstarch makes an excellent natural setting powder that smooths skin and sets makeup without looking cakey. Mix with arrowroot or rice powder and dust lightly over makeup.

Conclusion

As you can see, humble cornstarch is so much more than just a cooking stabilizer. It offers incredible skin benefits that treat a variety of issues like acne, inflammation, dryness, and more.

Cornstarch is inexpensive, natural, and safe for most skin types. Keep a box handy in your bathroom and kitchen pantries to whip up quick skincare treatments whenever your skin needs a little TLC.

With daily or weekly use of cornstarch masks, pastes, and powders, you can achieve healthy, smooth, clear skin naturally.