Here at Oatbox, we know that oats are rich in benefits. Not only for our health, but also for the environment. You would think that is all, but oats are obviously the overachievers of grains. Several studies show that oats are a key ingredient in skin care products and that their properties could improve your skin’s complexion.
Colloidal Oatmeal for Your Skin Care
The use of oats in skin care routines is old news. In fact, medical literature from Roman times reports its use to treat various skin problems during ancient Egypt1.
But it is only more recently that this ingredient has attracted the interest of scientists who wish to prove its benefits and understand its processes. Colloidal oatmeal has been shown to provide several benefits to the skin, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
And colloidal oatmeal isn’t so different from the oats in our delicious products! There is mainly one distinction between the two: the way they are processed. Available since 1945, colloidal oatmeal is obtained by grinding oats into a very fine powder. This process preserves the nutrients hidden within the cereal such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids.
In What Products Can Colloidal Oatmeal Be Found?
Oatmeal baths have long been recommended for people with various sensitive skin conditions as their effect is known to be soothing and comforting. Colloidal oatmeal can be used in cleansing products, moisturizers and soothing lotions. It can be found in bath and shower products, shampoos, cleansers, ointments and hydrating creams. Its widespread use demonstrates its effectiveness and the confidence the industry has in its benefits.
This active ingredient also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, giving it the ability to relieve dry skin, itching, eczema, atopic dermatitis and many other skin conditions1234567.
Oats help Restore the Skin Barrier
One of the main reasons oats are so popular in skin products is their ability to protect and moisturize. Used frequently in one’s beauty routine and combined with other moisturizing ingredients, colloidal oatmeal can help the skin restore its natural skin barrier235
The latter, mainly composed of lipids, is the skin’s external layer and helps preserve its hydration89. It protects the skin from external aggressors such as various bacteria and other environmental debris 8.
Why are oats the hero here? The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal are provided by a hydrophilic (water-absorbing) film that forms on the skin’s surface2345. Thus, when applying oatmeal infused moisturizing cream, your skin is protected by this film which, in turn, allows you to absorb and retain all the water necessary for optimal hydration. The high concentration of lipids nestled in colloidal oatmeal explains why its presence in a cosmetic product aids in rebuilding your skin barrier.
Very Real—and Soothing—Benefits
In a nutshell, the use of oats in skin products can :
- Relieve irritation: oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that helps soothe itchy, irritated skin4;
- Gently cleanse: colloidal oatmeal has cleansing and anti-fungal properties124;
- Deeply moisturize: in a product, oats act as a protection and water retention component35;
All in all, including oats in your beauty routine could help you have well-hydrated skin. This ingredient is recommended for all skin types, but is especially useful to people with dry and sensitive skin. However, you should consult a skin care professional to ensure that your routine is tailored to your needs.