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Colloidal oatmeal benefits for dry skin

colloidal oatmeal

Table of Contents

What is Colloidal Oatmeal?

For centuries, colloidal oatmeal has been a remedy for dry, itchy, or irritated skin. This common ingredient is found in many cosmetic products like shampoos, moisturizers, and shaving creams. Colloidal oatmeal is made from grinding oat grain into a fine powder. It’s considered an emollient or a substance that soothes the skin. This is due to its vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin.

It exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your skin. Antioxidants fight free radicals that are known to damage your body through oxidative stress. The chemical makeup of colloidal oatmeal is somewhat complicated and includes lipids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, proteins, and other nutrients. Of these, the particular essential molecules are lipids, beta-glucans, and antioxidants.

  • Lipids prevent dryness and also inflammation by renewing shed oils in the skin.
  • Beta-glucans stimulate collagen production to moisten as well as recover skin.
  • Antioxidants deal with free radicals, the rogue cells responsible for aging (dark spots, loose, saggy skin).
  • Avenanthramides, a specific group of antioxidant substances found in oats, are powerful antioxidants that minimize inflammation and swelling (especially inflammation from sun exposure) and serve as a mild exfoliator.
    In 2003, the FDA accepted colloidal oatmeal as a skin-protective substance. Research studies have revealed that it can boost all types of typical skin problems, from bug attacks and sunburn to a lot more severe conditions like eczema and psoriasis. And also, it’s safe for children and also pet dogs!
    Oxidative stress is linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, and certain skin diseases like dermatitis. It also affects aging, which can present as a lack of skin elasticity and moisture.

See: Oatmeal for diabetes health benefits

Benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal for Skin

Colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries in dermatology applications. The earliest oat grains go back to 2000 B.C., with oat meal’s very first skin usage going back to Roman times. Today, the advantages of colloidal oatmeal are scientifically confirmed and commonly identified in both the medical and charm industries. Below are several of the leading factors in this enchanting grain that is so revered by doctors, skin doctors, and also cosmetic experts alike. Colloidal oatmeal is scientifically tried and tested to improve skin dry skins, roughness, scaling, as well as itch intensity

See: Natural Home Remedies For Acne Scars


When skin is irritated, its pH level might be too expensive or as well reduced. Colloidal oatmeal can function as a buffering representative to bring skin pH back to typical levels which can help relax skin impulse and inflammation.

  • Binds with skin to create a safety barrier
    Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal can reinforce the skin barrier versus toxic irritants while likewise providing added dampness.
  • Helps skin irritation

The cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal give it emollient properties that calm redness and irritation.

See: Ayurvedic Treatment For Eczema

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties

Thanks to the phenols it contains, colloidal oatmeal also shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

  • Soothes sunburn
    Everybody recognizes exactly how crucial it is to use sunblock every day, right? (Right?) Yet sometimes, despite our best intentions, we end up obtaining shed. Lotions or creams with colloidal oatmeal can alleviate the inflammation, itching, and discomfort connected with most sunburns.
  • Mild cleanser
    Oats have a chemical compound called saponins, generally located in plant-based foods and feature as a “natural antibiotic” for plants. When dissolved in water, saponins create foam, which functions like soap by binding to oil molecules and dust to get rid of. Since colloidal oatmeal does not permeate as well deep below the surface, skin doesn’t get damaged or completely dry. This property makes for an effective cleanser for individuals with sensitive skin.
  • Heals acne
    Oatmeal includes zinc, which is one of the very best minerals for acne sufferers. Zinc is recognized to combat off acne-causing germs, calm inflammation, and also assist in recovering acne marks. Oats absorb excess oil that triggers blackheads and also clogged-up pores. They additionally consist of B-vitamins and selenium, which aid secure against the pore-blocking complimentary radicals that contribute to acne outbreaks.

See: Ayurveda Treatment For Acne & Pimples

  • Helps dermatitis symptoms
    Results from two professional studies published in 2017 in theJournal of Drugs in Dermatology identified that symptoms of light to moderate eczema were improved by the use of a one percent colloidal oatmeal lotion alone.
  • Promotes skin tone & structure
    Avenanthramides and other antioxidants discovered in colloidal oatmeal aid calm skin, decreasing redness as well as inflammation. Calmer skin shows up much more also as well as clear, which makes for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
  • Natural remedy for hives
    Hives usually occur when the body reacts to an allergen and also launches histamine and also various other chemicals under the surface area of the skin. The histamine and chemicals trigger swelling as well as an increased, red, itchy skin breakout. Research reveals that oats have anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic abilities, making colloidal oatmeal an excellent means to deal with hives naturally.

See: Natural Remedies For Psoriasis Symptoms

  • Gentle for children
    Given that colloidal oatmeal is a skin protectant authorized by the FDA, pediatricians frequently suggest it as a gentle, reliable treatment for completely dry, scratchy, aggravated skin due to rashes, eczema, poisonous substance ivy, and insect bites. Because of this, it is typically made use of in child bath treatments, moisturizers, as well as baby diaper breakout creams.
  • Prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Colloidal oatmeal benefits the skin by creating a film on top of its surface. After using colloidal oatmeal, the amount of water in the lost skin and overall skin hydration showed improvement. Colloidal oatmeal contains high levels of starches that contribute to its water-binding properties.

  • Protects the skin

One of the skin’s most essential functions is to provide a barrier between the body and the environment. Sometimes, the skin cannot perform this function optimally. Some examples are a genetic likelihood of eczema, the fur being very dry from the weather, or washing away its natural emollients and protectants. Colloidal oatmeal has been shown in clinical studies to help strengthen the skin’s barrier function.

  • Absorbs U.V.

The phenols in the colloidal oatmeal also may help with absorbing U.V. radiation.

  • Cleanses

Colloidal oatmeal contains saponins, which have cleansing properties and anti-fungal properties, thanks to the avenaceous.

See: Ayurveda sattvic diet for psoriasis

How To Use Colloidal Oatmeal?

  • In Your Bath

Including a few mugs of colloidal oatmeal in your bathtub can relieve irritation. Soak on your own in the tub for about 18-20 mins.

  • In Your Moisturizer
    You can use creams that contain colloidal oatmeal two times a day, though some recommend that you use it as often as you like. However, using it twice should be perfect if you have dry skin.
  • As An Exfoliator
    The grainy texture of colloidal oatmeal makes it an excellent scrub to remove dead skin cells. It is also a mild means of exfoliating your skin, together with adding an excellent amount of wetness to it.

See: Ayurveda for skin health


How To Make Colloidal Oatmeal At Home

  • Equipment

Mixer, coffee grinder, or food processor. Whole grain rolled oats in any form like old-fashioned or instant oats.

  • Preparation

Toss about 1 cup of rolled oats in a coffee grinder for one bath. You may use old-fashioned oats or instant oats.
Grind the oats into a fine powder.
Test if your powder is ground fine enough: Mix 1 tablespoon into a pint of water and observe if it dissolves to turn the milky water white. If not, you may have to grind the oatmeal further. Repeat until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
Run warm water into a clean bathtub. Avoid hot water as it can aggravate inflamed skin further and draw moisture from your skin.
Add about 1 cup of ground oat powder into warm water under the running tap until completely dissolved.
The water should be milky and feel silky on your skin. You can soak in it twice a day for 15 minutes.
Oatmeal can make your bathtub slippery, so take extra caution when you or your child step out of the tub.

See: Natural Home Remedies For Eczema

Side Effects Of Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is considered safe for many people. It is still possible for some to experience a skin rash due to usage, especially for people who have a gluten allergy or with a level of sensitivity. It is essential for these people to utilize products made with really gluten-free oats. If a rash takes place, stop usage.

See: Functional Medicine Treatments For Skin Diseases

A 2012 research study concluded that colloidal oatmeal is considered a safe and reliable active ingredient in personal care items. Researchers found that the oatmeal-containing items tested (creams, cleansers, and lotions) had a very low irritant and allergenic sensitization capacity. Otherwise, there are no side effects of colloidal oatmeal skincare items.

Before you think about any type of treatment, knowing what triggers your eczema is very important. Finding out about the irritants in your everyday environment can assist you in better managing the condition and preventing prospective flare-ups.

See: Functional Medicine For Psoriasis


Precautions with Colloidal Oatmeal

  • Colloidal Oatmeal Raw Material is for external use only. Those with an oat or bran allergy should avoid the use of Colloidal Oatmeal. Consult your doctor if you have never used this before.
    Pregnant and nursing women are advised against using Colloidal Oatmeal without the physician’s advice.
  • Avoid using near the eyes, inner nose, ears, or any other susceptible areas of skin. Consult with a medical professional before use.
  • Always store in an inaccessible area to children.
  • Before using colloidal oatmeal, a skin test is recommended. You can dissolve 1 tsp of Colloidal Oatmeal in 1/2 cup of water and apply a tiny amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive.

See: Ayurveda for skin health

Summary

Colloidal oatmeal is considered safe for most people. It is used in several skincare products for inflammatory dry skin conditions. It helps in helping your skin protect against environmental toxins while retaining moisture.

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